Policy Countersignatures

Real Estate Practices by State

Real Estate Practices by Practice

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Table of Contents

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Alabama Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Alabama’s new title insurance requirements took effect on 1/1/2013. Among the requirements are that the signatory must be a resident of the state and licensed by AL Department of Insurance; the issuing agent must also be licensed through the Alabama Department of Insurance and the business must have a physical place of business within the state. A title agent can be a sole proprietor who is a resident of the state. Agents who operate as an entity must be organized under Title 10A (or its predecessor, Title 10) of the Alabama Code.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Alaska Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Countersignature by authorized title insurance producer.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Arizona Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Countersigned by the issuing agent.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Arkansas Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Yes, this still holds true for Arkansas.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

California Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Policies are countersigned by the issuing agent, and facsimile signatures are authorized.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Colorado Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

The countersignature portion of the commitment and policy must be signed by a title licensee/individual resident producer.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Connecticut Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Policies issued by an agent must be signed by a Connecticut attorney agent.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Delaware Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Must be licensed with the Department of Insurance to execute commitment and policy. Do not have to be an attorney to get licensed and there are no residency requirements.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

District of Columbia Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

The signature of a licensed title producer is required in order to issue a title policy.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Florida Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

A licensed and appointed issuing agent of a title insurer may countersign title commitments and policies.

In addition, a corporate officer of a title insurer may issue and countersign binders, title commitments, title policies and guarantees of title. (Florida Statute 626.841 and 626.8417)

An issuing agent does not need to be a Florida resident. However, an issuing agent does need to either be licensed by the Florida Department of Insurance or a member of the Florida Bar.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Georgia Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Attorney Agent/ Approved Attorney Agent

The attorney does not need to reside in the State of Georgia but must be a member of the State Bar of Georgia and in good standing and appointed by Stewart as an agent.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Hawaii Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

No countersignature by the agent is required as long as the policy is executed by officers of the title insurer. Facsimile signatures are permitted.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Idaho Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

A title insurer shall not issue a policy of title insurance or guaranteed certificate of title or other guaranty of title covering any property located within Idaho unless countersigned by a person, partnership, corporation or agency owning and maintaining a complete set of tract indexes or abstract records of the county in which such property is located; excepting, that any title insurer may issue such policies, guaranties or certificates directly and without such countersignature covering property in any county where it owns and maintains such indexes and records, or where no such indexes and records are owned and maintained. Idaho Stat. 41-2702.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Illinois Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

There are no requirements for policy signatures or countersignatures on title insurance policies.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Indiana Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

No statutory requirements.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Iowa Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

No state requirements.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Kansas Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

A Licensed Kansas agent must sign the policy. Non-residents may obtain a license.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Kentucky Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

No signature other than that of the issuing agent is required.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Louisiana Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

All title insurance policies and reports covering any insurable interest in title to immovable property located in the state shall be signed by an agent licensed in this state or by an employee of a title insurer issuing the title insurance policies and reports when such employee is an agent licensed in this state. La R.S. 22:2092.3.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Maine Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Commitments/policies must be countersigned by a licensed title insurance producer.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Massachusetts Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

The policy is signed by the attorney-agent.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Michigan Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

The policy must be signed by a licensed issuing agent

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Minnesota Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

None required.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Mississippi Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

There are no special requirements for the countersignature so long as authorized officer of the issuing title agent.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Missouri Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Licensed Missouri Producer must countersign the policy. Producer License issued by the MO Dept. of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Licensing (DIFP)
Both Resident and Non-Resident Producer Licenses are issued.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Montana Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Policy must be executed by an officer, employee, or duly authorized representative of a title insurance producer.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Nebraska Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Licensed, appointed agent.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Nevada Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Policies are counter-signed by the authorized personnel of the issuing office.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

New Hampshire Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Commitments/policies must be countersigned by a licensed title insurance producer.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

New Jersey Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

N.J.S.A. 11:17A-1.4: Policies must be signed by a licensed producer.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

New Mexico Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Countersignatures on policies are customarily signed by a NM licensed person appointed by the title insurance underwriter.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

New York Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

There is no regulatory requirement for policy countersignatures. Typically authorized signature requirements are governed by the underwriting agreement.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

North Carolina Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

NC requires a licensed NC individual underwriter to sign policies.

NCGS 58-33-26 is the general licensing requirements. NCGS 58-33-40 requires appointment of agent by the underwriter.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

North Dakota Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

None.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Ohio Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Only a duly licensed and appointed issuing agent may sign a policy.

The issuing agent does not need to be an Ohio resident, but must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Insurance.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Oklahoma Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Title Commitments, Policies and Endorsements shall be countersigned by some person, partnership, corporation or agency actively engaged in the real estate title business and maintaining an office in the state, who is a duly appointed agent of a title insurance company holding a valid license and authorized to do business in the state. 36 O.S. §5001(C).

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Oregon Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

There is no requirement for countersignatures in Oregon.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Pennsylvania Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Policies must be signed by a licensed, bonded agent or an officer of the underwriter.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Rhode Island Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Only an Agent licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation or an authorized employee of a title insurance company may sign title policies.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

South Carolina Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

The issuing agent will sign the policy jacket. The signing agent must be licensed in South Carolina even for direct issue by Stewart Title.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

South Dakota Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

SDCL 58-25-16 requires countersignature of SD abstractor on policy.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Tennessee Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

The commitment and policy must be signed by a title agent licensed by the Tennessee Department of Insurance.

A non-resident agent licensed by the Tennessee Department of Insurance can sign the commitment and policy.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Texas Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

A licensed title insurance agent, licensed escrow officer or designated underwriter must countersign all policies.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Utah Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

An officer of the issuing title agency may provide any countersignature to a policy or endorsement.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Vermont Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

Policies issued by an agent must be signed by the Vermont Attorney with the producer’s license. An out of state attorney can be a licensed producer.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Virginia Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

No requirements.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Washington Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

There are no special requirements for policy countersignatures. The issuing agency must be licensed in Washington and anyone that is authorized to sign on behalf of the agency may countersign the policy.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

West Virginia Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

No requirements.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Wisconsin Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

There are no requirements for who can countersign per statute. Presumably, it would be anyone who is authorized by the Company.

R.E.P. by Practice (Answer)

V 1

Wyoming Policy Countersignatures

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

R.E.P. Topic by Practice (Question)

Please describe any statutory or regulatory requirements for countersignatures in order to issue the policy (for example, residency requirements).

An officer of the issuing title agency who is licensed may provide any countersignature to a policy or endorsement.