In real estate and legal transactions, documents don’t always stay in one place. Borrowers may be traveling, living out of state, or unable to meet with the original notary or attorney. That’s where a courtesy signing comes in.
Understanding what a courtesy signing is — and when it’s appropriate — can help clients avoid confusion, delays, and costly mistakes.
What Is a Courtesy Signing?
A courtesy signing occurs when a notary assists with executing documents on behalf of another party — typically a lender, title company, attorney, or notary — without preparing, reviewing, or controlling the transaction.
The notary’s role is limited to:
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Verifying identity
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Witnessing signatures
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Completing required notarizations
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Returning documents as instructed
The notary acts strictly as a neutral facilitator, not as the transaction manager.
When Is a Courtesy Signing Used?
Courtesy signings are commonly used when:
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A borrower is out of state during a closing
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Parties are signing in different locations (split signings)
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An attorney or title company needs local notarization
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Documents must be signed quickly in another jurisdiction
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A signer cannot travel to the primary closing location
They are especially common in real estate, estate planning, and business transactions.
How Courtesy Signings Work
A typical courtesy signing process includes:
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Documents are prepared by the requesting party
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Instructions are sent to the courtesy notary
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The notary meets with the signer
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Identity is verified and signatures are witnessed
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Documents are notarized as required
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Completed documents are returned promptly
The courtesy notary follows instructions exactly — no substitutions or changes.
What Courtesy Notaries Do NOT Do
Courtesy notaries do not:
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Provide legal advice
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Explain document terms
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Modify or correct documents
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Choose which notarial acts are required
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Guarantee acceptance by lenders or courts
Their responsibility is limited but precise.
Why Courtesy Signings Are Common in Real Estate
In real estate, courtesy signings help:
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Prevent closing delays
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Accommodate traveling borrowers
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Keep rate locks intact
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Ensure compliance with state notarization laws
They allow transactions to proceed smoothly across distances.
What Clients Should Know Before a Courtesy Signing
Clients should:
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Bring valid, unexpired ID
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Review documents in advance
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Understand the notary cannot answer legal questions
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Follow signing instructions carefully
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Ask the hiring party — not the notary — substantive questions
Why Professional Notaries Matter in Courtesy Signings
Courtesy signings require:
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Strict attention to instructions
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Accurate notarization
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Timely document return
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Clear communication
Experienced notaries reduce the risk of errors and re-signs.
Final Thoughts
So, what is a courtesy signing and when is it used?
It’s a practical solution that allows documents to be signed and notarized when parties are in different locations — without compromising legal requirements.
When handled correctly, courtesy signings keep transactions moving forward efficiently and securely.
