A few weeks ago a borrower left me a review saying I was "great at explaining all the documents." It was meant as a compliment. It made my stomach drop.

The problem is that notaries don't explain documents. We summarize them. Those words sound interchangeable, but in our profession they separate proper notary work from the unauthorized practice of law.

What summarizing sounds like

At the table, I say things like:

• "This says they'll furnish your payment information to the credit bureaus."

• "These figures were compiled by the title company."

• "This page states that they don't discriminate based on [protected classes]."

I'm simply describing what the document says. I'm not telling borrowers what it means for them, whether it's a good deal, or what they should do.

Where "explaining" begins

The line is crossed when borrowers ask questions like:

• "Why is my rate higher than I expected?"

• "What happens if I miss a payment?"

• "Should I be worried about this fee?"

Those require legal or financial interpretation. Even after thousands of signings, that's outside a notary's role.

Precision matters

The review wasn't malicious. The borrower simply used the closest word they could think of. But if a regulator, title company, or attorney ever read that review, "explained" could suggest I stepped outside my commission.

The answer isn't silence. Borrowers deserve a notary who communicates clearly. The key is to describe what the document states—not what it means for their specific situation. If they need interpretation, direct them to their loan officer or an attorney.

The takeaway

If a client says you're good at "explaining" documents, take it as a compliment about your communication—and a reminder to check your wording. Summarize what's on the page. Leave the explaining to those licensed to do it.