TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT
(Updated to Reflect Nationwide & California-Specific Vetting and Compliance Requirements)
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Welcome to Choice Nationwide Notaries (“Choice”). You must agree to the following Terms and Conditions of this Independent Contractor Agreement (“Agreement”) before receiving mobile notary dispatch orders from Choice and before using the Choice Nationwide Notaries website (“Site”).
By using the Site, accepting assignments, or indicating your agreement during registration, you acknowledge that this is a legally binding agreement. If you do not agree, you may not receive assignments or perform Services for Choice.
This Agreement supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements or understandings. Choice may amend this Agreement from time to time by posting an updated version on the Site.
1. Choice Nationwide Notaries Services
Choice Nationwide Notaries is a nationwide notary signing coordination service operating in all 50 states. Choice coordinates mobile notary signing services performed by independent contractors for lenders, title companies, escrow companies, and other clients.
2. Engagement
Choice hereby engages you, and you accept such engagement, as an independent contractor, to perform mobile notary signing services (“Services”) subject to the terms of this Agreement.
Acceptance of any assignment is conditional upon your continued compliance with all vetting, credentialing, and qualification requirements.
3. Compensation
a. You will be paid the fee agreed upon at the time you accept an assignment.
b. Additional trips or services must be authorized in advance by Choice.
c. Payment is issued monthly under net-30 terms.
4. Expenses
You are solely responsible for all expenses incurred in performing the Services, including but not limited to travel, equipment, insurance, licensing, taxes, and professional dues.
5. Term and Termination
a. This Agreement is effective for one (1) year and automatically renews unless terminated.
b. Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause.
c. Upon termination, you must immediately return or securely destroy all Choice and client materials.
6. Signing Agent Qualifications, Vetting & Ongoing Compliance (UPDATED)
6.1 Nationwide Requirements
As a condition of receiving assignments, you represent, warrant, and agree that you will:
Maintain an active notary commission or bar license (as applicable)
Maintain a current annual background check
Maintain current Errors & Omissions insurance and any required bond
Upload and keep current all required documentation in the Choice portal
Accept assignments only within your verified experience level
Maintain minimum performance standards established by Choice
Choice reserves the right to suspend or terminate assignments for failure to meet these standards.
6.2 Training, Certifications & Regulatory Awareness (Nationwide)
You represent and warrant that you have obtained, or will independently obtain, sufficient training and education to competently perform the Services, including:
Signing Agent certification from the National Notary Association or a comparable industry-recognized provider, or equivalent professional experience
Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws governing settlement services, including RESPA and TRID
Proper handling and safeguarding of Consumer Nonpublic Information (NPI)
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as Choice exercising control over the manner or means of your work; you remain solely responsible for maintaining your professional qualifications.
6.3 California-Specific Compliance Requirements (NEW)
For assignments involving California properties, California signers, or California-regulated transactions, you additionally represent, warrant, and agree that you:
Are familiar with and comply with California notary laws and procedures
Understand and comply with California privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as applicable to your role
Safeguard all personal and nonpublic information in accordance with California law and Choice policies
Accept California assignments only if you meet any California-specific vetting, experience, or acknowledgment requirements established by Choice
Failure to comply with California-specific requirements may result in immediate removal from California assignments or termination of this Agreement.
7. Professional Conduct & Performance Standards (UPDATED)
You agree to:
Act professionally, ethically, and courteously at all times
Dress appropriately and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with industry standards
Perform Services strictly as a notary or signing agent and not provide legal advice
Follow all written instructions provided with each assignment
Choice reserves the right to review performance history, client feedback, and risk indicators prior to assignment.
8. Confidentiality & Data Security (EXPANDED)
You agree to:
Protect all consumer and client information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse
Use secure methods when transmitting or storing documents
Immediately notify Choice of any suspected data breach, loss, or unauthorized disclosure
You acknowledge that violations of confidentiality or privacy obligations may result in immediate termination and legal liability.
9. Independent Contractor Status (CONFIRMED & PRESERVED)
You acknowledge and agree that:
You are an independent contractor, not an employee, agent, or partner of Choice
Choice does not control the manner or means by which you perform Services
You are responsible for all taxes, insurance, licenses, and regulatory obligations
Choice does not provide employment benefits or mandatory training
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create an employment relationship.
10. Non-Delegation
You may not delegate, subcontract, or assign your obligations under this Agreement under any circumstances.
11. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Choice, its clients, and affiliates from any claims, damages, fines, penalties, or losses arising from:
Your breach of this Agreement
Your failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations
Your negligence or misconduct in performing Services
12. Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability
(Your existing Section 10 retained with no substantive change — legally sound as written)
13. Privacy Policy
Choice’s Privacy Policy, as amended from time to time, is incorporated by reference.
14. Governing Law, Arbitration & Venue
(Your existing arbitration and California governing law section retained — appropriate and consistent)
15. Severability & Enforcement
(Retained as written)