Hello to all my fabulous Notary colleagues.
Please share with me your thoughts and knowledge on this matter.
I will be reaching out to State of Ohio Monday Dec 8, 2025 for more direct information on the validity of this.
It has recently come to my attention to complete Loan Signings NNA & ALTA have teamed up requiring loan signing agent notaries to take a test and pay a membership fee to get Loan Signings. That is the gist of what I have read and heard.
Here is what I searched AI about Q & A
Q: What is this state of ohio SPW from ALTA for notaries?
The Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW) is a collaborative industry group co-founded by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). It establishes standardized best practices, certification requirements, and compliance guidelines specifically for notary signing agents (NSAs) who handle real estate loan closings and mortgage document notarizations. These standards help ensure accuracy, security, and professionalism in high-stakes transactions, reducing errors and fraud risks.Key SPW Requirements for Notaries (Including in Ohio)To become SPW-compliant as an NSA, notaries must meet these core criteria, which are endorsed by ALTA and apply nationwide (including Ohio, where NSAs must first hold a valid state notary commission):Background Screening: A criminal background check (typically through a provider like the National Notary Association or SigningAgent.com) to verify no disqualifying offenses under Ohio Revised Code 9.79.
Knowledge Exam: Pass a comprehensive test on loan document procedures, real estate terminology, and ethical practices (e.g., via NNA’s Certified Notary Signing Agent program).
Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance: Minimum coverage of $25,000 for professional liability, which protects against unintentional errors during signings.
Annual Certification: Renew compliance yearly, often including updated training on topics like remote online notarization (RON), which Ohio has permitted since 2019.
SPW compliance is not a state-mandated requirement but is widely demanded by title companies, lenders, and settlement providers in Ohio’s real estate industry. Achieving it (often through ALTA-endorsed programs like NNA’s) qualifies you for listings on vendor databases, higher-paying signing jobs, and trust from stakeholders. For Ohio-specific notary commissioning or RON authorization, refer to the Ohio Secretary of State’s notary division.
Q: Is this a Ohio state requirement?
No, the Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW) standards from ALTA are not a state-mandated requirement for notaries in Ohio. They represent voluntary industry best practices promoted by organizations like the National Notary Association, mortgage lenders, and title companies to enhance professionalism in loan closing services.
signingprofessionalsworkgroup.org
Ohio’s notary requirements, as outlined by the Secretary of State, focus on basic commissioning steps like education, testing, background checks, and fees—without referencing SPW or ALTA certification.
However, many private entities in the real estate sector may require SPW compliance for notary signing agents to qualify for assignments.
Q: Is this a monopoly?
No, the SPW/ALTA standards are not a legal monopoly, but many notaries and signing agents do view the system as a de facto monopoly or private gatekeeping mechanism in the notary signing agent (NSA) industry. Here’s why people debate it:Why it’s NOT a true monopoly (legally)SPW compliance is 100% voluntary and imposed by private companies (title companies, signing services, lenders), not by the State of Ohio or any government.
No law in Ohio (or any other state) requires a notary to be SPW-compliant or ALTA-certified to perform loan closings or notarizations.
There are competing certification programs (e.g., Loan Signing System, Notary Stars, independent signing services) that some companies accept instead.
Why it feels like a monopoly to many notariesMost major title companies and signing services (AmTrust, First American, ServiceLink, Title Source/Amrock, etc.) explicitly require SPW-compliant or ALTA “Best Practices”–certified notaries for their assignments.
The dominant way to become SPW-compliant is through only two organizations that ALTA has essentially endorsed:National Notary Association (NNA) Certified Notary Signing Agent + background check
SigningAgent.com (also owned by the NNA)
Many signing services will automatically reject notaries who aren’t NNA-certified and SPW-compliant, even if they’re perfectly qualified otherwise.
This creates a situation where, for practical purposes, you often must pay the NNA (roughly $150–$400 per year for certification, background check, and E&O insurance) to get consistent work in the loan-signing space.
