When you are dealing with a major real estate transaction or mortgage in Austin, you might hear about loan signing agents and notary publics. These are not the same thing, even though they are related. Understanding the difference will help you know who you need to hire.
**What Does a Notary Public Do?**
A notary public is commissioned by the State of Texas. Their main job is to verify identity and witness signatures. When a notary notarizes a document, they are saying that they checked the signer’s ID and that the person actually signed the document. The notary adds an official seal and signature to prove this.
A notary can notarize almost any document. A power of attorney, a will, an affidavit, a business contract. The notary just witnesses the signing and verifies identity. They are not responsible for understanding the content or explaining what the document means.
**What Does a Loan Signing Agent Do?**
A loan signing agent is a specialized type of notary. They have extra training and special expertise. When you get a mortgage or refinance your home, the lender hires a loan signing agent to handle the closing.
A loan signing agent does much more than just notarize. They explain the documents to you. They make sure you understand what you are signing. They coordinate with the lender and title company. They make sure all documents are signed correctly and completely. They collect the documents and send them back to the lender.
Think of a loan signing agent as a specialist while a regular notary is a generalist. The loan signing agent knows mortgage documents inside and out.
**Do I Need a Certified Signing Agent for My Refinance Closing?**
Yes, most lenders require a certified signing agent for mortgage closings. Your lender will not accept notarization from a regular notary. You need someone with special training and professional liability insurance.
If you are working with a title company, they often hire the loan signing agent for you. If you are doing a private closing or small mortgage, you might need to find your own signing agent.
**Training and Certification**
A notary public gets commissioned by filling out an application and paying a fee to the state. There is no formal training requirement, though many take classes to learn best practices.
A certified signing agent has additional training. They take a course on mortgage documents, real estate law, and closing procedures. They pass a test to prove they know the material. They carry professional liability insurance to protect both themselves and you.
**What About Fingerprinting Services?**
Some notaries and signing agents also offer fingerprinting services. This is a separate service from notarization. Fingerprinting is required for background checks for employment, housing, or other purposes. A notary can be trained to do live scan fingerprinting or ink fingerprinting.
Not all notaries offer fingerprinting. Some loan signing agents specialize only in mortgage documents and do not offer fingerprinting at all.
**Cost Differences**
A regular notary in Austin typically charges 25 to 50 dollars per document. Travel fees might add another 25 to 75 dollars.
A certified signing agent usually charges 150 to 300 dollars or more for a mortgage closing. This is more expensive because they have special training, carry insurance, and take on significant responsibility.
**Do Not Confuse the Two**
If your lender requires a loan signing agent, do not try to use a regular notary. The lender will not accept it. Make sure your signing agent is certified and insured. Ask to see proof of their certification and insurance before you hire them.
**Finding the Right Professional for Your Needs**
If you just need a document notarized, a regular mobile notary works great. If you need a mortgage closing handled, you need a certified signing agent. If you are not sure which you need, ask your lender or title company. They will tell you what is required.
**Schedule Your Signing or Notarization Today**
Our Austin team includes both certified notary publics and certified loan signing agents. Whether you need a simple notarization or a full mortgage closing, we have the right professional for the job. Call us today to discuss your needs and book your appointment.