NNA Background Check: Your Trusted Screening for Notaries
Quick Summary
- Industry-standard Notary screening
- Ensures trust and compliance
- Access results online
The National Notary Association (NNA) offers an industry-preferred background screening specifically designed for Notary Signing Agents. This crucial screening is crafted to meet the stringent standards set by lenders, title companies, and various signing services across the nation. It plays a vital role in upholding the integrity and trustworthiness of Notaries who handle sensitive financial and personal documents. Completing this comprehensive background check allows Notary Signing Agents to qualify for important loan signing assignments and achieve NNA Certification. The standardized vetting process it provides is not only widely accepted but also significantly reduces the need for multiple individual screenings, thereby helping to safeguard consumer privacy within the mortgage industry.
- 📋 Information You Will Need for Your Background Screening
- 📍 Accessing Your Screening Status and Account
- ⭐ Understanding the National Notary Association Screening Process
- ⚠️ Resolving Background Check Delays or Discrepancies
- 🔒 Ensuring the Privacy and Protection of Your Information
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Key Answers for Your Background Screening Questions
Information You Will Need for Your Background Screening
- First name, middle name, last name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Street address, city, state, zip code
- Driver's license state and number
- Commission state, number, issue date, expiration date (if applicable)
Accessing Your Screening Status and Account
- Order your NNA Background Screening through the official National Notary Association website.
- Within 24 hours of your purchase, you will receive an email from Backgrounds Online, the NNA's trusted screening vendor. This email will contain important instructions.
- Follow the directions in the email to submit your required personal information on the secure Backgrounds Online website, initiating your screening process.
- To check the status of your background check or view your results, log in directly to the Backgrounds Online portal. Please note that your login credentials for Backgrounds Online may differ from your main NNA website account details.
Understanding the National Notary Association Screening Process
- Comprehensive Coverage: The screening looks back 10 years across federal, state, and county records, covering criminal history, motor vehicle and driving records, national and financial security checks, and sex offender registries.
- Identity Verification: It includes an SSN trace, identity verification, and residence verification to confirm your personal details accurately.
- Industry Acceptance: The NNA Background Screening is widely recognized and accepted by leading title and mortgage services companies across the nation.
- Compliance with SPW Standards: The screening adheres to the robust standards established by the Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW), ensuring industry best practices are met.
- Automated Scoring System: A transparent scoring system is used, where offenses are assigned point values based on their severity and relevance to Notary Signing Agent duties. A score of 24 points or below indicates a pass.
- Secure Online Portal: You can submit your information and securely view your screening details through the online platform provided by Backgrounds Online.
Resolving Background Check Delays or Discrepancies
⚠️ Background check results are delayed or taking longer than expected.
Cause: The processing time can vary based on individual circumstances, state regulations, and the complexity of record searches. While typically 5-10 business days, it can sometimes extend to 10-15 days.
Solution: If your background check is taking longer than anticipated, please contact Backgrounds Online directly at 1-877-288-1588 for an update on your status.
⚠️ You have questions about specific findings or details within your background screening report.
Cause: You need clarification on certain elements of your report or wish to dispute information.
Solution: First, refer to the specific instructions provided in your background screening results email. If you believe the results should be reconsidered (e.g., an offense was expunged or incorrectly scored), you may file an appeal with the NNA. Contact NNA Customer Care at 1-800-876-6827 for guidance on the appeal process.
⚠️ You are unable to log in to the Backgrounds Online portal.
Cause: Your login credentials for the Backgrounds Online portal might be different from those you use for the main NNA website.
Solution: Ensure you are using the correct login information specific to the Backgrounds Online portal. If you've forgotten your password, utilize the password recovery option on their website or contact Backgrounds Online customer support for assistance.
Ensuring the Privacy and Protection of Your Information
- 🔒 Protecting Your Data: The NNA background screening process is designed with stringent security measures, ensuring your sensitive personal information is handled safely and in full compliance with regulations such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
- 🔒 Trusted Partnership: The NNA collaborates with Backgrounds Online, a highly trusted screening vendor, which is legally bound to safeguard your private data throughout the entire process.
- 🔒 Your Control Over Information: The NNA only receives a pass/fail notification from the screening vendor. You, as the individual, maintain complete control over your detailed background report and decide with whom you choose to share it.
- 🔒 Annual Verification: The mortgage industry highly recommends annual background screenings to maintain robust security protocols and ensure ongoing compliance standards for all Notary Signing Agents.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
For questions regarding your background screening status or technical issues with the Backgrounds Online portal, please contact Backgrounds Online at 1-877-288-1588. For appeals or general NNA-related inquiries, reach NNA Customer Care at 1-800-876-6827.
Key Answers for Your Background Screening Questions
Q: What kind of information does the NNA background check look for?
The NNA background check thoroughly reviews a 10-year history across federal, state, and county records. This includes checks for identity and residence verification, federal criminal records, county-level criminal records, state motor vehicle records, and screenings against the Office of Foreign Assets Control (terrorist watch list).
Q: How long does it typically take to receive NNA background check results?
The background screening process usually concludes within 5 to 10 business days. However, depending on the specific state and individual circumstances, results can sometimes take up to 10-15 days to be finalized.
Q: What might cause an individual to not pass the NNA background screening?
The NNA utilizes a scoring system based on the Signing Professionals Workgroup (SPW) standards. Various offenses are assigned point values according to their severity and relevance to the work of a Notary Signing Agent. An individual will not pass the background screening if they accumulate a total of 25 points or more.
Q: How often must Notary Signing Agents complete an NNA background screening?
To meet the ongoing compliance standards required by lenders and title companies, the mortgage industry generally mandates that Notary Signing Agents undergo background screenings on an annual basis.
Q: What is the current cost of the NNA background check?
The standalone NNA Background Screening is priced at $89. It can also be purchased as part of larger packages that bundle certification and training services.
Q: How can I obtain a copy of my NNA background check report?
You can securely view your detailed screening results on the Backgrounds Online website, which is the NNA's chosen background screening agency. If you require a free physical copy of your report by mail, you can send a written request directly to Backgrounds Online. Specific instructions for this request, including necessary information, are available on their website's FAQ section.
Wrap Up
The NNA background check is a critical component for Notary Signing Agents seeking to work in the mortgage and title industries. By understanding its requirements, process, and robust security measures, you can efficiently complete your screening and enhance your professional credibility. This standardized screening helps ensure that you meet industry compliance standards and can confidently serve clients with sensitive financial transactions.