Bottom line, It’s a private industry standard that has become the de facto requirement for most higher-paying signing work — similar to how certain real estate franchises dominate their markets without being illegal monopolies. You can legally work without it, but your opportunities will be severely limited with many of the bigger players.Many notaries are frustrated and call it a “pay-to-play racket,” but legally it does not meet the definition of a monopoly.
This is from Gemini AI
Q: AI Overview
“ALTA SPW” generally refers to the collaboration between the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW), creating professional standards and training for Notary Signing Agents (NSAs) in real estate closings, requiring annual training and testing for compliance. “SPW” can also refer to System Sensor’s SPW series of fire alarm speakers/strobes, or historically, Signal Processing WorkSystem (SPW), a design software from The Alta Group of Cadence.
Here’s a breakdown of the common meanings:
In Real Estate & Notary Services (Most Common Context):
ALTA: American Land Title Association sets industry best practices for title insurance and settlement services.
SPW: The Signing Professionals Workgroup develops standards for Notary Signing Agents (NSAs) who facilitate mortgage closings.
ALTA SPW Standards: They work together, with ALTA’s Best Practices incorporating SPW recommendations for NSAs to undergo annual training and testing to ensure compliance and professionalism.
In Technology & Engineering:
Signal Processing WorkSystem (SPW): An older electronic system design automation (ESDA) tool from The Alta Group (part of Cadence), focused on system-on-a-chip design.
System Sensor SPW: A line of high-fidelity fire alarm speakers and strobes (e.g., SPW, SPV models) for audible and visual alerts.
Other Meanings:
Alta Audio: A brand of high-end audio speakers.
Alta Energy Services: A company in the solar power industry.
When you see “ALTA SPW,” it’s usually about the mortgage closing standards; if it’s about fire alarms, it’s the System Sensor product; and if it’s about old tech, it’s the design software.
Q: AI Overview
“ALTA SPW”
most commonly refers to the collaboration between the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW)
, setting standards for Notary Signing Agents (NSAs) in real estate closings, ensuring agents are trained and compliant with industry best practices after the 2008 housing crisis, though it can also refer to SPW as a software tool (Signal Processing WorkSystem) by Cadence/Alta Group or, less likely, Alta Audio speakers (SPW model) or Solar Power World (SPW) related to Alta Energy Services. The core meaning is about standardized professional practices in mortgage signings.
In Real Estate & Notary Services (Most Common):
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ALTA (American Land Title Association): A trade group that sets standards for title insurance and settlement services.
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SPW (Signing Professionals Workgroup): An organization that develops recommended standards for Notary Signing Agents (NSAs) to ensure they are competent and follow rules during mortgage closings.
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ALTA SPW: Together, they work to ensure NSAs meet high standards for training, testing, and professional conduct, often involving annual testing for agents.
Other Meanings:
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SPW (Signal Processing WorkSystem): A software suite from the former Alta Group of Cadence, used for electronic system design and verification, especially in multimedia/wireless systems.
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Alta Audio SPW: Refers to specific speaker models (like the Solo) from Alta Audio, known for detailed sound.
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Solar Power World (SPW): A publication covering the solar industry, with Alta Energy Services sometimes featured.
If you’re involved with mortgages or real estate, the ALTA/SPW notary standards are the most relevant meaning.
This is off NNA website:
Notary Signing Agent Policies
A number of policies have been developed to standardize the mortgage industry since the housing market crashed in 2008. Two organizations, Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW) and American Land Title Association (ALTA), have developed standards Notary Signing Agents must meet to work for lenders and title companies.
Signing Professionals Workgroup
The Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW) — which creates, maintains and promotes professional standards for Notaries Public who provide signing services in the closing of a mortgage or real property transaction — provides recommended standards for Notary Signing Agents.
