LEARN WHAT AND HOW TO BE A FIDELITY APPROVED NOTARY

What is Fidelity Approved Mean as a Notary?

Have you been exploring the world of becoming a signing agent and heard the term "Fidelity approved" and may not be sure what it means?

Fidelity National Title, one of America's largest title companies, plays a crucial role in this approval process. 

Let’s find out what it means to be a fidelity approved notary and shed light on the process involved.

What is Fidelity Approval?

Fidelity approval refers to the recognition and acceptance of signing agents by Fidelity National Title, a prominent title company in the United States.
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As a result of their size and reputation, Fidelity often comes up in conversations when discussing approval for signing services or working directly with escrow offices.

Two Paths to Being a Fidelity Approved Notary

To better understand Fidelity approval, it's essential to differentiate between two distinct paths: working through signing services or directly with escrow offices.

​Let's explore the differences and requirements for each.

Fidelity Approval through Escrow Offices

Obtaining Fidelity approval through an escrow office can be a more challenging process due to specific requirements.

The first prerequisite is finding a sponsor—an escrow officer who will vouch for you.

Simply walking into a Fidelity office and expressing interest in being Fidelity approved won't suffice. You need the sponsorship of an escrow officer.

To initiate the Fidelity approval process, you'll need to complete a fidelity approval packet.

Keep in mind that different title companies may have their own approval processes, even if you possess certifications such as NNA (National Notary Association) or Loan Signing System.

The packet may include various documents such as a copy of your errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, notary commission, notary bond, and evidence of your tenure as a notary public.
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Each title company's specific criteria will determine the documents required.

Fidelity Approval through Signing Services

If you choose to work through signing services, you'll want to ensure you’re on their fidelity approved notary list in order to get those signings that require a fidelity approved notary.

The approval process, however, shares similarities with the escrow office route, with one significant difference: the requirement of having two years of notary public experience is waived.

Signing services will typically accept notary signing agents with any level of experience, including new notaries.

To become a Fidelity approved notary through a signing service, you'll need to complete an approval packet specific to the signing service you're working for.
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The Fidelity approved application will likely require similar documents as the escrow office approval, excluding the two-year notary public experience requirement.

Key Takeaways

Being Fidelity approved means that you have met the criteria set by Fidelity National Title, allowing you to work directly with them or through signing services as a signing agent.

The approval process involves submitting necessary documents, such as E&O insurance, notary commission, and notary bond.

The specific requirements vary depending on whether you choose to work through escrow offices or signing services.

It's important to note that Fidelity approval is highly regarded due to the company's prominence in the industry.
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While other title companies may have their own approval processes, Fidelity's approval carries substantial weight in the signing agent community.

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