Notary Publics and Notary Signing Agents (NSAs) use specific legal terminology to certify document authenticity and manage loan signings. Key terms include;
Acknowledgment (signer confirms identity/signature),
Jurat (signer swears to content truth),
Affiant (person signing),
Affix (applying seal), and
Oath/Affirmation (solemn promise).
- Acknowledgment: A certificate where a notary certifies they identified a signer who admitted signing a document.
- Jurat: A certificate indicating the signer swore or affirmed to the notary that the document's contents are true.
- Affiant: The person who makes and signs an affidavit.
- Affidavit: A written statement signed before a notary under oath.
- Oath/Affirmation: A spoken promise to tell the truth; an oath references a Supreme Being, while an affirmation is based on personal honor.
- Affix: To attach or stamp the notary seal to a document.
- Attest: To bear witness to or sign a document as a witness.
- Certified Copy: A copy of a document certified by a notary to be true.
- Personal Appearance: The signer must be physically present before the notary.
- Principal: The person whose signature is being notarized.
- Closing Agent: The person managing the loan closing.
- Deed of Trust/Mortgage: A document establishing a lien on property.
- Loan Package: The complete set of documents for a real estate transaction.
- RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act): Federal law regulating loan closings.
- Signing Agent: A notary specializing in loan document packages, usually for mortgage or title companies.
- TIL (Truth in Lending): Disclosures regarding loan terms.
- Administrative Terms
- Apostille: A certificate required by the Hague Convention to authenticate a notary's signature for use in foreign countries.
- Commission: Authorization granted by a state to act as a notary.
- E&O Insurance (Errors and Omissions): Insurance protecting the notary from liability for mistakes.
- RON (Remote Online Notarization): Notary services performed via secure audio/video platform
These terms ensure that both parties understand the legal, binding nature of the notarized documents, particularly in sensitive real estate transactions handled by NSAs.