The SPW created the standards because it believes that Signing Agents should stay informed about professional practices and industry changes by undergoing annual training and testing. The standards also benefit title and settlement services companies that hire NSAs as an assurance that their contractors understand their responsibilities and comply with government requirements.
As of March 2016, the recommended standards are as follows:
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct guides signing agents to operate according to the highest standards of practice expected of like professionals in the settlement services industry. It features 10 Guiding Principles that cover all aspects of consumer protection and professionalism.
Signing Presentation Guidelines
The Signing Presentation Guidelines are intended to help create consistency at the signing table and to ensure a positive customer experience. NSAs may use these Guidelines during the closing and easily refer to descriptions of particular closing documents in the loan package if the borrower asks questions.
Annual Background Screening
The annual background screening standard specifies that signing professionals will undergo and pass an annual background screening that follows the search criteria and scoring metrics defined in the Standard.
E&O Insurance
The Insurance Standard specifies that a Notary Public who performs signing services should show proof that he or she maintains a $25,000 Notary errors and omissions insurance policy. This kind of policy only covers notarial errors and should not be confused for a Notary surety bond or a general small business liability insurance policy.
For more information, visit the Signing Professionals Workgroup website.
American Land Title Association
American Land Title Association promotes professional standards for the title industry. In an effort to help title companies meet regulatory requirements, it has developed ALTA’s Title Insurance and Settlement Company Best Practices. These recommendations help title companies better select and oversee NSAs. Below is what title companies expect when choosing Notary Signing Agents to work with:
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Ensure you take the necessary steps to safeguard consumer’s nonpublic personal information (NPPI)
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Are covered by E&O insurance and, where required by law, a surety bond
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Be able to provide evidence of any required state licenses or any recognized and verifiable industry designation
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Acknowledge you comply with the contracting company’s instructions and information security program
For more information, visit the American Land Title Association website.
Antitrust laws in notary industry
Overview of Antitrust Laws and the Notary IndustryAntitrust laws in the United States (primarily the Sherman Act of 1890, Clayton Act of 1914, and Federal Trade Commission Act) aim to promote fair competition by prohibiting monopolization, price-fixing, boycotts, and other practices that unreasonably restrain trade. These laws apply to nearly every industry, including professional services like notaries, but enforcement focuses on conduct that harms consumers or competitors through market power abuse. State attorneys general can also enforce parallel state laws, often mirroring federal standards.In the notary industry—particularly the subset of Notary Signing Agents (NSAs) who handle real estate loan closings—antitrust scrutiny is rare compared to sectors like real estate brokerage or tech. Notaries operate under state licensing (e.g., Ohio’s notary commission via the Secretary of State), but the NSA niche involves private standards from groups like the Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW, co-founded by the American Land Title Association or ALTA and the Mortgage Bankers Association or MBA) and the National Notary Association (NNA). These standards (e.g., background checks, exams, E&O insurance) are voluntary but often de facto required by title companies and lenders for assignments.Key Antitrust Considerations in the Notary/NSA SectorNo major antitrust lawsuits have targeted the NNA, ALTA, or SPW directly, unlike high-profile cases in adjacent real estate (e.g., the National Association of Realtors’ $418 million settlement in 2024 over commission-fixing). However, the structure raises theoretical risks:
-
Group Boycotts or Exclusionary Practices: If title companies (via ALTA) collectively refuse to hire non-SP W/NNA-certified NSAs, it could resemble a boycott under Section 1 of the Sherman Act. Courts assess this under the “rule of reason”—balancing pro-competitive benefits (e.g., reducing fraud in closings) against anti-competitive harm (e.g., limiting market entry). Evidence shows NNA certification is “industry standard” for major players like AmTrust or First American, potentially creating barriers, but it’s framed as quality assurance, not collusion.
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Tying Arrangements: Requiring NSAs to buy bundled NNA services (certification + background check + E&O) could violate Section 3 of the Clayton Act if it forecloses competition. Competitors like Loan Signing System (LSS) or Notary Stars offer alternatives, but many vendors reject them, echoing complaints of a “pay-to-play” system costing $150–$400 annually.
