10/14/2026
How do title companies verify a seller's identity when they can't attend a real estate closing in person?
A decade ago, an out-of-state seller could sign a deed at their local bank, have it notarized, and send it back for settlement. The notary stamp was often considered sufficient verification.
Today, protecting real estate transactions requires additional safeguards.
With seller impersonation fraud and fraudulent notarizations posing risks to property owners, verifying the person behind the signature is more important than ever.
At Community Title Network, our remote signing procedures include approved notaries and additional identity verification measures designed to confirm that the person signing has the legal authority to transfer the property.
That can include time-sensitive, knowledge-based authentication questions and other verification steps. When an identity cannot be verified, the signing cannot proceed until the issue is resolved.
The takeaway? A notarized signature alone doesn't guarantee a legitimate real estate transaction. Verifying identity and ownership helps protect buyers, sellers, and real estate agents from costly fraud.
As we celebrate 10 years of Community Title Network, we're highlighting how title insurance, remote notarization, and real estate fraud prevention have evolved, and why protecting your property remains our priority.
Have questions about remote closings, out-of-state sellers, or seller identity verification in Northern Virginia? Connect with our McLean team.
📍 6257-A Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101
📞 (703) 584-0450
Experience. Close to Home.