A Guide To The New Mortgage Signing Standards About Notaries Why Become a Notary? How to Become a Notary How to Renew Your Notary Commission How to Become a Signing Agent What is Notarization Being a Public Official Stamp/Seal Information Notary History Notaries and Notarios Glossary of Terms Notary Links News & Information Notary Bulletin The National Notary Magazine Webinars Commonly Asked Questions How to Administer Oaths and Affirmations Strange, Unusual and Bizarre Requests ID Fraud — A Notary Trap The Names in The Document and Identification Don't Match The Importance of Personal Appearance Understanding Notary Certificates and Seals: Vital Notary Know-How Signature by Mark Sorry Boss... No Can Do! How to Complete a Journal Entry How to Use Credible Witnesses Acknowledgments and Jurats - What's the Difference? How to ID in a Multi-Cultural World Signing Agent Branding Your Signing Agent Business 10 Steps to a Flawless Loan Signing Answers to Questions Notary Signing Agents are Asking Today Being a Team Player in the Loan Closing Process New Law Update California New-Law Update Oregon New-Law Update Arkansas New-Law Update Notary Laws Special Reports Law Review Articles NNA Annual Conference Social Media Press Center Tips and Tutorials Administer an Oath Correct a Certificate Determine if ID is Acceptable Determine if Blank Spaces Acceptable Fix Bad Seal Impressions Avoid Unauthorized Practice of Law Handle Name Discrepancies Notarize Foreign Language Documents Notarize Wills How to Use Your Notary Seal Stamp Signing Agent Resources Non-Payment Issues Common Collection Terms Managing Your Collection Efforts Sample Collection Letters Signing Agent Tools Rescission Calendar Closing Disclosure ZipCode Locator / Driving Directions Signing Agent Pledge Card Privacy Tips Privacy/Security Self-Assessment Reference Library Model Notary Act Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility US Notary Reference Manual (members only) Certificate Forms (members only) State Law Summaries The Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW) -- which creates, maintains and promotes professional standards for Notaries Public who provide signing services in the closing of a mortgage or real property transaction -- recently updated their recommended standards for Notary Signing Agents. The SPW created the standards because it believes that Signing Agents should stay informed about professional practices and industry changes by undergoing annual training and testing. The standards also benefit title and settlement services companies that hire NSAs as an assurance that their contractors understand their responsibilities and comply with government requirements. As of March 2016, the recommended standards are as follows: Code Of Conduct The Code of Conduct guides signing agents to operate according to the highest standards of practice expected of like professionals in the settlement services industry. It features 10 Guiding Principles that cover all aspects of consumer protection and professionalism. Signing Presentation Guidelines The Signing Presentation Guidelines are intended to help create consistency at the signing table and to ensure a positive customer experience. NSAs may use these Guidelines during the closing and easily refer to descriptions of particular closing documents in the loan package if the borrower asks questions. Annual Background Screening The annual background screening standard specifies that signing professionals will undergo and pass an annual background screening that follows the search criteria and scoring metrics defined in the Standard. E&O Insurance The Insurance Standard specifies that a Notary Public who performs signing services should show proof that he or she maintains a $25,000 Notary errors and omissions insurance policy. This kind of policy only covers notarial errors and should not be confused for a Notary surety bond or a general small business liability insurance policy. For more information visit the Signing Professionals Workgroup web site.