Notary Public Background Check Certification

Welcome to the Notary Public Background Check Certification Service

This service allows notary public signing agents to become certified and background screened, and to list their certifications in a single-source verification registry. Notary public clients, employers and contractors may use the NPBC verification registry to confirm that a background check has been performed on participating notaries public and also to verify that they have completed privacy compliance training. NPBC sponsors include leading notary education providers and notary signing agent listing services, who proudly display the NPBC logo on certified member profiles. The total cost usually ranges from $60 to $90, depending on the certification level chosen, and is good for 2 years from the date of issue.

Notary Public Background Check Certification Levels
There are currently two active NPBC certification options. Pricing varies by both applicant and option due to variable state fees. If you are a notary and would like to know what certification options are available to you, please click the Apply menu option at the top of this page. Your options and the cost for each will be displayed on Page 4. There is no obligation to purchase at that point.


I'm a notary signing agent. How do I become background screened and certified?
It's pretty simple, really. Just follow these 4 easy steps:

1 Complete your Information Stewardship and Security Awareness Training (ISSAT)
   Approximate Time: 45 minutes
   Cost: Often included in other signing agent training. May be offered for free on a standalone basis by select vendors.

  This training covers your responsibilities with respect to the handling of non-public personal information and is included in leading signing agent training programs. If your training included basic computer security and secure document handling, storage and destruction, with a focus on privacy, then it is probably ISSAT compliant. If your training specifically mentioned GLBA compliance or HIPAA compliance, then it is probably ISSAT compliant. If you are unsure, please ask your educational vendor if your training included ISSAT privacy compliance. Once you have completed the training from the vendor of your choice, proceed to Step 2.

2 Enter Your Information into this Secure Web Site and Pay for the Application
  Approximate Time: 30 minutes

  Enter your information into this secure web site and pay for the application. We will produce a form in which you will declare your identity, be asked to produce a number of documents and agree to our Terms. Your application will not be approved if ANY of the following conditions apply to you:

  Don't Bother to Apply If...
  • You have ANY felony convictions, other convictions of a serious nature, or any conviction or judgement related to violence, fraud or similar crimes.
  • You do not provide your full legal name and all other legal names you have used.
  • You do not provide a valid social security number matching your name on your NPBC application.
  • The address history you provide is not complete and accurate.
  • You do not provide current and valid copies of ALL required documents.
  • You do not sign the application and have it properly notarized.
  On Step 4 of the application process, look for the following image. You will have the opportunity to purchase Official Copies of your background report, including a summary page detailing your Notary Check Verification ID and a mailing envelope for each with an easy-seal adhesive flap. Each set is available for only $1. Note that you may also print unofficial copies of your report, once available, from the NPBC web site.

Official Copies


3 Follow the Instructions on the Form: Complete, Collect Document Copies, Have Notarized and Mail
  You will need to follow the instructions on the form this web site creates for you after you pay for your application. You will need to make clear and legible copies of key documents such as your driver license or other approved identification, your notary commission, etc. You will need to take these documents to a notary along with your application to have it notarized. Once notarized, you will need to mail the completed application and document copies to us. We strongly recommend using certified mail.

4 Wait for Your Results
  In 1 to 2 weeks, you will be notified via e-mail of your results and provided with further instructions for displaying your certification.


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