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When should a signer add a title to their signature for a notarization?

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In a buyer’s loan document package, some signature lines show the buyer’s name followed by a title, for example: “John J. Johnson, Trustee.” Does the signer need to include the title “Trustee” when signing, or should they just sign their name without the title? — J.M., California

When a title appears next to a signer’s name on the signature line, the signer should sign exactly as indicated on the document or as instructed by the closing agent for the transaction. How they sign may vary depending on the preferences of the title company or lender involved in the transaction.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

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2 Comments

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Gabrielle Kirch

04 Aug 2026

It is more common in California for instructions to specify omission rather than inclusion of trustee verbiage with signaure, at least in my experience as a mobile notary and loan signing agent here. We are not permitted to include the signer's capacity (as trustee) on our acknowledgements, even when the signer's capacity is on all the documents, including the signatures. Although you have stated preferences of title co. or lender should be followed, I have found the lender or title co. assumes the notary will omit trustee verbiage by default more often than not.

Nina - TN Notary Public

04 Aug 2026

I had this issue come up at a signing - the signers had "trustee" after their name on all the docs. I was going to have them sign their name followed by 'trustee'; however, I first called the Title Co contact and was told "since it's printed on the doc after his name, he just needs to sign his name, that's procedure for the state this is going to". So you may want to call the Title Co to see what they want (of course, if you can't get ahold of anyone, just have them sign with the title).

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