Posted by PJM/MI on 9/22/06 8:11am
Msg #147715

Identifying Ourselves

I received an invite to order a Notry Badge. It was pretty pricey, so I went to my local stationary store and had one made for less than $12.00.
I've had bo's ask for my ID before, so wearing a "who I am" badge might not be a bad idea. I pick it up today.

Reply by Teddog/CO on 9/22/06 8:17am
Msg #147717

That's a good idea. When I call people I give the bwr my contact info and they are aware that I'm coming. Have yet to have anyone ask me for an ID. But I do keep my driver's license handy. Gosh we can be so darn "country" out here. lol Plus the fact I just look plain old harmless.

What does the ID look like ? Is there a picture on it ?

Reply by sue_pa on 9/22/06 11:31am
Msg #147791

I would NEVER give a borrower my drivers license. It's none of their business. Their lender has approved me to show up with their paperwork and that has to be good enough for them. I've had borrowers ask and I tell them I don't have my wallet with me (which I don't - there is no reason to take that into someone's house). When workmen come to my house I don't ask for their drivers licenses. I've hired their company and the company sends them. That's enough for me.

Reply by KBLedgard_CA on 9/22/06 8:27am
Msg #147720

Although it doesn't count as "photo identification" I almost always wear one of the polo shirts I had embroidered with my company name on it. But even in the instances where I did not wear it, no one has asked for id. I do, like someone else mentioned, keep my drivers license handy.

Reply by Charm_AL on 9/22/06 8:29am
Msg #147722

never been asked, I hand them a card after I introduce myself, then shake hands.
I'd like to find a small magnetic badge like the one I used to have. It was gold and had black lettering.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 9/22/06 9:03am
Msg #147728

Re: Identifying Ourselves- I greet the clients and hand them

my business card. And I've never been ask to show ID.......I did recently do a private notarization and I felt the hubby was waiting for my arrival and then when I assume he thought I appeared safe he left the room and never heard another peep out of him.....I just dealt with the wife as my client.

Reply by Signing_Doc on 9/22/06 9:14am
Msg #147730

Re: Identifying Ourselves..I have my name and title right on

my "costume" (as some people have called it)....which clearly identifies me as who/what I am. I've seen the identification badge available at the site which has "mible loan signing specialist" but they wanted about 35.00.

Reply by MaggieMae_CA on 9/22/06 10:28am
Msg #147749

IMO, Presenting a business card

is the proper identification for anyone in business to use when introducing themself.

Reply by Lee/AR on 9/22/06 10:22am
Msg #147745

Re: AR gives us a wallet card

Your 'invite'? Not that rhinestone cowboy thingy? One of the things that AR does right is give you a little official-looking wallet card with the State seal, your name & expiration date, county & it's 'signed' by the SOS. I've never used it or--in 12 yrs.--been asked, as I, too, hand them a business card when I introduce myself.

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 9/22/06 10:28am
Msg #147750

I have a laminated ID card that has my picture on the front with my commission number and expiration date, and on the back is a picture of my commission. It was made by another notary that was selling them for $10 I believe. I've only been asked for ID once in 3 years.

Reply by MaggieMae_CA on 9/22/06 10:30am
Msg #147752

Hi Barb! :) n/m

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 9/22/06 10:31am
Msg #147753

Re: Good morning Myra! :) - n/m

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 9/22/06 10:29am
Msg #147751

I've never been asked for my ID. But there's a first time for everything. The sign on my car helps I think.

Reply by MaggieMae_CA on 9/22/06 10:36am
Msg #147758

The only times I've been asked to present ID

has been when I've gone to businesses (secure facilities) and/or one of the military bases. Neither will accept the notary badge (free from the company I took my notaryclass thru) I have to grant permission to come aboard. I had one borrower joke with me once that he should be able to see my drivers license since I got to see his. The wife told him he was bing rude, I just laughed.

Reply by Linda_in_MI on 9/22/06 10:55am
Msg #147772

I haven't been asked for ID before, but I do carry my driver's license with me into closings as well as leaving a business card with the borrowers. But what I have done is take my commission from the SOS, using a copier shrink it to wallet size, and "laminate" it with tape. I carry it in my wallet with me just in case someone would ask to see something official.

Reply by SueW/Tn on 9/22/06 12:30pm
Msg #147799

I have been asked one time, my borrower was a PI and after I ID'd him and filled out my journal he asked to see my ID. After I notarized the first doc he asked to see it again and compared it to my cert. I wasn't insulted in the least and quite frankly thought he was being very prudent.

Reply by Blueink_CA on 9/22/06 1:08pm
Msg #147808

prudent or paranoid maybe

Some people just can't leave their work at the office. Aren't you glad he wasn't a therapist? He probably would have tried to analyze you!

Reply by SueW/Tn on 9/22/06 1:17pm
Msg #147814

Re: prudent or paranoid maybe

roflmao...I guess this is where you say "could have been worse" eh? Most likely it was a "control" issue, I'm in HIS home sitting at HIS table with all HIS personal information...I think even though I explained the reason for personal identification he determined what "goes around comes around". There's always two sides to a coin, why would he be anyone other than the borrower? With ID theft being what it is, he may have been burnt or worked with folks that had their lives destroyed thru illegal means. Dunno...but I have a feeling had I not presented my ID we would have adjourned.

Reply by Julie/MI on 9/22/06 12:36pm
Msg #147802

Hey Sue/PA remember the lady that wanted notary uniforms...

What a hoot!!!!

Reply by PA_Notary_II on 9/22/06 1:45pm
Msg #147820

PA also

now gives you a wallet card with the State Seal, your name, commission # and expiration date on it. Only ever been asked to show ID twice, but have no problem with it.

Reply by David Kral on 9/22/06 3:22pm
Msg #147845

Questionable Idea

Impersonating an official is illegal in many states. Some in my state just got caught with a fake policy badge.

You have a state appointed license. I would not use a badge. People might think the state issued the badge and the state has not.

Call in advance. Use a business card. Keep a copy of your notary certificate with you. The information is all on the state website anyway so showing them a copy of your certificate is no big deal.

I would not give them my driver's license. I do leave my contact info.

If that is not good enough for them, walk away from the signing. They should be expecting you. Let them suffer with out the refi or purchase funds. Believe me, they won't let you walk away.