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  2 people liked this post.
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HighDesertNotary
California
12 Posts |
 Posted - 10/03/2012 : 8:36:47 PM
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quote:
Notaries are 100% fully vetted with background checks.
Um, no, not all of them. Very few states check the backgrounds of their candidates before issuing commissions. In fact, most states in the US only make you sign a form where you swear you haven't been convicted of a crime. They don't really check up on that, just take you at your word. And, not all title/escrow and signing services require or do background checks on notaries they hire. Sure, some do... but many don't.
And those that accept certain background check don't realize that certain background screened are a bit of a joke anyway. For instance, did you know that somebody can become Certified and Background Screened as a Notary Singing Agent by the NNA without actually being a commissioned Notary? Yeah... kind of a major flaw in their screening process if they don't actually verify if one is actually a commissioned notary or not, right?
Those of us commissioned in California have a hard time because we go through a very tough process with the fingerprinting and background checks before even obtaining our commissions. But, the vast majority of notaries in this country don't deal with even a 1/10th of the regulation and "stuff" --so you shouldn't assume that everyone is background screened, because the vast majority are NOT.
------
www.highdesertnotary.com
Serving Northern Los Angeles and Southeastern Kern Counties of California |
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smcohn
California
17 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2012 : 11:33:51 AM
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| As a new Notary going on seven weeks, I too had an issue with identifying myself. Not for the borrower, but for my own satisfaction and sense of professionalism. I used to have a magnetic badge as a Mortgage Broker, but decided on a different approach this time. Since I forgot to give an oath one time, I decided to laminate a copy of my commission and on the back put a "multi-person" version of the Jurat Oath. Now I sit down, open my journal, pull out the laminated copy, show them I am me, give all a one-time oath, and proceed with the signing. Kills a few birds with one lamination and it doubles as a place marker in the journal! If asked at the door, I will produce the same copy of my commission. |
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SigningAgentCoach
California
42 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 7:25:01 PM
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I've been a notary for over 20 years and honored to be among the many that pioneered the term, "Loan Signing Agent". I made myself a nice badge at Staples long ago and switched it from a pin to a magnet a few years back, I love it so much. I think it looks professional and I pride myself as a professional. Simple as that.
Best to all,
Kelly Robertson,
CA Mandatory Education Notary Public Instructor,
Notary Classes.com
Signing Agent Coach
(951) 317-0125 |
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weetoeu247
North Carolina
13 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 4:37:15 PM
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when working signings in banks or when meeting clients in public places i wear a simple name badge identifying myself as a signing agent with my name. I find the clients and other employees appreciate it. i also have a pin from the NNA for being a certified signing agent. I think this looks professional.
Robbin |
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edelske
New York
815 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2012 : 4:28:35 PM
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It is depressing (to me) to see attacks directed against individuals.
IMHO a Forum is for the interchange of ideas and concepts. Of course it's fair (again IMHO) to disagree with an *idea* - but taking aim at the author seems pointless.
Kenneth A Edelstein
Mobile Notary, Apostille / Legalization Processing & Fingerprinting
http://www.kenneth-a-edelstein.com |
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martinwhoo
California
1 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2012 : 11:35:39 AM
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I think that if you have a commission and a seal issued by the secetary of state that should be enough proof of id |
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Venita Peyton
North Carolina
10 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 09:03:49 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by notaryslife
I'm sorry, I think that is really a fear based system you are creating for all of us. With all due respect, what you are doing is utter nonsense. You are only required to show your business license if anything at all.
You can obtain a notary photo ID badge if you're really wanting to make yourself official with borrowers you service. You're opening yourself to possible identity theft, because they could take down your info and transfer it out. Flashing your license is no assurance and only raises their suspicions that you feel it necessary to do such a thing.
You must be easily manipulated into cowering down to anyone who wants your ID. It shows how insecure you are and perhaps you should go see a therapist for it. Have you no self esteem to be feeling it necessary to flash your driver's license to borrowers?
Notaries are 100% fully vetted with background checks. What you're doing is similar to someone who walks into work each day and flashes their driver's license to ensure they're legal.
