The Difference Between a Notary Public and a Notary Signing Agent in Orlando
- Olivia Sterling
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
You’ve found the perfect home in Orlando, navigated the mortgage application, and now you’re facing the final hurdle: a mountain of paperwork that all needs to be signed and notarized. You search online for "notary in Orlando" and see two terms pop up: Notary Public and Notary Signing Agent. Are they the same thing? Does it matter who you choose? The short answer is: yes, it matters—a lot. While both are state-commissioned notaries, their roles, training, and areas of expertise are significantly different. Understanding this difference is crucial for a smooth, secure, and successful transaction, whether you're closing on a house or signing a simple legal document. This guide will clarify exactly what each professional does, so you can make the right choice with confidence.
💡 Key Takeaways
All Signing Agents are Notaries, but Not All Notaries are Signing Agents: This is the most critical distinction. A Notary Signing Agent (NSA) has additional, specialized training.
Notary Publics Handle General Documents: They are authorized to witness signatures and deter fraud on a wide range of documents like wills, powers of attorney, and contracts.
Notary Signing Agents are Real Estate Specialists: NSAs are specifically trained to handle the complex and sensitive documents involved in real estate loans and mortgage closings.
NSAs Have Stricter Requirements: In Florida, becoming an NSA requires not just a notary commission but also specialized training and a stringent annual background check, as mandated by the lending industry.
Choosing Correctly Prevents Delays: Hiring an NSA for a loan closing ensures the professional understands the documents, preventing errors that could delay or even jeopardize your real estate transaction.
What is a Notary Public? The Foundation of Trust
Think of a Notary Public as the bedrock of document authentication. A Notary Public is an official appointed by the state government—in our case, the State of Florida—to serve as an impartial witness in the signing of important documents. Their primary role is to deter fraud.
The core duties of a Notary Public include:
Verifying the identity of the person signing a document.
Witnessing the signing of the document.
Administering oaths and affirmations.
Certifying copies of certain documents.
Here in Orlando, you might seek out a Notary Public for a wide array of personal and business documents, such as:
Wills and Trusts
Power of Attorney documents
Deeds
Contracts
Minor travel consent forms
A Notary Public ensures that the signers are who they say they are and are signing without being forced or intimidated. They are the community's first line of defense against document fraud.
What is a Notary Signing Agent? The Real Estate Specialist
Now, let's zoom in on the specialist. A Notary Signing Agent (NSA), sometimes called a Loan Signing Agent, is a Notary Public who has undergone specialized training to handle real estate loan documents. All Notary Signing Agents are Notaries Public, but not all Notaries Public are Signing Agents.
This distinction is crucial. According to the National Notary Association, an NSA is trained to expertly navigate the complex stack of paperwork involved in a mortgage closing, refinance, or home equity line of credit (HELOC).
Key responsibilities and requirements for an NSA include:
Specialized Training: NSAs complete courses that cover how to handle loan document packages, including the note, the mortgage, the deed, and various disclosure forms.
Annual Background Checks: Florida requires Notary Signing Agents to pass a stringent background screening each year to meet the high standards of the mortgage and lending industry.
Expert Knowledge: They don't just witness a signature; they know the documents. An NSA can provide a brief, impartial description of each document's purpose, ensuring the borrower understands what they are signing. They are responsible for making sure every signature, initial, and date is in the correct place.
If you're buying a home in Winter Park, refinancing your condo near Lake Eola, or securing a loan, an NSA is the expert you need to ensure the process is seamless, timely, and error-free. An error in these documents can delay funding and even jeopardize the entire transaction.
Side-by-Side: The Key Differences at a Glance
Notary Public | Notary Signing Agent (NSA) | |
Primary Role | Impartial witness for a wide variety of general documents. | Specialist in handling and notarizing real estate loan documents. |
Training | State-required basic notary training and commission. | Must first be a Notary Public, then completes specialized training and certification. |
Vetting | Standard state background check for commissioning. | Annual, stringent background screening required by the lending industry. |
Document Focus | Wills, Powers of Attorney (POAs), affidavits, travel forms, contracts, etc. | Mortgages, deeds of trust, closing disclosures, and other loan package documents. |
Typical Scenario | Finalizing a will, getting a sworn statement notarized. | Closing on a home purchase, refinancing a mortgage. |
Why Choosing the Right Professional in Orlando Matters
Imagine you're at the finish line of buying your dream home. The last thing you want is a delay because a form was initialed in the wrong spot. Using a general notary for a complex loan signing is like asking a family doctor to perform specialized surgery. While the doctor is a qualified medical professional, they don't have the specific expertise required for that intricate task.
By hiring a certified Notary Signing Agent for your real estate transactions, you are investing in peace of mind. You're ensuring that the professional handling your sensitive financial documents is not only a commissioned Notary but has also been specifically trained and vetted to manage the complexities of the loan signing process.
Whether you need to notarize a straightforward power of attorney or navigate the intricate paperwork of a home closing, understanding the difference between a Notary Public and a Notary Signing Agent is key. Both are vital to our community, but they serve distinct and important functions. Choosing the right professional doesn't just prevent errors—it ensures your transaction proceeds smoothly and with the highest level of professional care.
Choosing the right professional matters. If you're unsure what you need, let us guide you. For real estate transactions, book one of our expert, certified Notary Signing Agents today and experience a flawless closing.
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