Hi, I’ve been a notary for almost two years now. Ive never had a miss to my knowledge until yesterday. Initials on Uniform Application. What a bad way to miss something when its on the first page. This is such a dreadful moment. Signing agency asked for me to go back. I called the signers, left a message but no return call. I asked Signing agency what they would like for me to do, no response.
I’m really not feeling it now, I know I was rushing due to having my toddler with me because sitter called out and I had another assignment behind this one that was a good hour away.
Have you all had this happen to you and what did you do to reset?
Breathe. Own it, and make it right. Both for you and the signers. And so the SA/Title know you are willing to do your best and get it right. I keep hiccups like these in a folder on my inbox to remind me to take it easy. My biggest reminder to myself, that I am human, I CAN make mistakes.
Sometimes a text message may help push it along, perhaps they’d be willing to meet you as it’s just one page, or if the original is not needed would they be willing to print and sign it and snap photo of it back to you.
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Here is an example- I completed one earlier this week, where the prior notary ended up ghosting the SA/title and I was asked to complete and sign several of the documents, no clear indication of what had happened, other than over 50 pages had to be signed- no backdating. The signer was extremeley lucky to not have to redraw/reclose. Based on what I looked at it was likely the pages were cut off. The SA provided an example of a few pages that were signed, and the prior notary had also pre-dated everything.
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Take a deep breath, do whatever you do for yourself to re-center and assess your options for the most effecient/effective way to correct the error - then do it. There is no way around taking responsibility for something you did – intended or not. If you haven’t made a mistake on a signing document, then you have dropped something else along the way to reach this particular level of perfection. Unfortunately, it’s the human condition. The biggest lesson you can learn in this business is to not beat yourself up. Others are happy to do that for you!
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@charaapplewhite87 Yes, that can be an insurmountable distraction . . .
We’re human & we all can make mistakes from time-to-time - even if we work diligently to avoid making ANY errors.
FYI: Anytime there are 2 Borrowers [BOs], initials are required on the 1003 form.
NOTE: If one signer is a Non-Borrowing Spouse [NBS], then initials aren’t required on the 1003.
Do everything within your power to professionally “make it right” for your valued client.
Re-double your efforts to ensure you take the time to Triple-Check your documents while still at the signing table.
It’s true that it does consume additional appointment time, but in the long run it’s WELL WORTH the time spent for the BOs, your client, & you as well!
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Strongly agree with the recommendation of avoiding any self-flagellation.
You’re human.
Chalk it up to experience (once you’ve corrected the Error).
Onward & Upward!
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Welcome to the club, mistakes will happen and guess what they will happen again. It’s what you do afterwards that make a difference. Mistakes are our best teachers. I now triple check things and check again…
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Thanks to everyone for the insight, motivation, and best next steps to take. I did go back and get the initials, scanned them in, and dropped next day. It was liberating yet gutt wrenching. God Bless us 
all in the Notary Public Profession.
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@charaapplewhite87 Congratulations on being able to fulfill the requirements & resolve the outstanding items. It can be a bit frenetic at times . . . There’s so much to manage.
On top of that - being a Mom to a very-active toddler can be a BIG overwhelm BY ITSELF! 
There are several threads I’ve created that may be helpful to you, but thought this one would be most helpful:
There are multiple referenced threads within this thread => so be sure to review the thread & the referenced threads when your toddler gives you a few nanoseconds to yourself! 
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Don’t take this wrong, although I have not read anything that addressed your comment that you took your toddler with you to your appointment. Yes mistakes happen, but seriously you took your toddler with you? This is a violation of all ethical behaviors of a notary signing agent. Others addressed your error so I will address your mistake of bringing your toddler to your appointment. In the future, return the job to the signing company and take care of your child at home.
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Thank you, i seriously thought of that but also thought of dropping last minute. I truly struggled with the decision.
@Denbro0007 What??
Identifying that as an “insurmountable distraction” clearly IS addressing that decision without being judgmental.
Maybe too subtle though . . .
Concur 
percent with “violation of all ethical behaviors,” which she should already be fully cognizant of as a Professional Signing Agent [PSA].
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@charaapplewhite87 Would you please share with us the name (s) of the certification program(s) you’ve successfully completed for providing PSA services? Thank You.