Besides, how do they knowquote:
Originally posted by paulcr
I always show my DL at a signing. Having had my ID stolen before and worked at Microsoft for many years I know how easy it is for email and cell phone conversations to be intercepted....nothing electronic is 100% secure. I keep it in my hand (with my thumb covering my address) and show it to them long enough to see my name, photo and to look at me to see that I am who I am. Just a few seconds. Personally I would have a problem with someone coming to my house who I have never seen before, who was sent by a company whose office I have never seen, and thier unwillingness to solidly identify who they are. In most places a utility worker (phone, electricty, gas, etc.,) employee is required to provide photo ID so why would I expect anything less from someone who is dealing with my financial information (or whatever you may be notarizing). Yes those IDs are provided by thier employers. However, you your own employer and I do not know of a state that provides photo ID. It was mentioned that one could make up thier own. Not a bad idea. Although I would caution to make sure that it is legal to do in your state. You may be comissioned by your state and "vetted" by the company that has hired you to do the signing but in my honest opinion that has no meaning to the person you are sitting down with and entrusting you with more personal and potentially damaging information than anything on your DL could.
Sincerely yours,
Notary's Life
I too am vetted by my signing companies. They call the client and tell them who I am and when I'm to arrive. They also give the client my phone number. I followup with the same info, verifying any funds to be collected, who its to be made out to (which isn't me), tell them the type and color vehicle I'll be driving and verify directions.
I don't show a business license because its not a photo ID, but I do offer a business card. They can easily copy my vehicle tag if needed and can look up my notary info on the Secretary of State's website.
Venita Peyton |
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notaryslife
California
348 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2012 : 08:37:04 AM
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I'm sorry, I think that is really a fear based system you are creating for all of us. With all due respect, what you are doing is utter nonsense. You are only required to show your business license if anything at all.
You can obtain a notary photo ID badge if you're really wanting to make yourself official with borrowers you service. You're opening yourself to possible identity theft, because they could take down your info and transfer it out. Flashing your license is no assurance and only raises their suspicions that you feel it necessary to do such a thing.
You must be easily manipulated into cowering down to anyone who wants your ID. It shows how insecure you are and perhaps you should go see a therapist for it. Have you no self esteem to be feeling it necessary to flash your driver's license to borrowers?
Notaries are 100% fully vetted with background checks. What you're doing is similar to someone who walks into work each day and flashes their driver's license to ensure they're legal.
Besides, how do they knowquote:
Originally posted by paulcr
I always show my DL at a signing. Having had my ID stolen before and worked at Microsoft for many years I know how easy it is for email and cell phone conversations to be intercepted....nothing electronic is 100% secure. I keep it in my hand (with my thumb covering my address) and show it to them long enough to see my name, photo and to look at me to see that I am who I am. Just a few seconds. Personally I would have a problem with someone coming to my house who I have never seen before, who was sent by a company whose office I have never seen, and thier unwillingness to solidly identify who they are. In most places a utility worker (phone, electricty, gas, etc.,) employee is required to provide photo ID so why would I expect anything less from someone who is dealing with my financial information (or whatever you may be notarizing). Yes those IDs are provided by thier employers. However, you your own employer and I do not know of a state that provides photo ID. It was mentioned that one could make up thier own. Not a bad idea. Although I would caution to make sure that it is legal to do in your state. You may be comissioned by your state and "vetted" by the company that has hired you to do the signing but in my honest opinion that has no meaning to the person you are sitting down with and entrusting you with more personal and potentially damaging information than anything on your DL could.
Sincerely yours,
Notary's Life |
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paulcr
North Dakota
34 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2012 : 6:48:28 PM
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| I always show my DL at a signing. Having had my ID stolen before and worked at Microsoft for many years I know how easy it is for email and cell phone conversations to be intercepted....nothing electronic is 100% secure. I keep it in my hand (with my thumb covering my address) and show it to them long enough to see my name, photo and to look at me to see that I am who I am. Just a few seconds. Personally I would have a problem with someone coming to my house who I have never seen before, who was sent by a company whose office I have never seen, and thier unwillingness to solidly identify who they are. In most places a utility worker (phone, electricty, gas, etc.,) employee is required to provide photo ID so why would I expect anything less from someone who is dealing with my financial information (or whatever you may be notarizing). Yes those IDs are provided by thier employers. However, you your own employer and I do not know of a state that provides photo ID. It was mentioned that one could make up thier own. Not a bad idea. Although I would caution to make sure that it is legal to do in your state. You may be comissioned by your state and "vetted" by the company that has hired you to do the signing but in my honest opinion that has no meaning to the person you are sitting down with and entrusting you with more personal and potentially damaging information than anything on your DL could. |
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Saul
Illinois
46 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2012 : 3:29:21 PM
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Did you make it up and if not, where did you purchase or obtain the badge?
