Notary Partner Program Agreement

This Agreement establishes an independent contractor relationship between Century Document Services LLC ("CDS") and the Notary Signing Agent ("Partner"). The Partner is not an employee, agent, or representative of CDS for any purpose. The Partner shall have no authority to bind CDS in any contract, agreement, or obligation.

CDS shall not control the manner or means by which the Partner performs notary services, except to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with applicable law and client requirements. The Partner retains the right to perform services for other clients and companies, provided such work does not create a conflict of interest with CDS assignments.

Partner agrees to perform notary signing agent services as assigned by CDS, which may include but are not limited to: loan document signings, real estate closings, power of attorney signings, estate and trust document signings, general notary work, and mobile notary services.

Partner will be contacted via SMS, email, or phone for available assignments. Acceptance of any assignment is voluntary. CDS makes no guarantee of a minimum number of assignments. Partner is responsible for confirming appointment details, arriving on time, and completing all assigned documents accurately and in accordance with applicable state law.

Partner will be compensated at the rate agreed upon for each completed assignment, typically ranging from $50 to $75 per signing unless otherwise specified in writing prior to the assignment. Compensation is contingent upon successful completion of the signing, including proper execution of all required documents and timely return of completed packages.

Payment will be issued within the timeframe specified at the time of assignment confirmation. CDS reserves the right to adjust compensation rates with reasonable notice. Partner is responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes on compensation received, including self-employment taxes. CDS will issue a Form 1099 as required by law.

Partner acknowledges that in the course of performing services, Partner may have access to confidential information belonging to CDS and its clients, including but not limited to: client names and contact information, financial data, loan details, personal identifying information, and proprietary business processes.

Partner agrees to: (a) keep all such information strictly confidential; (b) not disclose any confidential information to any third party without prior written consent from CDS; (c) use confidential information solely for the purpose of completing assigned services; and (d) promptly notify CDS of any unauthorized disclosure or suspected breach. This confidentiality obligation survives termination of this Agreement.

Partner agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing notary public services, including but not limited to the Florida Notary Public Law (Chapter 117, Florida Statutes), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), and any applicable provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.

Partner represents and warrants that: (a) Partner holds a valid, current notary commission in the state(s) where services are performed; (b) Partner maintains all required bonds and errors & omissions insurance; (c) Partner will not perform any notarial act that Partner is not authorized to perform under applicable law; and (d) Partner will immediately notify CDS of any suspension, revocation, or lapse of Partner's notary commission.

As a condition of participation in the CDS Partner Program, Partner consents to a background check conducted by CDS or a third-party screening provider. The background check may include criminal history, identity verification, and other relevant records.

CDS reserves the right to deny or terminate partnership based on the results of a background check, in accordance with applicable law. Partner will be notified of any adverse action taken based on background check results and provided with a copy of the report as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Partner is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all notarial acts performed. Partner agrees to maintain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance in an amount sufficient to cover potential claims arising from Partner's services, with a minimum coverage of $25,000 recommended.

In the event of an error or omission by Partner that results in a loss to CDS or its clients, Partner agrees to cooperate fully in any investigation and may be held liable for direct damages caused by Partner's negligence or willful misconduct. CDS shall not be liable for any acts or omissions of Partner in the performance of notary services.

By opting into SMS communications, Partner consents to receive text messages from Century Document Services LLC at the mobile number provided. Messages may include signing assignment notifications, scheduling updates, payment confirmations, and program announcements.

Message frequency varies. Standard message and data rates may apply. Partner may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any SMS message. For help, reply HELP or contact us at [email protected]. Opting out of SMS will not affect Partner's ability to receive assignments via other communication channels. CDS will not share Partner's mobile number with third parties for marketing purposes.

This Agreement is effective upon submission of the Partner Application and acceptance by CDS, and continues until terminated by either party. Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause, upon written notice (including email) to the other party.

Upon termination: (a) Partner shall immediately cease representing themselves as a CDS partner; (b) all confidentiality obligations shall survive; (c) CDS shall pay Partner for all completed assignments accepted prior to the termination date; and (d) Partner shall return or destroy any confidential materials in their possession. CDS reserves the right to immediately terminate this Agreement for cause, including but not limited to: fraud, misconduct, violation of applicable law, or breach of this Agreement.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall first be subject to good-faith negotiation between the parties.

If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation within thirty (30) days, the parties agree to submit the dispute to binding arbitration in Pinellas County, Florida, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. Nothing in this section shall prevent either party from seeking injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction.

This Agreement, together with any assignment-specific terms communicated at the time of each engagement, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, representations, and understandings.

CDS reserves the right to amend this Agreement at any time by providing written notice to Partner (including via email or posting an updated version on the CDS website). Continued participation in the Partner Program following notice of an amendment constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. If Partner does not agree to any amendment, Partner's sole remedy is to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 9.