I don’t know why how I sign documents assigned to me should be of concern to anyone outside of my SOS and the title company that I represent. However, my certificate from the WA SOS states that I am “authorized” as a Notary Public and that my additional endorsements include Electronic Notary and Remote Notary. On all transactions that I complete for a SS and/or Title Company I list my title as Notary Signing Agent where requested. On all documents for my general signing business and where I use my stamp I list myself as Notary Public. I have never been challenged by anyone to the contrary.
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I’ve always use Singing Agent for over 5 years.
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I like Notary Signing Agent because It covers all the basis. 
without saying Notary Public! As long as that is correct. I’m down.
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Good evening, well certainly one with 5 years should know that 
surprised it took me 4 years as a Loan Signing Agent Although, I have never been counted off for it by companies that give report cards. Incidentally, I may not have 5 years as a LSA, but I have more than a decade working as administrative assistant for specialists, wearing many hats, so maybe that’s how I get by. I’m grateful some decided to take a chance on this newbie! Because of that, I am renewing my commission in a few weeks.
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I prefer Notary Signing Agent as well. Although, I was signing as Notary Public and LSA, not sure if I can get by with just LSA, however. Sometimes, there is not a lot of room to write, especially if you write big. I’m getting better at writing small tho… Thank you!
Yes, sometimes there seems to be gray areas, for instance, Loan Signing Agent. I will only sign if it pertains to me, but I have questioned that because I know there is also a closing agent that does not pertain to me. I did think the stacking order was my responsibility, so thanks for sharing your experience.
I’ve always put Signing Agent. Not sure where I learned that.
I always use notary public. A closing agent is not us. There are forms in a package that say closing agent, closing signing agent, loan closing agent. None of those are the notary. People can call themselves whatever they want. Notary public will always be right with the lenders and title companies. Loan signing agent is just marketing. People can talk about it day long. So anyway. Don’t change the order of documents LOL.
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It’s Singing Agent not Notary Public
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I am directing this to newbies reading this thread:
Remember we are not the “closing agent”. We are at a closing appointment, yes, but we are the signing agent following the signing agent instructions of the hiring company. And when performing notarial acts during the closing appointment, our title is notary public, as others in this thread have explained. And no matter what is posted in this forum, follow the laws for the state you reside.
(Everyone who is a signing agent must first be a commissioned notary public, but not everyone who is a commissioned notary public is a signing agent.
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What key do we sing in?
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The purpose of the Patriot Act Form is to detect and deter terrorism after 9/11. We are acting in the capacity as a notary public, signing agent, or loan signing agent for a mortgage financial institution. We are verifying the identification of the individual signing the mortgage documents. I use the title of “Notary Public” that is known as a Public Official commissioned by the state. When I complete the Patriot Act Forms for Insurance Companies during the completion of insurance application, my title is Life Insurance Agent. My title represents my professional capacity and how I will be held accountable for the completion of the Patriot Act form. Each role has specialized certification training in the anti-money laundering and terrorism. There are state and federal guidelines / regulations that we must be knowledgeable about and laws to follow.
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@darla
No one has ever asked me about it. The reason for NSA for me is that first and foremost, I am a Notary Public and I feel that should be represented in the title requested on the Patriot Act.
AI Overview
CAN A NOTARY BE PENALIZED?
Yes, a notary can get in trouble for using the title “Notary Public” without actually performing a notarization, as it could be considered misrepresentation of their official capacity and potentially violate state notary laws, potentially leading to disciplinary action including suspension or revocation of their commission.
Key points to consider:
- Misleading conduct:
Using the title “Notary Public” implies that you are ready and able to perform notarial acts, so using it without actually notarizing documents can be seen as misleading to the public.
- State regulations:
Each state has its own notary laws, but most prohibit notaries from using their title in a way that suggests they are performing notarial acts when they are not.
- Potential consequences:
Depending on the circumstances and state laws, a notary could face civil penalties, disciplinary action from the Secretary of State’s office, or even criminal charges for misrepresenting their authority.
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As trivial as it might seem, I am not willing to risk my commission because I am signing as a Notary Public on a form that I am not actually notarizing, which is what the state discourages from doing. On the documents that I use my stamp and that have notary language, of course, I will be using Notary Public. But if I am acting as a Loan Signing Agent, which is what I have been trained to do through the NNA (whether some want to say it is or isn’t a “real” title). It doesn’t take precedence as to whether or not I’m following the laws of the land. I’m more comfortable using Notary, Signing Agent and not Notary Public.
I have not had a Signing Service question me since I recently changed the way I sign off on the Patriot Act.
Sometimes I prefer to step on it a little bit (speed) to hurry to my assignment, but if the Sheriff catches me, I will pay for that indiscretion with a fine, even if it is only 10 miles over the speed limit and doesn’t seem like a big deal on the highway. And that speeding ticket will go on my background check, which we are allowed so many.
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The NNA book, “The Notary Signing Agent’s Loan Documents Sourcebook” states in all caps, “DO NOT AFFIX THE NOTARY SEAL TO THIS FORM AND DO NOT ENTER NOTARY AS THE TITLE.”
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BINGO! 
The only exception would be if the form had a place for the borrower to sign AND included the notarial certificate.
(In Washington, I follow all of NNA’s signing agent best practices (except for the one that conflicts with my state’s notary laws re notary journals RCW 42.45.180.)
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I am in WA also. I have always stated Notary Public for title. That’s always been the instruction from the signer. It’s never been called an error.
I’m sure you don’t mean that, @johnsonps306 - I’m sure it’s an error and you don’t let the signer tell you how and when to use your stamp.
@LindaH-FL actually I meant it’s the instruction from the service that hires me. I don’t stamp the Patriot Act. But I’m a notary public. That’s the title. People want to fancify themselves to loan signing agent they can do what they want. signing agency is probably what I meant to type. Folks don’t need to break a sweat insisting Notary Public is incorrect on a Patriot Act Form. It is not incorrect. So anyway Happy Monday.