Q: What is a notary public?
A: Notary Public is a person of proven integrity appointed by the Secretary of State to serve 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 notary signing agent?
A: A Notary Signing Agent is a commissioned notary public who has become skilled, through experience and/or training, to assist lenders, banks, title companies and signing companies in the completion of the signing portion of the mortgage loan closing process. A Signing Agent meets with the borrower at a location convenient to the borrower(s), ensures that the borrower signs, initials and dates the loan documents in all appropriate places, per the lender's instructions and then notarizes the borrower's signature where necessary. Once this is completed, it is the Signing Agent's responsibility to ensure that the signed and notarized loan documents are delivered back to the lender.
Q: Why are documents notarized?
A: Documents are notarized to deter fraud. The notary public first establishes the identity of the signer (usually by photo identification).
Q: Can I use my social security card as identification?
A: No. An acceptable form of identification should include a photograph, description of the person, signature of the person, and an identifying number.
Q: Can a birth certificate be notarized?
A: No. According to the CA Secretary of State, "Certified copies of birth, fetal death, death, and marriage records may be made only by the State Registrar, by duly appointed and acting local registrars during their term of office and by county recorders. (Health & Safety Code section 103545)."
Q: As a notary, where can I find affordable reverse mortgage training?
A: Brenda Stone has a well written notebook that you can purchase for the affordable price of $9.95. For more information, go to http://www.texnotary.com