Thanks,
Saul |
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notaryslife
California
348 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2012 : 11:25:17 PM
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I see no reason to provide a Driver's License. Instead I purchased a laminated Notary Public badge that has my photo and commission number. That should be all that's required. They can confirm I'm listed on the SOS site with my address.
As far as I'm concerned the borrower is not entitled to my driver's license info because they could do something with it. Why should you trust your license info to a borrower anyway. We are fully vetted and other than my notary ID if they have a problem they should address it with the escrow company and/or my agency.
Sincerely yours,
Notary's Life |
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LindaH
Florida
1754 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 07:02:33 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by jlgelzer
Although I have never been asked for my ID, I would not show it! I have a badge and so far in last 5 years its never been an issue. Understanding about borrowers being leary at times given the state of our times, if borrowers have an issue I would advise them to contact their loan officer who has information regarding notary conducting closing. I find it interesting that borrowers would ask for id when they have conducted business with loan officer over phone giving them of their own free will their personal information and "trust" that it would be handled properly only to then have issue on closing day.
Jodi L. Gelzer
I disagree with you. IME the majority of the time NONE of the people on the other side of the table have ever seen me - not the LO and not the SS/TC scheduler - they've spoken with me on the phone and that's it. And anyone can get a badge made - unless it's issued by the State, IMO it's meaningless (and Florida does not issue badges - they don't even issue state ID cards to notaries).
I have absolutely no problem showing my ID to the person who's opening their door to me and allowing me onto their property and into their home. Granted, the fact that I'm standing there with a briefcase full of their mortgage docs should be a tipoff, but telling them to talk to their LO accomplishes absolutely nothing - that LO has never laid eyes on me and most likely has never even spoken to me.
I'll show my ID to them (my photo ID as in DL) along with my business card anytime they ask and I understand why they want to see it. However, it doesn't leave my hand and going along with another thread about this, I would not allow borrowers/signers to photocopy my ID.
Side note: I've been asked once in 5.5 years for my ID.
JMO
Linda
http://www.columbiacountynotary.webs.com |
Edited by - LindaH on 01/08/2012 07:04:41 AM |
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edelske
New York
815 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 01:59:44 AM
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quote:
[i]I find it interesting that borrowers would ask for id when they have conducted business with loan officer over phone giving them of their own free will their personal information and "trust" that it would be handled properly only to then have issue on closing day.
Jodi L. Gelzer
Their concern is knowing who is "walking into their house" - most borrowers seem to assume that their data is safe with all in the processing chain. Apparently they have not heard of the clueless ones who don't bother to shred when they should.
Kenneth A Edelstein
Mobile Notary, Apostille / Legalization Processing & Fingerprinting
http://www.kenneth-a-edelstein.com |
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jlgelzer
Florida
1 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2012 : 10:10:32 PM
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Although I have never been asked for my ID, I would not show it! I have a badge and so far in last 5 years its never been an issue. Understanding about borrowers being leary at times given the state of our times, if borrowers have an issue I would advise them to contact their loan officer who has information regarding notary conducting closing. I find it interesting that borrowers would ask for id when they have conducted business with loan officer over phone giving them of their own free will their personal information and "trust" that it would be handled properly only to then have issue on closing day.
Jodi L. Gelzer |
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edelske
New York
815 Posts |
Posted - 01/06/2012 : 11:10:34 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by pafrealtor
To set your mind at ease, with front door greetings, you might consider getting a PO Box to put on your driver's lic. so signers and others will not be tempted to follow you home or look you up somewhere on record. I always use a PO Box for everything, put in both address and po box with signing companies only.
Hope this helps.
PAFERNANDEZ
A simpler procedure to prove your ID, without revealing your address is to show your Passport - it does not have your address. Most people consider a Passport the "gold standard" of personal identification.
