Background Check Screening Federal Law pertaining to the Handling of Personal Information In 1999, the U.S. Congress passed The Gramm-Leach, Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act (Gramm-Leach, 15 U.S.C. subchapter 1, section 6801-6809) which became law. Because of this federal mandate to protect the consumer’s personal information, some of the lending and title services are requiring all persons handling sensitive personal information to have a more extensive background screening. As a Certified Notary Signing Agent handling loan documents, you may be requested to comply with this additional background check by these service companies. State of California requirements A notary public background check is required by the Secretary of State's office in California for all seeking to become commissioned as a notary public. The background check is completed by the Department of Justice (DOJ), State of California and now additionally by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Current commissioned California Notary Publics can be assured that you are in compliance and authorized to complete any notary services within the State of California, including the handling and completing of loan documents. If you would like to obtain a copy of your "State Summary Criminal History Record" on file with the Department of Justice in California, you can find this information at ag.ca.gov and apply for a copy of your information. Other States requirements Most states do not require a background check to be performed at the time you are commissioned as a Notary Public, but they do require you to swear that you have not been convicted of a felony or a lesser offense involving moral turpitude of a nature that is incompatible with the duties of a notary public. Notary Public Background Check Certification We support the Notary Public Background Check Certification offered by the National Verification Registry. There are currently two active Notary Public Background Check certification options: LEVEL 2 Live Identity Verification "A" Check Background Screen offers: Social Security Trace Alias Name Search National Criminal File Sex Offender OFAC Search Motor Vehicle Report County Criminal Search(es) LEVEL 3 Live Identity Verification "A" Check Background Screen offers: Social Security Trace Alias Name Search National Criminal File Sex Offender OFAC Search Motor Vehicle Report County Criminal Search(es) Federal District Search Many real estate title companies are or will be requiring that notary signing agents submit to criminal background checks. This requirement is based on an interpretation of laws and guidelines pertaining to privacy and the confidentiality of customer information. The Financial Modernization Act or Graham-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (GLBA), for example, requires safeguards to help protect the privacy of others. Be sure to check with your clients to determine which certification level will be acceptable to them. You will also have the opportunity to purchase Official Copies of your background report which is ideal for mailing to your clients. Despite the fact that many notaries public have already submitted to intensive, state-commissioned background checks, certain industry players have been promulgating the need for third-party checks and expensive certifications. These actions have called into question the method and motive of the players, along with the legitimacy and value of a large number of existing notary signing agent educational programs. Still, because it appears the demand for third-party background checks is here to stay, Notary Learning Center is sponsoring the National Verification Registry™ an open, independent, Notary Public Background Check Certification service. We include this training in our "Certified Notary Signing Agent" seminars. We offer you this Notary Public Background Check without a requirement of membership or any additional purchasing of product or services This certification program is available at www.notarypublicbackgroundcheck.com. Notaries should be aware that restrictions for presenting loan signings may be limited or constrained in some states. For more information go to State Restrictions .