01/24/2022
What Is A Notary Public?
A notary public performs a quasi-judicial, or ministerial, a function that allows a duly qualified person to inspect documents to verify the identity of a document signer by closely inspecting the documentation the signer presents. They also verify that signers are acting of their own free will and understand the nature of the documents they are signing. When circumstances require, a notary public can administer oaths to ensure that any statements made are subject to penalties of perjury.
The notary’s signature affirms that no fraud or duress occurred during the transaction. Legal documents – like those transferring title from seller to buyer – won’t be accepted, without a notary signing agent’s signature and stamp, by local officials responsible for recording title changes. A missing signature can be fixed later, but a missing notary signing agent’s seal means the closing will have to be reconvened.
Why Are Notary Signing Agents Required?
The local government must accurately record title changes so as to prevent clouds on title, or title defects, in the future. That’s why the work of notary signing agents is integral to the closing process. It is the NSA’s job to ask questions to ensure that the proceedings are free from fraud and duress and to administer oaths.