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Monopolization Claims: Under Section 2 of the Sherman Act, the NNA’s dominance (as ALTA’s “Elite Provider” for SPW compliance) could be probed if it uses market power (e.g., vendor databases) to stifle rivals. The NNA’s ownership of SigningAgent.com amplifies this, but no evidence of predatory pricing or exclusion exists in public records.
| Potential Violation | Description | Relevance to Notary Industry | Likelihood of Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price-Fixing | Agreements to set fees or rates. | Rare; notary fees are state-regulated (e.g., Ohio caps at $5–$10 per act). No SPW/ALTA involvement. | Low – No known cases. |
| undefined | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| Group Boycott | Collective refusal to deal with competitors. | De facto exclusion of non-NNA NSAs by title firms. | Medium – Frustrations noted on forums (e.g., Reddit), but seen as voluntary standards. |
| undefined | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| Monopolization | Abusing dominance to exclude rivals. | NNA’s near-monopoly on accepted certifications. | Low – Pro-competitive justifications (e.g., fraud prevention) likely prevail. |
| undefined | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| Tying | Forcing unrelated products together. | Bundled NNA services for compliance. | Low – Alternatives exist, though less accepted. |
| undefined | ---- | ---- | ---- |
Enforcement and Precedents
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Federal Level: The Department of Justice (DOJ) and FTC prioritize big-tech or consumer-facing monopolies (e.g., Google’s $35B+ EU fines). A 2020 DOJ suit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) for MLS rules highlights risks in real estate standards, but notaries aren’t MLS participants. No DOJ/FTC actions against notary groups.
-
State Level: Ohio’s Antitrust Act (ORC Chapter 1331) mirrors federal law, enforced by the Attorney General. It covers “restraint of trade” but focuses on consumer protection; no notary-specific cases. Nationally, state AGs have sued in pharma or healthcare, but not notaries.
-
Private Lawsuits: Class actions could arise if NSAs claim lost wages from exclusion (e.g., treble damages under Sherman Act). Forums like Reddit’s r/Notary vent about NNA “rackets,” but no litigation has materialized. The American Association of Notaries (AAN) critiques NNA’s SPW “ownership” as gatekeeping, yet supports standards.
Current Status and AdviceAs of December 2025, the notary industry faces no active antitrust probes or suits related to SPW/ALTA/NNA. The setup is a “private cartel” in practice—efficient for lenders but frustrating for independents—but legally defensible as non-binding best practices. If you’re an Ohio NSA feeling squeezed, document rejections and consult an antitrust attorney; a challenge could gain traction if tied to broader real estate reforms post-NAR settlement. For compliance without full NNA buy-in, seek LSS certification or direct title company approvals.
Antitrust laws in notary industry
Overview of Antitrust Laws and the Notary IndustryAntitrust laws in the United States (primarily the Sherman Act of 1890, Clayton Act of 1914, and Federal Trade Commission Act) aim to promote fair competition by prohibiting monopolization, price-fixing, boycotts, and other practices that unreasonably restrain trade. These laws apply to nearly every industry, including professional services like notaries, but enforcement focuses on conduct that harms consumers or competitors through market power abuse. State attorneys general can also enforce parallel state laws, often mirroring federal standards.In the notary industry—particularly the subset of Notary Signing Agents (NSAs) who handle real estate loan closings—antitrust scrutiny is rare compared to sectors like real estate brokerage or tech. Notaries operate under state licensing (e.g., Ohio’s notary commission via the Secretary of State), but the NSA niche involves private standards from groups like the Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW, co-founded by the American Land Title Association or ALTA and the Mortgage Bankers Association or MBA) and the National Notary Association (NNA). These standards (e.g., background checks, exams, E&O insurance) are voluntary but often de facto required by title companies and lenders for assignments.Key Antitrust Considerations in the Notary/NSA SectorNo major antitrust lawsuits have targeted the NNA, ALTA, or SPW directly, unlike high-profile cases in adjacent real estate (e.g., the National Association of Realtors’ $418 million settlement in 2024 over commission-fixing). However, the structure raises theoretical risks:
-
Group Boycotts or Exclusionary Practices: If title companies (via ALTA) collectively refuse to hire non-SP W/NNA-certified NSAs, it could resemble a boycott under Section 1 of the Sherman Act. Courts assess this under the “rule of reason”—balancing pro-competitive benefits (e.g., reducing fraud in closings) against anti-competitive harm (e.g., limiting market entry). Evidence shows NNA certification is “industry standard” for major players like AmTrust or First American, potentially creating barriers, but it’s framed as quality assurance, not collusion.
