The term “Vice President Notary” can raise eyebrows, especially for those unfamiliar with corporate or financial documentation. It may sound like an executive-level notarial role, but in reality, it refers to something entirely different. If you’ve come across this title on loan documents, real estate forms, or banking paperwork, you might wonder: What exactly is a Vice President Notary?
In this blog, we’ll clarify what the term means, how it relates to notarization in the business world, and why it’s important to know the distinction between a notary public and a corporate title.
Misconceptions About the Term
Let’s start with the most important fact:
There is no such thing as a “Vice President Notary” license, commission, or legal title recognized by any U.S. state.
The confusion stems from the way corporations—especially banks and title companies—authorize certain employees to sign documents. Often, these employees are given courtesy titles such as “Assistant Vice President” or “Vice President” to grant them signing authority, even if they don’t hold executive roles in the traditional sense.
Sometimes, the same person is also a notary public—and the two roles get mentioned together, giving rise to the term “Vice President Notary.”
Why Do These Titles Exist?
Financial institutions and corporations frequently deal with legal documents that require an official signature and notarization. To streamline operations:
- They assign officer titles (like Vice President) to grant employees the legal authority to execute contracts.
- They appoint notaries in-house to handle acknowledgments and other notarial acts efficiently.
When one employee holds both roles, it’s not uncommon to see “Vice President” next to “Notary Public” in their signature block.
Common Examples
You might see these roles listed on:
- Mortgage or loan agreements
- Deed transfers
- Power of attorney documents
- Corporate resolutions
- Trust or estate filings
In these cases, the signer might include both their corporate and notarial titles, such as:
Jane Doe
Vice President / Notary Public
XYZ Title Company
This simply means Jane is acting in her corporate capacity and is authorized to notarize the document.
Does This Affect the Validity of the Notarization?
As long as the notarial act complies with state law, the notarization remains valid regardless of the signer’s corporate title. The notary must still:
- Identify the signer correctly
- Confirm willingness and awareness
- Complete the correct notarial certificate
- Affix their stamp or seal and include their commission info
The addition of “Vice President” is informational—it doesn’t change the requirements or duties of the notary.
Can Anyone Become Both a Notary and a Corporate Officer?
Yes. Many businesses train their staff to become commissioned notaries so they can serve internal needs. These employees may already be designated with a corporate title or be given one for the purpose of documentation.
Employers often prefer having in-house notaries to avoid outsourcing routine notarizations, especially in industries like banking, real estate, and insurance.
Key Legal Separation
While someone can hold both positions, it’s important to understand the legal boundary between the two roles:
- As a Vice President, the person acts on behalf of the corporation.
- As a Notary Public, the person acts as a neutral third-party witness, commissioned by the state.
The notary’s duty is to remain impartial—even when notarizing documents for their employer. Ethical notaries are trained to avoid conflicts of interest, even when signing in dual roles.
What to Do If You See This Title
If you encounter a “Vice President Notary” on a document:
- Don’t be alarmed—it’s a common corporate practice.
- Verify that the notarial certificate includes all legally required elements (seal, signature, commission number, expiration date).
- If unsure, confirm with your title company or attorney.
And if you ever need an impartial and fully commissioned notary for personal or business needs, you can count on a professional notary in Newport Beach to handle your documents with accuracy and legal compliance.
Final Thoughts
A “Vice President Notary” isn’t a formal title—it’s simply the combination of two roles often held by the same individual in the corporate or financial world. As long as the notary meets all legal requirements, their corporate status has no bearing on the validity of the notarization itself.
Understanding these nuances can help you feel more confident the next time you review loan papers, title transfers, or business documents with unfamiliar titles or signatures.
