Glossary
Glossary of Notary Terminology
The notary has a lot of terminology that may get confusing, lets see if we can clear the air...
A written declaration made before a notary public, stating that the signer is who they claim to be and that they have signed a document willingly and without coercion. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries perform acknowledgments as part of their duties.)
A written statement made under oath, sworn to be true and correct. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may witness and authenticate affidavits.)
A trade association that provides guidelines and standards for the title insurance industry. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may work with ALTA-endorsed title companies and follow ALTA guidelines.)
The process of gradually reducing a debt through regular payments.
An estimate of the value of a property.
A certification issued by a government agency, verifying the authenticity of a document for use in foreign countries. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may be apostille agents, and apostilles are often used in international transactions.)
A person or company authorized to obtain and issue apostilles on behalf of a government agency. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may work as apostille agents.)
A type of mortgage with an interest rate that can change over time.
A large payment due at the end of a loan term. (
A document verifying the authenticity of a copy of an original document.
A record of ownership and transfers of a property.
A notary public who is authorized to perform notarizations in a civil law jurisdiction.
A document provided to borrowers, detailing the terms of a mortgage loan.
A report detailing an individual's or business's credit history. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may verify and authenticate documents related to credit reports.)
A legal document transferring ownership of a property. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may witness and authenticate deeds.)
An official who assists a clerk of court in performing duties. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may act in place of clerks on certain court papers.)
The process of creating and preparing legal documents. (Relevant to notary industry: In some states notaries may prepare and notarize documents.)
A lien or restriction on a property.
A device used to create an impression or seal on a document. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may use embossers to create notarial seals.)
Insurance coverage for notaries and other professionals against errors and omissions. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may purchase E&O insurance to protect themselves against liability.)
A holding account for funds or documents until a specific condition is met. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may work with escrow agents and officers.)
A person or company responsible for managing an escrow account.
A type of mortgage with a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may witness and authenticate documents related to fixed-rate mortgages.)
The process of taking possession of a property due to non-payment of a mortgage. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may witness and authenticate documents related to foreclosures.)
A professional organization for paralegals or document preparers in Florida. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may work with or as paralegals and FALDP members.)
An international treaty governing the authentication of documents.
(Home Equity Line of Credit)- A type of loan that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their property.
A written declaration made before a notary public, stating that the signer has sworn to the truth of a statement. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries perform jurats as part of their duties.)
A legal claim against a property.
Loan Estimate (LE)
A document provided to borrowers, detailing the terms of a mortgage loan.
A person responsible for originating and processing mortgage loans. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may work with loan officers.)
A person who witnesses and authenticates loan documents. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may work as loan signing agents.)
The process of performing a marriage ceremony. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may perform marriage solemnizations in some states.)
A notary public who travels to signers to perform notarizations. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may work as mobile notaries.)
A person or company that facilitates the process of obtaining a mortgage loan. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may work with mortgage brokers.)
A legal document transferring ownership of a property as collateral for a loan. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may witness and authenticate mortgages and deeds of trust.)
Companies that contracts and dispatches independent notaries public. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may contract with notary agencies.)
A document verifying the authenticity of a notarization. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may issue notarial certificates.)
A government-issued license authorizing a person to perform notarizations. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries must obtain a notarial commission to practice.)
A fee charged by a notary public for performing a notarization. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may charge notarization fees.)
A record of all notarizations performed by a notary public. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries must maintain a notary journal in most states.)
A notary who assists in obtaining necessary permits and licenses. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may work as permit runners.)
A person authorized to perform notarizations. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries are the professionals who perform notarizations.)
A person who witnesses and authenticates loan documents. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may work as notary signing agents.)
A solemn promise or declaration made before a notary public. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may witness and authenticate oaths.)
A person who assists lawyers and law firms with administrative tasks. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may work with or as paralegals.)
A document detailing the amount owed on a loan.
A legal document granting one person the authority to act on behalf of another. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may witness and authenticate POAs.)
A preliminary approval for a loan or credit.
A report detailing the ownership and liens on a property.
The original amount borrowed or the amount still owed on a loan. This could also refer to the primary signer as well.
Insurance coverage for lenders in case of default.
A legal document outlining the terms of a loan.
An official responsible for recording and maintaining court documents and records. Similar to a Clerk of Courts
A legal document transferring ownership of a property, often used in situations where the grantor is not aware of any liens or encumbrances on the property. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may witness and authenticate quitclaim deeds.)
The process of replacing an existing loan with a new loan, often with better terms or a lower interest rate. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may witness and authenticate documents related to refinancing.)
The process of notarizing documents electronically, often using video conferencing software and digital signatures. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may perform RON notarizations.)
A legal right that allows a borrower to cancel a loan or contract within a certain period of time.
An FHA loan that does not have to be paid back.
A device used to create an impression or authentication on a document, often used by notaries public. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries use seals or stamps to authenticate documents.)
A document detailing the terms of a real estate transaction, including the sale price, closing costs, and other relevant information.
The act of witnessing a person's signature on a document.
Companies that provide notary and signing services for loan documents and other legal documents. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may work for signing services companies.)
Online platforms that facilitate the signing of documents, mainly by dispatching notifications of assignments to a database of notaries.
A detailed report or map of a property, often used to determine boundaries and ownership.
A type of insurance that guarantees the performance of a contract or obligation. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may require surety bonds to ensure compliance with notary laws and regulations.)
Title Abstract
A condensed version of a title report, often used to provide a summary of the ownership and liens on a property.
Title Insurance
Insurance coverage that protects lenders and homeowners from title defects and liens.
Title Search
A thorough examination of public records to determine the ownership and liens on a property.
Underwriting
The process of evaluating the risk of a loan or investment and determining whether to approve it.
Unauthorized Practice of Law
The act of practicing law without a valid license or authorization. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries must not practice law or provide legal advice, as this is considered unauthorized practice of law.)
Official records of births, deaths, marriages, and other important life events.
A notary public who witnesses and authenticates documents.
A person authorized to perform marriage ceremonies. (Relevant to notary industry: Notaries may perform wedding ceremonies, in some states, but this is not their primary function.)
Click any of the linked terms for a further explanation of how it works and pertains to the notary industry!
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Nationwide Title Companies
First American Title Insurance Company
One of the largest title insurance companies, offering services nationwide and globally.
Fidelity National Title Group
Part of Fidelity National Financial, this group includes several subsidiaries like Chicago Title, Commonwealth Land Title, and Alamo Title.
Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
A major title insurer with services across the U.S., specializing in residential and commercial transactions.
Stewart Title
With a presence across the U.S. and in international markets, Stewart Title offers title insurance and closing services.
Chicago Title Insurance Company
A subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial, Chicago Title provides extensive title services across the U.S.
Lawyers Title
Part of Fidelity National Financial, this company provides comprehensive title services throughout the country.
WFG National Title Insurance Company
A newer but fast-growing title company offering a range of title and escrow services nationwide.
North American Title Company
Operating in many states, they offer title insurance and real estate closing services nationwide.
Title Resource Group (TRG)
A subsidiary of Realogy, TRG provides title and settlement services nationwide.
Westcor Land Title Insurance Company
Known for flexible and innovative title solutions, Westcor operates nationwide.