-
Tying Arrangements: Requiring NSAs to buy bundled NNA services (certification + background check + E&O) could violate Section 3 of the Clayton Act if it forecloses competition. Competitors like Loan Signing System (LSS) or Notary Stars offer alternatives, but many vendors reject them, echoing complaints of a “pay-to-play” system costing $150–$400 annually.
-
Monopolization Claims: Under Section 2 of the Sherman Act, the NNA’s dominance (as ALTA’s “Elite Provider” for SPW compliance) could be probed if it uses market power (e.g., vendor databases) to stifle rivals. The NNA’s ownership of SigningAgent.com amplifies this, but no evidence of predatory pricing or exclusion exists in public records.
| Potential Violation | Description | Relevance to Notary Industry | Likelihood of Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price-Fixing | Agreements to set fees or rates. | Rare; notary fees are state-regulated (e.g., Ohio caps at $5–$10 per act). No SPW/ALTA involvement. | Low – No known cases. |
| undefined | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| Group Boycott | Collective refusal to deal with competitors. | De facto exclusion of non-NNA NSAs by title firms. | Medium – Frustrations noted on forums (e.g., Reddit), but seen as voluntary standards. |
| undefined | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| Monopolization | Abusing dominance to exclude rivals. | NNA’s near-monopoly on accepted certifications. | Low – Pro-competitive justifications (e.g., fraud prevention) likely prevail. |
| undefined | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| Tying | Forcing unrelated products together. | Bundled NNA services for compliance. | Low – Alternatives exist, though less accepted. |
| undefined | ---- | ---- | ---- |
Enforcement and Precedents
-
Federal Level: The Department of Justice (DOJ) and FTC prioritize big-tech or consumer-facing monopolies (e.g., Google’s $35B+ EU fines). A 2020 DOJ suit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) for MLS rules highlights risks in real estate standards, but notaries aren’t MLS participants. No DOJ/FTC actions against notary groups.
-
State Level: Ohio’s Antitrust Act (ORC Chapter 1331) mirrors federal law, enforced by the Attorney General. It covers “restraint of trade” but focuses on consumer protection; no notary-specific cases. Nationally, state AGs have sued in pharma or healthcare, but not notaries.
-
Private Lawsuits: Class actions could arise if NSAs claim lost wages from exclusion (e.g., treble damages under Sherman Act). Forums like Reddit’s r/Notary vent about NNA “rackets,” but no litigation has materialized. The American Association of Notaries (AAN) critiques NNA’s SPW “ownership” as gatekeeping, yet supports standards.
Current Status and AdviceAs of December 2025, the notary industry faces no active antitrust probes or suits related to SPW/ALTA/NNA. The setup is a “private cartel” in practice—efficient for lenders but frustrating for independents—but legally defensible as non-binding best practices. If you’re an Ohio NSA feeling squeezed, document rejections and consult an antitrust attorney; a challenge could gain traction if tied to broader real estate reforms post-NAR settlement. For compliance without full NNA buy-in, seek LSS certification or direct title company approvals.
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Thank you for your care & concern. I appreciate you taking time out of your day to respond.