When it comes to notarizing important documents, many people are unaware that there are distinct types of notaries, each serving different roles. Two of the most commonly confused professionals are the loan signing agent and the general notary public. While both are legally authorized to notarize documents, their training, responsibilities, and areas of expertise vary significantly. Understanding the difference is crucial—especially when dealing with complex real estate transactions or high-stakes loan packages.
Whether you’re a borrower, a title company, or a lender, knowing who to call can mean the difference between a seamless closing and a delayed deal. Let’s break down the key differences between a loan signing agent (LSA) and a general notary public, and why choosing the right professional matters.
What Is a General Notary Public?
A general notary public is authorized by the state to perform standard notarial acts, which may include:
- Acknowledgments
- Jurats
- Oaths and affirmations
- Certified copies (where permitted)
- Witnessing signatures
Their primary role is to verify the identity of the signer, ensure they are signing willingly, and confirm that they understand the document they are signing. General notaries are often called upon for everyday notarizations like:
- Power of attorney
- Affidavits
- Vehicle title transfers
- Medical directives
- Travel consent forms for minors
These services are essential, but general notaries typically do not receive training in handling complex legal or financial documents, such as loan packages.
What Is a Loan Signing Agent (Notary Signing Agent)?
A loan signing agent (LSA) is a notary public who has received additional training and certification specifically for real estate and loan document signings. These professionals are often hired by:
- Mortgage lenders
- Escrow officers
- Title companies
- Real estate agents
LSAs are well-versed in loan documents such as:
- Closing Disclosures
- Deeds of Trust or Mortgages
- Promissory Notes
- Truth-in-Lending Disclosures
- Loan Applications
- HELOC documents
Unlike a general notary, a loan signing agent understands how these documents work together in a loan package. While they do not provide legal advice, they can guide signers through the process and answer general questions related to the documents’ function and purpose.
Training and Certification Requirements
One of the most significant differences between a general notary and a loan signing agent is the level of training and certification involved:
General Notary Public:
- Basic notary education (requirements vary by state)
- State-issued notary commission
- No specific industry training in loan documents
Loan Signing Agent:
- Must be a commissioned notary public
- Completion of specialized LSA training courses
- Certification through a recognized organization (e.g., National Notary Association)
- Background screening (required by many title and escrow companies)
- Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance coverage
These extra steps ensure that loan signing agents are qualified to handle sensitive, high-value transactions without making costly errors.
Why the Difference Matters in Real Estate Transactions
In a real estate transaction, time is money. Errors in loan documents can cause delays in funding, create legal liabilities, or even jeopardize the closing. That’s why lenders and title companies prefer working with trained loan signing agents who:
- Know the flow of a loan package
- Understand how to spot missing signatures or initials
- Handle documents according to lender and escrow instructions
- Return completed documents quickly and securely
A general notary might be able to notarize individual documents, but they likely won’t know how to facilitate an entire loan signing appointment. This distinction becomes even more important when the documents are time-sensitive or need to be notarized in a specific sequence.
The Value of Mobile Loan Signing Agents
Many loan signing agents also operate as mobile notaries, offering the added convenience of traveling to the signer’s home, office, or any location of their choice. This flexibility helps:
- Meet tight deadlines
- Accommodate busy schedules
- Reduce the stress of closing for borrowers
Mobile LSAs are especially helpful in rural areas, for elderly clients, or in last-minute closings where time is of the essence.
Choose the Right Notary for the Job
In summary, while both general notaries and loan signing agents are essential to the notarization process, they serve very different purposes. If you’re dealing with a real estate closing, refinance, reverse mortgage, or HELOC, it’s crucial to work with a qualified loan signing agent who can manage the complexity of loan packages and ensure everything is done right the first time.
For residents, lenders, and title companies in Salt Lake City, Utah and the surrounding areas, Happy Valley Mobile Notary offers reliable, trained, and certified loan signing services you can count on. Our team understands the nuances of loan documents and ensures each signing is handled with accuracy, professionalism, and care.
Contact Happy Valley Mobile Notary today at (801) 441-2528 or book online to schedule a mobile loan signing appointment and experience the difference a trained professional can make.