Where did I state the NNA training was required?
Please reread.
You can have an opinion (you stated above) about what background checks companies could require/should require…but 18 emails that I received state “NNA background check only” required. Just because you wish it, doesn’t make it so.
I don’t take those low jobs I work primarily with title companies directly and I get more than $125 on most.
So for me yes its half a signing. Every market and person is different.
This is a dog eat dog industry you have got to be tough and market your business the best way possible. Set yourself apart, show people what you are worth. Don’t exclude yourself.
Very important:::a lot of companies are now saying “no background check PDF uploads”.
Have you seen this yet? I have been asked for mine four times already.
The past month companies and title companies are asking that you ONLY refer them to your NNA profile link.
This is invaluable because it helps protect from fraud. I love it. If you don’t check via NNA…you can’t adhere to that. Don’t exclude yourself.
Why exclude yourself from great paying orders if thats what they require? I love the 3-5 orders a day like I’m used to.
I have learned my most of my vauble information at NNA conferences.
But you did say your state requires you to be certified every year - and that’s just not true, is it? It’s the companies that believe the hype that are requiring it, right? That was my point.
Not sure what you don’t understand.
Background checks are annually. If it is expired…they will delete you off their list. Title companies and signing agencies.
Yes it IS mandated by my state if you work for certain public agencies. Do you notarize inside hospitals etc? Government buildings? Schools? If you have ever…yes they ask for your credentials.
For example…I’m looking at the 18 emails Fidelity, FASS, American Title, Xome (signing agency) etc etc do you work for those companies? If you do then you already know this, I am wasting my time on this thread anyway frankly.
If I do not renew my NNA background check annually…I will not receive jobs from them.
Also my local title companies ask for also. If it is not up to date…they will not use me.
For $65 a year…wow…I will not risk thousands of dollars of business, ability to go on nice vacations, NNA conference every year, and a great lifestyle in my continually growing business for $65.
Truly it’s absurd not to keep up with training, background checks and conferences. You are shorting yourself. You are not fulfilling your potential.
I really and truly don’t understand why getting a background check yearly is such a big deal unless people are trying to hide something.
A Notary “PUBLIC” : in USA is a publc official appointed by the state , who is of standard character and having passed notary questions ( if applicable in your state ) and subject to the background check requirements for that state.
I.M.O, He or She does not need any further background checks on yearly basis. Any loss of character or crime conviction , the notary commission can be revoked by the Department of State in your particular state if someone complains.
Obtaining the BG certification every year is probably a safe way for companies to discover any thing in your past that is not discovered by the state leading to your loss of notary commission. We all know how slow the wheels of government turns.
My irritation is that companies insist only NNA checks, and some signing services insist on Sterling background checks.
A quick google , reveals many companies giving background checks for under $30 .
So why are companies not accepting other BG checks.
That because The National Notary Association which claims to be an American nonprofit organization, has been in marketing and PR campaigns to basically run a business that intends to serve itself other than to serve notaries.
So go ahead , conduct your own PR & Marketing campaign. Let your title companies and other signing services companies know that you are getting a BG check from a different company for a lower price. They should respect that.
After all they all come from the same databases maintained at national / state / county levels for any criminal convictions.
First American, Fidelity and Xome just emailed and said they will take me off their list tomorrow if I do not submit my updated background check (which I got last week).
Lol, yea I think I will submit it, why would I shortchange myself?
Keep up with the times or you will fall behind.
I guess the people that do not get background checks will probably also not get required tools and tech to do electronic signings too (coming very soon to states other than VA).
There are many possible tools to do esignings. Some technology companies will be focused only on real estate signings, and I suspect those might get in league with the title companies, and some of the title companies require a background check from NNA or some other provider they’ve approved. Some technology companies will be focused on enotarizations in general, or esignings in general, and these companies aren’t going to require any background check (beyond what one or two states require to get a commission).
I recently participated in a training webinar with Pavaso. They do eSignings of non-notarized docs with printing and wet signings of notarized docs. Their system is set up to do eNotarizations. They don’t require a background check to register with them as an eNotary. (Of course, the title companies that contract with Pavaso might require background checks.)
For eNotarizations for general notary work, one could sign up with Docusign or Docverify if you live in one of the states they support. They don’t require background checks.
Depending on the rules of your state, you may be able to use a general purpose digital certificate, together with a program such as Microsoft Word, Adobe Reader, or Adobe Acrobat. These companies don’t require a background check, and don’t even care if you’re a notary or not. These companies include Identrust and Globalsign
I purchased a used NNA Notary Signing Agent Training Course book from Amazon, read it and referenced it for the the exam. I passed the first try. I will definitely keep the book for future reference. Just be sure you get the 2010 edition. Good luck!
Having an update to your background check makes more sense than having to pass a recertification test every year. Things don’t really change that much and some of the questions concern minute details of the suggested agent code of conduct. I say suggested because the certified signing specialist designation which was origianally proposed was based on the code of conduct. The code is an invention of the NNA and the basis for the signing specalist designation. The program never came to fruition, so it remains an arbitrary requirement of the NNA and their certification process only. I would think if it has to be taken to acquire the NNA certification that it be limited to one time only. The signing agent may have certain new developments which might prevent a clean background check, so I can understand why they would want that done on a yearly basis
Please give us the requirements for annual BGC’s in your state by your state laws for notaries. To my knowledge, the only requirements for BGC’s are set by the Secretary of State for each state because they are the agency governing all notaries in their individual states. In California, which has some of the strictest notarial laws in the country, a BGC is only required once every four years. I am not aware of any state with a requirement for an annual BGC. That is something set up and required only by the NNA, which incidentally is not authorized to do that.
Interesting you mention California. I have done loan signings for agencies, title companies, law firms and escrows. Not one has ever asked me for a background check. If they did I would let them know I am in compliance with my state that requires fingerprinting along with a background check by the State Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation every 4 years. Maybe they know?
That said, I now primarily work with direct customers including lawyers, businesses and the general public which is very worthwhile at our increased state rate of $15 per notarized signature, plus mobile/travel fees. So, times may have changed. I don’t begrudge anyone for operating their business the way they want as long as they are in compliance with the law. I like continuing education and might spend money on it that someone else wouldn’t. But then, I won’t pay for an “extra” background check not required by my state. I enjoy my work and I’m good at it. That’s what matters to me : )
