How to Verify a Notary Signing Agent Credential

Quick answer

Verify NSA credentials through three steps: (1) confirm the active state notary commission at the secretary of state's database, (2) verify NNA certification at nationalnotary.org if the signing agent claims NNA certification, and (3) confirm background check completion and active E&O insurance. Lenders and title companies typically require all three.

NSA vs. general notary public: the key distinction

Any commissioned notary public can notarize documents. A Notary Signing Agent is a notary who has been specifically trained and screened to facilitate real estate loan document signings — typically at the closing table for mortgage refinances, purchase transactions, and home equity loans.

Requirement	General Notary	Notary Signing Agent
State notary commission	Required	Required
Loan document training	Not required	Required (varies by lender)
Background check (SSN trace, criminal, sex offender)	Not typically required	Required by most lenders
E&O insurance	Not required (most states)	Typically $25,000–$100,000
NNA or equivalent certification	Not required	Recommended; required by some lenders

How to verify NSA credentials

Step 1: Verify the state notary commission

Every NSA must hold a valid notary public commission in their state. Verify through the secretary of state's notary lookup tool. Most states provide a free online search:

› California: sos.ca.gov — Notary Public Registry
› Texas: sos.state.tx.us — Notary Search
› Florida: notaries.dos.state.fl.us
› Other states: Search "[state] notary public lookup" or check the state secretary of state website directly

Confirm the notary's commission expiration date — commissions typically run 4 years in most states. An expired commission means the agent cannot legally perform notarizations.

Step 2: Verify NNA certification (if claimed)

The National Notary Association (NNA) is the primary credentialing body for Notary Signing Agents. The NNA certification involves:

› Completing NNA's NSA training and passing the NSA exam
› Passing an NNA-administered background check (annual)
› Maintaining active NNA membership

Verify NNA NSA certification at nationalnotary.org — look for the NNA's NSA directory or ask the signing agent to provide their NNA member ID and verification link.

Step 3: Confirm background check and E&O insurance

Major title companies and lenders (including those enrolled in the Signing Professionals Workgroup standards) require:

› Background check: Annual background check from an approved provider (NNA, Sterling, etc.) — ask for a copy of the current year's background check certificate
› E&O insurance: Errors and Omissions insurance certificate — request a current certificate of insurance with policy expiration date

Other NSA certification providers

While the NNA is the largest and most widely recognized NSA certification body, other providers offer NSA training and certification:

Notary2Pro

NSA training focused on loan document knowledge. Certificates issued upon completion of training and exam. Accepted by some signing services.

American Society of Notaries (ASN)

Professional membership organization for notaries. Offers training and resources but does not administer a widely required certification exam.

Lender and title company requirements vary

Different title companies, lenders, and signing services have different NSA requirements. Some accept only NNA-certified agents with NNA background checks; others have their own approved vendor lists. Always confirm which certification body and background check provider your client or organization requires before screening NSA candidates.

States that regulate loan signing agents specifically

Most states regulate notaries but not loan signing agents specifically. A few states have specific NSA-related requirements:

› California: Notaries who complete loan signings must be bonded and may face additional requirements under California Business & Professions Code §22450
› Colorado: Requires NSAs to complete training and pass a written exam before performing real estate loan signings (HB 16-1251)
› Virginia: Signing agents must hold an approved designation or certification per lender requirements under Virginia law

Verify the full credential picture

For title companies and lenders that require NSA education credentials, use VerifyED to confirm that any real estate or legal programs cited by a signing agent candidate come from legitimately accredited institutions.

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