April 29, 2025
By Hannah Chen, Founder & CEO of Loan Signing Solutions
In the world of real estate and loan closings, trust and precision are non-negotiable. Every party involved—borrowers, lenders, title companies, and escrow officers—relies on one crucial final step: a smooth, accurate signing process.
At the heart of that process is the Notary Signing Agent. But not every notary is created equal. That’s why a thorough notary screening process is absolutely essential for safe, seamless closings.
Let’s take a closer look at what notary screening involves and why it protects everyone involved in a transaction.
What Is the Notary Screening Process?
The notary screening process is a structured set of verifications performed before a notary is approved to handle loan signing assignments. It’s not just about checking a notary commission; it’s about ensuring the notary is qualified, professional, reliable, and trustworthy.
At Loan Signing Solutions, our notary screening process includes:
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Verification of Active Notary Commission (issued by the appropriate state authority)
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Proof of Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance to safeguard against mistakes
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Background Check conducted by a third-party professional service
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Credential Verification for certifications, additional training, and memberships
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Review of Professional Conduct and Past Performance, where applicable
This rigorous screening ensures that the notary assigned to your closing is prepared, qualified, and trustworthy.
Why Screening Matters for Safe Closings
Without proper notary screening, the entire transaction is at risk. Here’s why it matters:
1. Protecting Borrowers’ Sensitive Information
During a loan signing, borrowers share personal and financial information. Without proper background screening, you risk exposing sensitive documents to untrustworthy or unqualified individuals.
Screened notaries uphold confidentiality and legal compliance.
2. Preventing Costly Errors and Delays
Missed signatures, incorrect notarizations, or sloppy document handling can delay a closing by days—or worse, cause the deal to fall through entirely.
Qualified notaries know exactly how to execute each signing correctly the first time.
3. Ensuring Legal Compliance
Each state has different notarial laws. Untrained or careless notaries can violate these laws unintentionally, leading to legal complications.
A vetted notary stays updated on notarial requirements and best practices.
4. Maintaining Professional Standards
Borrowers notice professionalism. A poorly prepared notary reflects badly on lenders, escrow officers, and title companies alike.
A screened and trained signing agent ensures a smooth, respectful, and efficient experience.
The Hidden Cost of Skipping Screening
Some signing services boast of having tens of thousands of notaries—but they don’t always vet them carefully.
Choosing an unscreened notary to save a few dollars can lead to:
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Loan funding delays
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Costly redraws of documents
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Angry borrowers who lose trust
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Loss of commissions for loan officers and agents
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Potential lawsuits or compliance violations
In other words, saving $50 today can cost thousands tomorrow.
Our Commitment at Loan Signing Solutions
At Loan Signing Solutions, we don’t cut corners. Every notary we work with has gone through comprehensive screening and credential verification. We invest in the notaries we send to our clients because we know they are a direct reflection of us—and of the lender, title company, or escrow office they represent.
We also track notary performance continuously, providing feedback and removing agents who do not meet our standards.
This ensures that every borrower has a safe, professional, and seamless closing experience.
Final Thoughts
The notary signing agent is the final link in the chain of a real estate or loan transaction. Without proper screening, the entire deal is vulnerable.
Choosing a vetted, qualified, and professional signing agent is not just a good idea—it’s essential for safe, successful closings.
When you work with Loan Signing Solutions, you’re not just hiring a notary.
You’re securing peace of mind, protecting your transaction, and delivering a flawless experience to your borrowers.
By Hannah Chen