1. Introduction and Purpose
1.1 Purpose.
This Guide is intended to help qualified Notaries Public authorized by the National Notary Association (the NNA) to use the NNA NOTARY SIGNING AGENT® certification mark (Certification Mark) in print, online, multimedia, and other communications in a manner that is legally compliant and consistent with the NNA’s trademark policies and certification standards.
1.2 Scope.
The Certification Mark may be used only by individuals authorized by the NNA after satisfying all certification requirements and complying with the terms of certification. Improper use of the Certification Mark weakens the mark and harms its value to certified Notary Signing Agents and the public.
1.3 Certification Mark Defined.
The Certification Mark identifies an individual who has met the NNA’s standards for training, background screening, and examination and provides signing services in connection with the closing of mortgage finance or real property transactions.
2. Certification Standards and Eligibility
2.1 Authorized Users.
Only Notaries who have been granted Notary Signing Agent certification by the NNA and comply with all NNA certification standards may use the Certification Mark.
2.2 Certification Standards.
Certification is granted only to individuals who have:
- A current and valid Notary Public commission issued by the commissioning authority in a U.S. State or the District of Columbia;
- Completed the NNA’s Notary Signing Agent Training and passed the NNA’s Notary Signing Agent Examination, demonstrating knowledge of:
- Notarial law and practice in the context of loan signing services;
- Loan document execution procedures;
- Borrower identification and signing protocols; and
- Professional standards adopted by the Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW).1
- Successfully passed the NNA’s background screening conducted by a consumer reporting agency that is compliant with the background screening standard adopted by the SPW.2
3. General Use Rules
3.1 Certification Mark Use.
The Certification Mark may be used only to indicate current certification status and not as a designation of employment, licensure, or endorsement by the NNA.
3.2 Association with Individual.
The Certification Mark must be displayed only in connection with the certified individual’s name and may not be used in a manner that indicates or implies applicability to any other entity or service provider group.
3.3 Certification Mark Integrity.
The Certification Mark must not be modified, abbreviated, translated, or combined with other marks in any manner.
4. Specific Usage Guidelines
4.1 Placement and Format.
- The Certification Mark must be placed adjacent to or in close proximity with the certified individual’s name.
- The certified individual must ensure the mark is legible and visually clear wherever it is used.
4.2 Use in Digital and Print Media.
The Certification Mark may be used on promotional materials including, but not limited to business cards, letterhead, websites, social media profiles, email signatures and electronic communications only to identify an individual’s certification status, and not to imply that the NNA is providing services on behalf of, or endorsing, the individual.
4.3 Email Addresses and Domain Names.
NNA Certified Notary Signing Agents must not use the Certification Mark in email addresses, domain names, or social media handles.
4.4 Certification Mark in Advertising.
When using the Certification Mark in advertising materials, the certified individual must ensure that:
- The mark is not used to imply that the NNA is marketing or selling signing services; and
- The mark is used only to signify the individual’s certification and compliance with NNA Notary Signing Agent Certification standards.
5. Ethical and Legal Considerations
5.1 Compliance with Law.
Certified individuals must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing the representation of professional credentials and notarial services.
5.2 Misuse and Enforcement.
The NNA monitors use of the Certification Mark for compliance. Misuse of the mark, including use by uncertified individuals, may result in:
- Revocation of authorization to use the mark; and/or
- Other legal remedies available to protect the Certification Mark.
6. Responsibilities of Certified Users
6.1 Ongoing Compliance.
Authorized users must maintain compliance with the NNA’s Notary Signing Agent Certification requirements and this Guide for as long as they use the Certification Mark.
6.2 Promotion of Integrity.
Users must promote the Certification Mark responsibly, ensuring the mark continues to signify that the individual meets the NNA’s certification standards.
7. NNA’s Rights and Trademark Ownership
7.1 Trademark Ownership.
The NNA owns all rights, title, and interest in the Certification Mark. Authorization to use the Mark is a limited right and does not transfer ownership.
7.2 Protection of Trademark Rights.
The NNA reserves the right to update this Guide, enforce proper use, and take appropriate action against unauthorized or improper use of the mark.
8. Questions and Assistance
For questions regarding the use of the Certification Mark, certified individuals may contact the NNA at services@nationalnotary.org.