How to Schedule a Notary Signing Agent for your Business

When it comes to scheduling a notary signing agent there are many factors to consider, and steps to take, to ensure a successful signing for you and your clients. It goes beyond picking a time and place and asking a notary to show up. Let’s jump right into it.

Determine your appointment type 

There are two types of appointments to consider when you need something notarized: in-person mobile notarization, and virtual remote online notarization (RON) . Depending on the State that you’re in and the type of document to be signed, one of these options may be a better choice for your client than the other. 

Mobile Notarization

This is typically what we think of when we think of the notarization process. A mobile notary meets with the signing parties, and notarizes the documents. The signed and notarized documents are returned to you either in person or mailed via overnight delivery.

Remote Online Notarization

There is a growing trend for remote online notarization. Put simply, instead of meeting face to face to have a document signed and notarized, the appointment is held virtually. There are special steps and requirements the notary and the signer must follow to ensure the RON process is completed​​ according to the laws of the State where the signing takes place. 

Selecting a Notary

What type of notary do you need?

Once you know the type of notarization that’s right for your client, it’s time to consider notary specialization. Do you need a notary for General Notary Work (GNW), or a Loan Signing Agent (LSA) for loan documents?

General Notary Work (GNW) notaries specialize in legal documents of financial documents, or even end-of-life documentation.

Loan Signing Agent (LSA) notaries specialize in documents pertaining to the more complicated and sensitive transactions in the mortgage or loan world. The specific requirements of a loan signing vary by State; some States require an attorney’s signature, or even for them to be present for the signing. 

Certifications and reviews 

Finally, now that we’ve narrowed down nearly all of the details for scheduling a notary, it’s a good thing to be aware of additional information that may be helpful to find and schedule the best person for the job. 

There are notary certification bodies, like the National Notary Association, that may signify a higher level of education or understanding that the notary has obtained. Because there is no official degree or course of study to become a notary, checking certifications is a great way to distinguish the notary’s experience and expertise.

Another way to distinguish a successful notary is to look at their reviews! Great notaries provide excellent customer service by offering a smooth process and successful document signings. Looking at notary reviews is a great way to see if a notary has an established track record. 

To witness or not to witness?

Once you know the where, when, and who, the next consideration when scheduling a notary is whether or not you need that notary to provide a witness.

Based on the State, the document signing may require a witness. If only one witness is needed, the notary can be that witness. If two witnesses are needed then another individual will need to be present. The notary must be able to provide a witness, and will need to know it ahead of time. What’s important here is that the signer cannot present a witness that is a relative.

Notary Signing Service 

If all of the above seems like a lot to consider, working with a notary signing service is a great way to meet all of your needs while expediting the process of scheduling a notary. The notary signing service will use the information that you share about the signing type to match you with a professional notary public who has a strong record of success in your area. 

Now that we have gone over how to schedule a notary signing agent for your business, let us know how we can help you with your next public notary request. We’re happy to take most of the work off of your plate so that you can get back to closing deals with happy clients.