Notary signing agents need two background checks: one state-mandated check to get your commission, valid for four years, and an annual check required by title companies using Sterling or the NNA. Mark Wills recommends the NNA because it includes certification.
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Do you have to have a background check as a notary public loan signing agent? The answer is yes, you actually need 2 background checks. So let's talk about it. So the first background check is going to come from your state in order to become a notary public loan signing agent with the state you're trying to be commissioned in. So they're going to run a background check, felony checks, et cetera, to make sure that you have a clean background. Because remember, we are officers of the state that we're commissioned in. So they're going to want to make sure that they are giving a commission to an outstanding citizen. Now there is another background check that is required with title companies, not all, but most. And so there's only two companies that are really approved background checks for title companies, which is Sterling's and the NNA. I always recommend the NNA because it also comes with their certification, which is also something that I'd recommend you get. But the question is, why? Why should the NNA have to run a background check if you've already had one with your state? And the answer is simple: your state's background check is good for 4 years. So If you get a notary commission, you don't need another background check for 4 years. But what happens if you get in trouble between the 4 years? So title companies are like, look, we want another background check on a yearly basis to make sure that you're an outstanding citizen of your community. So the reason there's another background check is because that's actually done on a yearly basis to ensure that you aren't getting into any trouble and they are not allowing a criminal to represent them at the signing table. So the reason there's 2 background checks is one is good. For 4 years with the state you're getting a notary commission with, and then title companies want another yearly background check, which I always recommend getting through the NNA certification because it comes included. And I hope that answers if you need a background check.
