Posted by Anonymous, NY on 1/25/05 1:15am
Msg #18004

New York State and Notary Laws

Hi,

I am very new to the industry and want to maintain in the boundaries of the law. I was presented with the opportunity to become a Notary Signing Agent and was wondering if anyone could lend some advice as to which or what mortgage documents I am eligible/lawfully able to sign, date, notarize, etc. (as a Notary Public ONLY...I am not an attorney at law) for a loan signing.

As a signing agent in NY, are we only legally allowed to sign such things as HELOC's, and refinanced mortgages?

So, basically are there any limitations as to which documents I am allowed to sign? I know in NY only an attorney can sign documents related to a will.

If anyone could clear this matter up for me, it would be more than appreciated.

I've read through numerous posts by other members and cannot seem to find the answers to these general "legal" questions.

Thanks again to all who reply.

Reply by HisHughness on 1/25/05 1:34am
Msg #18006

Advice for new notaries

You have asked a question regarding what is a fundamental aspect of being a notary public signing agent. Essentially, if you do not already know the answer to that question, you are simply unprepared to provide signing agent services. The members of this board will be happy to help you >>once YOU have done all that YOU should do to prepare yourself.<<

Please do two things: 1) Read, AND TAKE THE TIME TO FULLY COMPREHEND, your state’s manual for notaries public; then 2) come back to this board. Above the menu of posts, click the "First" button. Go all the way to the very first post in June 2003, "Welcome to the General Discussion Forum." Read all the way to the last post today. You will find your answer many times over in the intervening messages, along with far better information about being a signing agent than you’ll ever get from any certification course. I realize that much of what you will read will be duplicative, and some will be totally irrelevant. But, in sum, reading the archives of this board will almost surely be the most informative thing you will ever do to assist you in being a signing agent. You also would be well advised to pursue any Internet sites that posters have indicated might be helpful in furthering your knowledge.

If, after doing both of the above, your question remains unanswered, then come back and post your question on the board. You will probably find that you will get more and more helpful responses if you post under an identifiable handle and include a state designation in that handle.

Good luck in preparing for a fulfilling career as a mobile notary/signing agent.

Reply by thnotary_NY on 1/25/05 9:28am
Msg #18023

Where in NY are u located.?

Reply by Annonymous, NY on 1/25/05 1:39pm
Msg #18044

I'm not sure what the relevance of your question is, but I live on Long Island (Suffolk County).

Reply by DonR/NYC on 1/25/05 9:33am
Msg #18025

Plz e-mail directly with some of your pressing questions and I will try to point you in the right direction and separate fact from fiction. BUT, as posted earlier, if you don't know/understand NYS Notary Law then go back and read the handbook until you do. Don't do what so many others have done; got their commission and jumped into loan doc signings.

www.nymobilenotary.com

[e-mail address]

Reply by Anonymous, NY on 1/25/05 2:03pm
Msg #18048

No one has answered my question correctly...maybe I need to re-word it....

What transactions I am allowed to perform as a signing agent in NY ?....regarding LOAN DOCS.

FOR EXAMPLE....Purchases, Cash-out Refi's, Rate-in-term Refi's, 2nd Mortgage's such as HELOC's, Home Equity Loans,....

Which of these am I legally allowed to sign, date, and notarize for either a mortgage company, title company, or signing company??

It is to my understanding that I CANNOT close/sign any loan docs for a "purchase" transaction (no lien)...an attorney is needed....IS THIS CORRECT??

My gracious thanks to all who reply.


PS-I please ask not to refer me back to the beginning of the NotaryRotary forum. My questions are not answered...I HAVE read them, I've picked up a great deal of info, great advice and real time applic's.

Reply by HisHughness on 1/25/05 2:20pm
Msg #18050

Anonymous reports:

***PS-I please ask not to refer me back to the beginning of the NotaryRotary forum. My questions are not answered...I HAVE read them, I've picked up a great deal of info, great advice and real time applic's.***

Please note the following from Advice for New Notaries: "If, after doing both of the above, your question remains unanswered, then come back and post your question on the board." If you have done as you say, then you have done what was suggested.

The quickest answer to your question is probably to call the Secretary of State's office, or whichever state agency exercises supervision over notaries public in New York.

Good luck.

Reply by Anonymous, NY on 1/25/05 3:10pm
Msg #18070

Thanks 'Hugh'

I'd rather not post my question again and further subject myself to further shellacking of my I guess you can say, "lack of experience" post.

Thank you for your advice, it is greatly appreciated!

Reply by Stephanie/CA on 1/25/05 6:19pm
Msg #18107

Re: New York State and Notary Laws...I am providing a link..

to the New York Secretary of State website Notary Public page.
Most or all of your question will be answered at this site.
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/oldlcns/ntrylaw/nplltoc.html
Copy & paste.
I hope this helps.

Stephanie