Kenneth A Edelstein
Mobile Notary, Apostille / Legalization Processing & Fingerprinting
http://www.kenneth-a-edelstein.com |
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n/a
Texas
1 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2011 : 05:07:38 AM
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WacoNotary is one of its kind first mobile TEXAS NOTARY services which include home closing. It is a 24 hour notary service which deal with all aspects of closing including delivery of document, going through documents before signing, and depositing the documents appropriately after the closing. It does everything professionally and carefully.
Notary Signing Agent, Texas Notary
A Notary Pulic Texas//
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Dannotary
California
265 Posts |
Posted - 09/27/2011 : 4:50:27 PM
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| Lisa T, once again, I agree with you. I am sent by people related to their transaction and the state /background checks verifies who I am. I still favor a badge though, no rinky-dink laminated ID card on a clip that anyone could make. |
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dfye@mcttelecom.com
New Hampshire
681 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2011 : 08:30:09 AM
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Inasmuch as you do not know the borrower, they also do not know you. I had one instance in 15 years when someone asked me for my ID. I gladly gave it her. She also made a photocopy of it as well. I did not have a problem with that as I insisted that she make a photocopy of hers. If I had any suspicion that she would have used it to harm me in any way, I would not have allowed her to copy it.
On another note, I have been asked for my Commission Certificate. Unfortunately, the one time I was asked I did not have it with me so I freely showed the borrower my ID and explained to them the process you have to go through with the signing companies to even get the call which includes a copy of your commission. If the borrower was in doubt he or she could always call my contracting company on the closing order(which I always have with me) for verification. I continued by stating that I would not have my embosser if I was not a notary as you have to provide proof that you actually are one.
In my state, the notary seal provider has the mailing list of all Notaries commissioned or renewed. They have all the information they need to contact you to sell their products. They, too, have a special license to issue these products. Not just anyone can issue a seal.
Legal Eagle Para Professional Services |
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pafrealtor
California
5 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 08:30:34 AM
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To set your mind at ease, with front door greetings, you might consider getting a PO Box to put on your driver's lic. so signers and others will not be tempted to follow you home or look you up somewhere on record. I always use a PO Box for everything, put in both address and po box with signing companies only.
Hope this helps.
PaFernandez, HIspanic Mobile Notary / Realtor
serving the California Central Valley
C: 559-360-4940
PAFERNANDEZ |
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n/a
New Jersey
1 Posts |
Posted - 04/04/2011 : 7:48:17 PM
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I've been considered an ID card subject matter expert. I sell photo ID equipment to Police, municipalities, State and Local Government and yes, driver license systems. I was involved in the design aspects of the FIPS201 Government ID Card.
It's good to know all about what a legitimate ID looks like. The UV printing, the micro printing, etc. I carry a UV penlight in my briefcase and sometimes will shine it on a DL for the fun of it. You ought to be able to go to your local DMV office and ask for instruction in verifying legitimate IDs. They can show you a non-driver license (often carried by Seniors), a Green Card, a passport, etc. If they can't, or don't have access or authority, try your local police department.
You can also spend a bunch of money and acquire a "book" of driver licenses from every state. Some of the books are sold on various Notary websites, but I have found that the good book costs about $450 and is typically sold only to Police or security people. The Casino security folks most likely have one of these good books.
Certain aspects of State driver licenses are very difficult to counterfeit- the holographic laminate on top of the card is one of them. There are only a couple of companies in the world that make that laminate and the holographic design is registered and well protected.
I sold an ID system to a local Chief of Police. He bought the high end system with some confiscated drug money. He asked if he could buy the State holo spool and I told him he would get in trouble just inquiring. He doubted me and insisted he knew the right people to ask. I said "ok". Several months later I called to ask him how the system was working and he told me that he got a call from the Attorney General of his state wanting to know why he was asking for the holo roll. He didn't get the roll.
If I absconded with YOUR driver license and heated it up, I could remove the holo laminate, creat a driver license with someone else's name and my picture, and re-use YOUR holo laminate to make the new driver license look perfect.
If I did that, you would never know it was fake. But then again, I'm in the business. The equipment is very expensive, you need to know the secrets of the ID card and have the appropriate software to create a good fake ID.
I can spot a fake DL from 10 feet away, and so can you. Unless it is so good, then it doesn't matter. You have done your job as a Notary and when you are in front of the Judge, and you explain your examination of the DL, you'll be free to go.
But if you tell the Judge you aren't really sure what features to look for on a DL or Passport, then you might be in a pickle.
