Posted by Tudi/CA on 5/23/13 8:10pm
Msg #471063

Anyone had experience doing GNW for prison inmates?

What sort of GNW is typically involved with prison inmates? Who pays the bill? What sort of money are you paid ? How much time is involved with getting into the prison, meeting with the inmate, doing the notary work, and then getting back into your car to leave? Did you feel safe going into the environment? Would you do it again?

Reply by Sha/CA on 5/23/13 8:59pm
Msg #471069

I charge by the hour, from my door back to my door.

There has always been someone else making the call and paying the bill, upfront. If the appointment runs longer than expected, an additional fee is charged and the bill is always paid before the document is handed over. Everything necessary (fee charge and method of payment) is disclosed in the initial phone call.

Reply by Sha/CA on 5/23/13 9:05pm
Msg #471071

This is the travel fee, notarization fee is additional $10. n/m

Reply by JanetK_CA on 5/23/13 9:04pm
Msg #471070

Be sure to allow extra time, as that will vary greatly from jail to jail. Allow at least an hour on-site, although it could be more. I also recommend you verify in advance that they will have proper ID available. That also usually needs to be brought in by someone else, as the wrist bands used for ID in some jails do not meet the state notary ID requirements.

Reply by Tudi/CA on 5/23/13 9:51pm
Msg #471080

Very helpful information...Thank you!

Reply by LKT/CA on 5/23/13 10:48pm
Msg #471081

I used to....not anymore

**I** consider jail notarizing appts a P.I.T.A....I refer them out to someone I KNOW knows the ends and outs of notarizing at lock up facilities.

A few tips: Get your fee in CASH and UPFRONT......you will regret it if you don't!! You must take your original commission certificate and have YOUR ID ready when checking in. The desk officer will review the paperwork and will tell you what can and cannot be taken to the inmate. Be very sure that whomever gives you the paperwork is giving you the CORRECT paperwork, otherwise, the paperwork may be rejected OR, the inmate may not be willing to sign it.

One jail appt I had was for a general POA so the "baby mama" could handle the inmate's banking. After checking in, waiting and then finally meeting with the inmate - thru a steel screen - the inmate tells me he told the "baby mama" that her ONLY task was to close the account, therefore, he wasn't signing that general POA, but one specifically from his bank and specifically saying she could ONLY close the account on his behalf.

That was a waste of my time and resources and was postponed until the girlfriend could get the correct POA.

Another time, I arrived at the facility and it was on lock-down. You don't know the reason for the lock-down and they won't tell you when the lock-down will be lifted. So you leave and then take your chance on a return trip that all will be okay. After those two headache jail appts - I was done.

Reply by Tudi/CA on 5/23/13 11:45pm
Msg #471087

Re: I used to....not anymore

LKT, thanks for your feedback. Very helpful.

Reply by ananotary on 5/24/13 8:27am
Msg #471106

LKT/ CA- SAme for me!! I have seen an increase in calls

for this type of GNW.

Reply by rengel/CA on 5/24/13 1:56pm
Msg #471155

If the prison goes into lockdown while you're there

YOU get locked down also. Could be a couple of hours, or it could be a couple of weeks.

And the policy is that they do NOT negotiate for hostages.

Remember that when figuring your fees for this type of work.

My .02

Reply by 101livescan on 5/24/13 9:06am
Msg #471113

I don't go to jail any more. Over crowded, takes too much time to wait while they get the client ready and in a booth to see you, then getting out, you have to be escorted out.

The last time I went to the SB County jail, it was dirty, loud and the staff was so uptight that I decided this is not the kind of work for me. I've done it probably a dozen times in 12 years. No more.

I have a friend who is approved for the Federal Penitentiary. It's just not for me.

I lprefer GNW and loan signing work on the outside of jail bars instead.