Notary FAQ

Q. What is a Notary Public?

A. A Notary is a person of proven integrity appointed by the state to server the public as an impartial witness. A notary is considered a public official and must follow specific rules and regulations set up by the state.


Q. What is a Certified Signing Agent?

A.  A Loan Signing Agent (Notary Signing Agent or Loan Signing Agent) is a commissioned Notary Public who specializes in the obtaining and notarization of the signatures of the party(ies) involved on documents for the purpose of closing a real estate loan transaction.


Q. What form of ID do I need?

A. Each signer must present at least one of the forms of ID listed below. The ID must be current or, if expired, have been issued within the last 5 years; contain the signer's photograph, personal description, and signature; and bear a serial or other identifying number.

• Driver's License or non-driver's ID card issued by a U.S. state.
• U.S. Passport
• US Military Identification Card that contain all required elements stated above, (The Common Access Card CAC is not acceptable).
• Driver's license issued in Mexico or Canada.
• Foreign passport stamped by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Inmate ID Issued by the California Dept. of Corrections.

Common Types of Notarizations:

• Acknowledgment - Positive identification of signer by notary
• Jurat - Notary compels signer to tell the truth
• Oaths/Affirmations - Administered to signer by notary