It's a good idea to learn all of the little tricks about DLs- and not just the published things the DMV tells you about. Go ask the right people, they should tell you since it's your job as a Notary Public to know this stuff.
Oh, do I show my ID to borrowers? Uh, well, sort of. One of them... |
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Lisa T.
California
391 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2011 : 2:26:36 PM
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Paul, I didn't see anything in the Bill of Rights confirming your statement. My post was not addressing being identified upon entering someone's property. My post addressed having a right to see my DL simply because I'm seeing there's. As a Notary, the customer calls me, I'm not calling them.
When I have a loan signing, I've reached out to the borrower via a confirmation call - i.e. calling to introduce myself, verifying their address, identifying the company on whose behalf I'm meeting with them for, confirming the date and time - so obviously I'm relaying information that only someone with whom the hiring party had a connection with would have. I'm not a random stranger showing up on their doorstep out of the blue.
Now what I have had happen is that after the confirmation call, the borrower has called the LO to say they received a phone call from me and the LO will confirm that yes, I'm the Notary who is scheduled to meet with them. The one time I was asked to see an ID, it was a general notary customer and we were at Starbucks. He thought he had a right to see mine because I was seeing his - and he said so. I showed him my State ID card only because I'm nice about it and not because I thought he had any right.
As far as home invasions go - that's just it....criminals INVADE. I, the Notary, am INVITED (by the TC/SS/Lender/customer) - big difference. And the criminals posing as service persons - again, they INVADE by showing up UNINVITED, with some ruse about whatever just to gain entry.
Only the police are entitled to see my driver's license, not a borrower. The borrower can ask, I can refuse and they can show me the door.
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PWinFL
Florida
469 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2011 : 04:50:10 AM
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quote:
In fact, I do NOT believe clients are entitled to see my ID.
I think that's a rather cavalier attitude. Any property owner has the right to identify any person entering their property. That's guaranteed by the Constitution. Therefore, the homeowner has the right to ask and see proper identification. Further, I assert that even if the signing was taking place on neutral turf, the homeowner still has the right to identify who they are meeting with. Chances are they have never met the SA so have no idea who it is. With the laxity of information security, especially in our work-world, just about anyone could steal information and pose to be someone else for devious means. Just look at all the home invasions going on. A lot are due to criminals claiming to be some type of service person. Many homeowners here will not allow anyone into their homes unless ID is provided and the homeowner satisfied as to their identity.
Never drive any faster than your guardian angel can fly.
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida,
and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.
Visit us online at http://www.PAWnotary.com |
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Lisa T.
California
391 Posts |
Posted - 03/26/2011 : 6:03:33 PM
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Personally, I am not offended if I'm asked for ID but it's not because I think the client has a right to see mine because I'm seeing there's.....far from it. In fact, I do NOT believe clients are entitled to see my ID. The State of CA has granted me the authority and the right to see the client's ID - and the State of CA has verified who I am - via my DL, SSN, and criminal background checks through the CA Department of Justice and nationally with the FBI.
So the only reason any client will see my ID is because I'm nice about it. JMHO |
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mornflt
Missouri
6 Posts |
Posted - 03/26/2011 : 1:59:53 PM
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As a Notary Public, our duties require that we obtain highly sensitive and personal information. Last year identity theft rose over 40 percent. No wonder people are so concerned and leery about giving their personal information to anyone. According to the National Notary Association, an overwhelming majority of notaries are in favor of state issued photo identification, however, states are far from considering the possibility of issuing photo IDs mostly due to budget constraints. Mobile notaries and signing agents who call on people in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and private homes are probably most in need of photo id's, however all notories might find them useful.
State Notary ID has several Id products, including Photo ID Cards, Badges and Badge Cases. StateNotaryID@Charter.net
Stu Schankman |
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Angela V
California
40 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2011 : 10:52:49 PM
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I agree with LeahMN and Dannotary. I carry business cards and a copy of my commission. I don't agree with providing my driver's license for the many reasons given.
Angela V
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LeslieO
California
4 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2010 : 08:16:22 AM
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On a number of occasions, I have been asked to show my identification to borrowers. This is usually prefaced by the borrowers mentioning something about identiy theft, not knowing who to trust in this day and age, etc. I'm wondering if other notaries have run across this situation and how they are handling this.
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Notary Identification