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Good afternoon, I am very sorry that you missed something on the documents. I suggest that you consider investing in those tabs from amazon where you can tab each section that needs to have something covered. Please consider doing this before your appointment. Just focus on how you can better not what went wrong. You got this!
Umm…seriously? IMO that is not something she needs to provide to you.
Yes, seriously. The data request is for the benefit of ALL forum members.
Many sages on the Notary Cafe forum regularly pose this query. See the direct url link below regarding an additional recent request.
It’s an important data point to learn so that others can be directed to AVOID that particular program as it potentially has proven itself to be insufficient preparation for providing professional signing agent training.
Actually, when I ask if someone had training and by whom that query is presented because some of us didn’t/don’t actually have a mentor/trainer but are learning or learned on our own. Others among us have paid for training (i.e. LSS, Notary Stars, NNA, etc.). If this latter is the case, then my next suggestion would be to reach out to whomever you paid for the training and request either a refund or a refresher course.
IMHPO, basics such as required equipment and office supplies is something that should be, at least, mentioned in any training course. How can someone be expected to perform their duties if they are not adequately supplied? For example: How does someone print legal documents if they don’t have plain white paper, laser printer, toner? How does someone get those same legal documents signed if they don’t have black/blue pens?
What may seem like common sense to me is not necessary so to the next person.
Again, just my opinion.
Really??? Life happens and everyone’s situation is different. Before judging a person, look at the context if possible. If you’re not able to obtain context, be quiet. I’ve always loved Notary Cafe but being judgemental on this “GoldMine” should Not BE Tolerated. Im trained and certified and indulge in Continuous training but Notary Signing Agent training does nothing when real life is decisions are involved. I agree and accept all opinions but at some point people should know where to draw the line and have Common Sense to realize everyone’s life is not the same.
Your question had two parts. The primary and overriding issue was what to do when you have been informed that you made a mistake that needed to be corrected. Most of us addressed that part of your question without adding additional commentary. The second part of your query added information on how you ended up in a crunch and deadline bind that had you choose the less optimal of two choices (1 - attend to your childcare needs or 2 - cancel on the assignment). I’ve read through all of the comments and the one that did address your personal situation still provided sound professional advice. When you put your personal situation/information out there it should come as no surprise to you that some are going to express their opinions on that aspect of your comment(s). Often to your discontent.
I think it is unfortunate and unwarranted that you see anything that anyone has said toward your comment as being judgmental or harsh. People are going to send all kind of things your way. Take the good and leave behind anything that doesn’t benefit you. And even with the harshest of critiques there is something to be learned. Again, sis, take a beat, and do what you need to set this situation behind you. From where I stand, everyone has agreed with you that “life happens”. It’s not the happening – it’s the response to what happens that determines your success. There is much sage advice here. Please try to accept it for what it is.
Be well - be profitable.
Correct correct correct
Normally, I don’t comment on posts like this one, but my sympathetic side got the better of me. I feel for you, kid, on your predicament. I think it would have been best to call the signing service and explain your situation, turn the job back in and stay home with your little one. There’s about a million more signings coming your way in the years ahead and losing one in favor of doing the best thing may hurt a little, but - well, you get it by now. Here’s a tip: don’t bring any one else (child, friend, relation) or a pet or a gun (concealed or otherwise) to a signing. It WILL end up being a problem - probably a MAJOR problem.
Keep in mind, notaries are officers of the state they work in (lowest level officer, but, an officer nonetheless). Notaries also represent the lender, the title company, the escrow company, maybe an attorney or law firm, the signing service and, themselves and professionalism is called for at all times. This isn’t an easy business we’re in and the pay kinda sucks, but it is the profession we’ve chosen so we’ve gotta follow the rules. You learned (as all of us have) how problems can escalate when we don’t follow procedures designed to serve all parties concerned. You’ll recover and be successful so don’t worry. What’s done is done. God bless you.
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Bring your child to the signing is a big No No, you should of took yourself off the signing. If the signer tells their loan broker or agent what happened, that company will not be calling you again.
I don’t know why no one is calling this one out. To answer your question, there is enough stress dealing with the signers, don’t bring more stress into the situation. That how you don’t make mistakes, and triple check your work. This is how you become a 6 figure notary.