National Notary Association Service Provides Real-time Updates on Notary Status

October 26, 2017

The National Notary Association (NNA) developed a service to provide API access to their database of Notary Signing Agents (NSA). The NSA Data Exchange automates vendor management functions by verifying the background screening, training and insurance credentials of Notaries Public they hire. The API plugs into a company’s vendor management system and pulls real-time credential information from SigningAgent.com, the NNA’s nationwide database of thousands of Notaries qualified to facilitate loan signings.

“The requirements to become a Notary vary from state to state. This nationwide inconsistency is a significant hurdle for the mortgage and settlement services industries,” said Chris Sturdivant, NNA vice president of business development. “Lenders and title companies have standardized metrics they use to assess Notary Signing Agents before sending them to a consumer’s home for a mortgage signing and this API will help them automate that process.”

Several companies already use the NSA Data Exchange including Title Source, Ventek, The Closing Exchange, Prestige Notaries and NotaryGo. The NNA is an ALTA Elite Provider and offers its members an NSA Data Exchange subscription discount.

The NSA Data Exchange delivers verified, up-to-date information on a Notary Signing Agent’s:

  1. Background Check Pass Date: This indicates when the Notary passed a background check meeting the rigorous standards identified by the Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW).
  2. Notary Essentials Training Completion Date: This indicates the Notary studied the essential steps to complete a notarization properly in their state.
  3. Exam Pass Date: This indicates when the Notary passed an exam demonstrating their knowledge of the mortgage loan signing process and understanding of the SPW Code of Conduct best practices.
  4. Continuing Education Completion Date: This indicates when the Notary completed a continuing education course covering their knowledge and understanding of the loan signing process, including documents recently introduced to the industry such as the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID).
  5. Insurance Policy: This indicates the amount and expiration date of the Notary’s Errors and Omissions insurance policy purchased from the NNA.

The NSA Data Exchange provides additional details self-reported by the Notary, but not verified by the NNA including:

  1. Notary commission certificates, numbers and expiration dates.
  2. Notary E&O insurance purchased from a provider other than the NNA.
  3. Languages spoken by the Notary.
  4. Laptop, tablet and mobile internet availability.
  5. Notary contact information and photo.


Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org.