🔍 Background Screenings by Notary Academy

Notary Signing Agents are the final checkpoint in the loan closing process—entrusted with sensitive personal and financial data. Because of this critical responsibility, annual background screenings are required across the mortgage industry—not just for notaries, but for anyone touching the loan package, including Permit Runners, Couriers, Process Servers, Field Inspectors, and more.

At Notary Academy, we provide industry-standard background screenings powered by Backgrounds Online, one of only two nationally accepted vendors. These screenings meet the high compliance standards expected by lenders, title companies, and federal guidelines.

The background check provided through Notary Academy is conducted through a nationally recognized, industry-standard screening provider and meets the general criteria commonly required in the notary and loan signing profession.

However, individual title companies, lenders, and signing services may have their own unique requirements or preferred providers. As such, we cannot guarantee that this background check will be accepted by every organization.

Please be advised that all background check purchases are final. Due to the nature of this service, we are unable to offer refunds once the background check has been submitted and processed, regardless of its acceptance by a third party.

By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Common Questions About Background Screenings

How far back does the background screening go?

Our screening typically covers 10 years of federal, state, and county records. However, in certain states, such as California, only the most recent seven years are reported. Records are based on the most recent action (e.g., sentencing, probation end) rather than the original date of the event.

Is credit information included in the screening?
No. Our background checks do not include a credit report or access to any financial details.

What does the screening include?
The screening meets Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW) standards and includes checks for:

✅ SSN Trace and address history
✅ County Criminal Court Search (statewide in KS, MI, and NY)
✅ Motor Vehicle Records (except WA and PA)
✅ National Sex Offender Registry (automatic disqualification)
✅ Nationwide Criminal Database
✅ Federal District Court Search
✅ Terrorist Watch List (automatic disqualification)

Will expunged, dismissed, or pardoned cases show up?
No. Those cases are not reported.

What about deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion cases?
Yes, these are reported and scored until all court terms are completed. Once completed, they are no longer included.

Examples of these include:
Accelerated Pretrial Disposition, Adjudication Withheld, Conditional Discharge, Pretrial Intervention, STET, etc.

What score do I need to pass?
To be eligible for work as a Notary Signing Agent, your score must be below 25 points.

What would cause a fail?
A total score of 25 points or more disqualifies you from NSA eligibility.

How are points calculated?
Points are based on the severity of each offense, ranging from 2 points (minor traffic infractions) to 25 points (felony-level offenses). Charges related to attempts or conspiracy are scored the same as the primary offense.

Do pending cases affect my score?
Yes. Pending serious charges will put your screening on hold until resolved.

I changed my name—do I need to rescreen?
No. Your screening is tied to your Social Security Number, not your name.

How often do I need to renew my background screening?
Every 12 months. Annual checks are a mortgage industry requirement to verify that you have not had any disqualifying events in the previous year.

What if I choose not to complete a background screening?
You may be ineligible to receive loan signings from many title and mortgage companies. A current background screening is often a non-negotiable requirement.

🏁 Ready to Level Up?
Get your annual background screening and become a certified Notary Signing Agent with Notary Academy. Our Nationwide Signing Agent Course & Certification equips you with the knowledge, confidence, and compliance you need to thrive—starting on day one.