EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE NATIONAL NOTARY ASSOCIATION (NNA)

Why Do You Need Two Background Checks as a Notary Signing Agent?

We’re back with the National Notary Association (NNA) talking background checks.

If you're considering becoming a signing agent, you've probably heard that you need to get another background check in addition to the one if required through your Secretary of State.
​
But why do you need two different background checks as a notary loan signing agent?

​Watch this exclusive interview below with Susie of the NNA and
​Chris of Backgrounds Online…

​Click below to get the course for background check resources!

Why Do You Need Two Background Checks as a Notary?

Let's address why you need a background check to become a notary in the first place.

When you apply for a notary commission from your Secretary of State's office, you will typically need to undergo a background check.

The specifics of this background check can vary from state to state, but it usually involves a search of criminal records and other public records to ensure that you are not disqualified from being a notary public on the basis of your criminal history.

However, even if you have undergone a background check to become a notary, you will still need to undergo a separate background check to work as a signing agent.

This is where the National Notary Association, or NNA, comes in.
​
The NNA runs its own background checks on signing agents, using a combination of public records searches and other databases to ensure that signing agents are qualified to work in the field.

Why Do Notaries Need to Renew Background Checks Annually?

The SPW or Signing Professionals Workgroup is a group of financial institutions who got together after the crash in 2008 and decided to legitimize notary loan signing agents with background checks to ensure that each notary loan signing agent is screened to be competent and safe.

They decided to require the yearly background screening as a way of making sure all notaries are screened in order to ensure they continue to meet the standards as a notary loan signing agent before being contracted for loan signing appointments.
​

Difference Between State Background Checks and Annual Background Check?

When the states do a background check, it's through an FBI database and the NCIC (National Crime Information Center).

But with the background check through the National Notary Association, you're going to get the background check, a scorecard, and an explanation of the scorecard to understand why the background check was scored that way.

What Does the NNA Look For in a Background Check?

When it comes to conducting a background check, the NNA uses Backgrounds Online to conduct these screenings and there are several key aspects that the NNA will thoroughly examine.

Social Security
​
First, they initiate a social security trace to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the applicant or notary.

This step allows us to compile a comprehensive list of jurisdictions that may be associated with the individual through public records, such as property information. By doing so, the NNA will gain valuable insights into their previous places of residence or employment.

Criminal and DMV Records

The NNA utilizes the PACER system for a federal criminal database search which includes a national criminal database and a sex offender registry check, along with a motor vehicle report.

​The focus is solely on convictions, not arrest records.

Loan Signing System shares step by step how to obtain a background check click below: 

What is the ‘Point System’ for Background Checks?

The Point System is a scoring mechanism created by the SPW (Signing Professionals Workgroup) for evaluating offenses in background checks.

The concept behind it is that individuals might have various offenses, such as speeding tickets, reckless driving, or misdemeanors.

These offenses are assigned points based on their severity.

For example, a speeding ticket might carry two points, while a DUI could result in 20 points.
To determine an individual's overall score, a background check is conducted, taking into account their offenses and adjudicating the results.

The higher the score, the more severe the offenses.

Felonies receive significantly higher scores, while misdemeanors may still allow participation in certain programs, such as the signing agent program, with a maximum of 25 points.

The current point system information is publicly available online and helps individuals understand the impact of their offenses.

Motor vehicle offenses are the most common offenses evaluated, while many notaries, having gone through state vetting processes have clean records.

This background check is the industry standard that most employers would run on their new employees.
​
By familiarizing yourself with the scoring system and the types of offenses considered, you can gain insights into your background check results. 

How Far Back Does the Background Check Go?

Typically the background check you'll need to be screened for in order to apply as a notary loan signing agent goes back 7 years.

The motor vehicle piece is typically 7 years, but there are certain states required by the SPW to go back 10 years. 

Over the last 10-12 years, the majority of offenses primarily consist of motor  vehicle offenses and low-level misdemeanors. 

What is the Dispute Process for an Inaccurate Background Check?

If you’re applying for your notary commission and receive your background check results and find information that you believe to be inaccurate or not reportable, you have the option to initiate the dispute process.

This involves reaching out to the consumer reporting agency responsible for generating the report, such as the NNA.

The NNA will then conduct a reinvestigation to verify the accuracy of the information at the source, which may include court records or the motor vehicle department.

If it is determined that there was an error or a mistake in reporting, the agency will rectify the situation by removing the inaccurate information and updating the background check accordingly.
​
Additionally, individuals also have the option to appeal to the NNA if they do not meet the requirements initially and provide relevant context for consideration.

So This is Why You Need Two Background Checks as a Signing Agent..

The background check you undergo to become a notary ensures that you meet the qualifications to hold a notary commission in your state.

The background check you undergo to become a signing agent ensures that you are qualified to handle sensitive documents and personal information for financial institutions.
​
By undergoing both background checks, you can demonstrate that you are a trustworthy and reliable professional in the field of signing agent work.

Loan Signing System provides instructions and direct you to resources within the course on how to save money on your certification and background check - Click below !