Here's something we regularly experience on the signing service side. A notary reaches out asking about a payment they believe they haven't received. We check our records, confirm that the payment was issued, and sometimes discover that it has already been deposited or even cashed. Of course, payment questions are completely valid, and mistakes can happen on either side. But situations like these are a good reminder of something important: Keeping track of your assignments is just as important as completing them. If you're handling multiple signings for different companies, it's easy to lose track of what's been paid, what's still pending, and how much you've actually earned. Fortunately, there are tools that can make this easier! Apps like Notary Gadget, Notary Assist, QuickBooks, and other business tracking platforms can help you organize your assignments, monitor payments, and keep track of your income and expenses. Knowing your numbers helps you follow up on genuinely outstanding payments and avoid unnecessary confusion. 💬 Do you use Notary Gadget, Notary Assist, or another system to track your payments? What would you recommend to other notaries?

One document you may come across in a loan package is the Positive Proof and Identification and Public Notary Signature Affidavit. At first glance, it looks like a straightforward form, but there are a few details signing agents should understand before completing it. First, the notary information. The form asks for the notary's printed name, address, telephone number, and the names of the signers. It also asks for the state and county where the notarization takes place. Second, the identification requirements. This particular form instructs the notary to make legible copies of the signers' valid, unexpired government-issued photo IDs and attach them to the document. That means simply checking the ID and moving on would not fulfill all the instructions on this form. Of course, any ID copying and handling must comply with applicable laws and privacy requirements. If there is a conflict or concern, contact the hiring party for clarification. Now, here's the part I really want you to notice. At the bottom, the document says: “Sworn to and subscribed before me…” That's jurat language, and a jurat involves an oath or affirmation, not just a signature and stamp. But there's an additional consideration: the form appears to ask the notary to make the sworn statement themselves. A notary cannot notarize their own signature. So before completing the notarial section, it's important to clarify how the document is intended to be executed and who will perform the notarization. Don't assume you can simply sign and stamp it yourself. This is a good example of why understanding the wording of a document matters just as much as knowing where to sign. 💬 Have you encountered this particular affidavit before? How was the notarial section handled? 💙

Imagine arriving at a signing appointment. The borrower presents a valid, unexpired driver's license, but you notice the name doesn't exactly match the loan documents. Maybe the ID includes a middle name that isn't on the documents, the borrower recently changed their last name, or there's a spelling difference. The borrower tells you: “That's me! I've always signed my name this way.” And they may be telling the truth! But as signing agents, we can't automatically assume every name variation is acceptable. A valid ID doesn't necessarily mean the name discrepancy can be ignored. Some differences may be acceptable under your state's notary laws, while others may require clarification from Title or the lender. The important thing is to catch the discrepancy before the documents are signed, rather than deciding on your own how the borrower should sign or changing the name on the documents. If you're unsure, pause, follow your state's identification requirements, and contact the signing service so the appropriate party can provide guidance on the documents. Remember, the goal isn't just to verify that the ID is valid. It's to establish the signer's identity properly and make sure the documents are executed according to the applicable requirements. 💬 Have you ever encountered a name discrepancy between a borrower's ID and their loan documents? How did you handle it?

Hello, I am writing to inquire about the most effective methods for tracking payments. While some payment portals are more reliable than others, I would appreciate your insights on how you ensure that payments are received. Sincerely, Anthony S DiCarlo Notary Signing Agent

Hi community! I am looking to find a reliable, cost effective scanner for on the go scan backs, any recommendations?