When dealing with important documents, you may hear the terms Notary Public and Loan Signing Agent (LSA). While both serve essential functions in verifying signatures and preventing fraud, their roles and areas of expertise differ. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the right professional for your needs.
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a state-commissioned official who acts as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. Their primary role is to verify the identity of signers, confirm they are signing willingly, and ensure the documents are authentic.
Responsibilities of a Notary Public:
- Identity Verification – Confirms the signer’s identity using government-issued IDs.
- Document Authentication – Ensures signers understand the document’s content and are signing voluntarily.
- Administering Oaths/Affirmations – Witnesses sworn statements when required.
- Certifying Copies – Confirms that copies of official documents are true copies.
Common Documents Notarized:
- Power of attorney
- Affidavits
- Property deeds
- Loan documents
- Wills and trusts
- Business agreements
What is a Loan Signing Agent (LSA)?
A loan signing agent is a notary public with additional training in handling real estate and mortgage documents. LSAs play a critical role in real estate closings by ensuring loan paperwork is properly executed, signed, and returned to the lender or title company.
Responsibilities of a Loan Signing Agent:
- Handling Loan Documents – Guides borrowers through mortgage, refinancing, and closing paperwork.
- Ensuring Document Accuracy – Checks that all required signatures, initials, and dates are completed correctly.
- Explaining Forms – Provides a general overview of loan documents but does not offer legal advice.
- Timely Document Return – Ensures documents are promptly returned to avoid delays in closing.
Common Documents Handled by LSAs:
- Mortgage agreements
- Loan applications
- Refinance documents
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC) paperwork
- Closing disclosures
Key Differences Between a Notary Public and Loan Signing Agent
Feature | Notary Public | Loan Signing Agent |
Scope | Scope of Work General document notarization | Specializes in real estate and loan documents |
Training Required | State-required notary training | Additional certification for loan signings |
Tima Commitment | Minimal | Can take 1-2 hours signings |
Earning Potential | Standard Fees | Higher fees for real estate closings |
Clientele | General Public | Lenders, Title Company, Escrow officers |
Which Service Do You Need?
- For General Notarizations – A notary public is the best choice for wills, affidavits, or general legal documents.
- For Real Estate Closings – A loan signing agent is essential for mortgage signings, refinances, and home purchases.
At AGP Notary Solutions, we provide expert notary and loan signing services designed to make the process seamless and stress-free. Whether you need a quick notarization or assistance with real estate closings, AGP Notary Solutions ensures professionalism and accuracy every step of the way.
Schedule your appointment today and experience secure, convenient notarization services!