Notary Signing Agents play an important role in the mortgage loan signing process, serving as the final step before a borrower's loan is approved. Given the amount of direct access to private financial information, the mortgage industry has mandated annual background screenings for Notary Signing Agents and everyone involved during a loan signing.
The following information pertains to the NSA background screening offered by the NNA, which satisfies standards set by the Signing Professionals Workgroup. If you are asked to complete a background check from another company, you will need to contact them for their details.
How far back does the background screening go?
The background check covers 10 years of federal, state, and county records. In some states, the screening only goes back to the last seven years. Records are reported based on the last action taken on a case, such as the end of a probationary period or jail sentence, and not the date of the infraction or crime.
Does the background screening include any credit or financial information?
No, a credit report is not run as part of the National Notary Association’s NSA background check.
What do they look for in a background screening?
This screening follows the Signing Professionals Workgroup standards and conducts searches into the following:
- Social Security Number Trace1 – address history where criminal record searches will be conducted
- County Criminal Court Search2
- Motor Vehicle Records3 – tabulated score
- National Sex Offender – automatic disqualification
- Nationwide Criminal Database – tabulated score
- Federal District Court Search – tabulated score
- USA Patriot Act including Terrorist Watch List – automatic disqualification
1 A social security number is required.
2 Kansas, Michigan and New York provided as a statewide search.
3 Unavailable in Washington and Pennsylvania.
Will a dismissed, expunged or pardoned case appear in the background screening?
No, dismissed, expunged or pardoned cases are not reported in a criminal background check.
Are deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion charges reported?
Yes. Deferred adjudication and pretrial diversion charges are scored until all terms specified by the court are satisfied. Once terms of deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion are satisfied (such as completing probation or anger management classes), the charges will no longer be reported.
Other terms used to describe these types of cases include Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, Accelerated Pretrial Disposition, Adjudication Withheld, Conditional Discharge, Deferred Judgment, Diversion, Misdemeanor Intervention Program, Non-Adjudication of Guilt – Agreed Plea, PTI (Pretrial Intervention) Admission, Responsible, STET.
What would it take for me to pass the background check?
A total score below 25 points will make you eligible to work with lenders and title companies as a Notary Signing Agent.
What would prevent me from passing the background check?
You will not be eligible to work as a Notary Signing Agent if you score a total of 25 points worth of offenses.
How are the points assigned to each individual criminal or driving offense?
Points vary by offense, ranging from 2 points for a non-moving violation to 25 points for robbery. The point value system is based on criteria set by the Signing Professionals Workgroup. Note that a conviction for any attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit a crime or aiding and abetting a crime will be scored the same as the crime.
Is the scoring of a background screening affected by a pending case?
Yes. Pending cases for serious crimes will cause the scoring of a background screening to be held as incomplete until the final outcome of the case. When the case is resolved, the background screening will be completed, and a pass or fail score will be provided.
What if I changed my name?
If you changed your name, you don't need a new screening. The background check is based on your social security number.
How often does a Notary Signing Agent need a background check?
You will need to undergo a background screening every 12 months to meet mortgage industry standards.
Why do I have to get a background screening every 12 months?
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau requires lenders and title companies to provide documentation that their Notary Signing Agents have passed a recent background screening. By complying with periodical background checks, you're assuring mortgage companies you have not had any convictions or offenses in the previous year.
What if I opt out of a background screening?
Due to the increased regulation on Notary Signing Agents, mortgage companies and title services, companies may not be able to use you if you choose not to be screened.