While all signing agents are notaries public, not all notaries are signing agents. A notary public is commissioned to act as a state-appointed witness to verify signatures on general legal documents. A signing agent is a notary public who has received additional education and training specifically to work with complex loan documents. The signing agent's expertise in real estate transactions allows them to guide borrowers through the loan package without giving legal advice.

A signing agent specializes in loan documents for real estate transactions. This includes packages for mortgages, refinances, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), and reverse mortgages. The documents they typically handle include the promissory note, closing disclosure, and deed of trust or mortgage. They are responsible for making sure every page that needs a signature or initial is completed correctly.

A signing agent has several key responsibilities. Their duties include:

• Printing the loan documents.
• Traveling to a scheduled location to meet with the signers.
• Verifying the identity of the signers using government-issued photo identification.
• Guiding the signers through the document package, pointing out where to sign, initial, and date.
• Notarizing the appropriate documents with their seal and signature.
• Returning the completed documents to the lender or title company in a timely manner, often via a specific mail carrier service.

No, a signing agent is not legally permitted to explain the terms or financial details of a loan. They can only guide signers on where to sign, initial, or date. Providing legal advice or interpreting the documents would be considered the unauthorized practice of law. If a signer has questions about the loan's terms, the signing agent must direct them to the lender or a legal professional.