Posted by Curious George on 7/9/04 12:05pm
Msg #4147

SS requiring copy of your seal....


Morning Everyone,

So I am noticing more and more that alot of these signing companys are requiring that you place a copy of your seal in the information they request to register with them. The state of Oregon says you may only use your seal in an official capacity. Has anyone else had this issue? Would love some feedback on this...

And also Thanks for all the quick help last weekend on printer selection just picked up a new hp and love it....
Hope Everyone Has A Great Day,
~Anthony
Oregon

Reply by Curious George on 7/9/04 12:12pm
Msg #4148

Sorry I'm in a typing mood this morning.....Also has anyone ever had a problem with all the applications requesting your Social Security # just makes me sorta nervous giving my number out to numerous companys, not knowing if I'll even be getting any work from them or the level of integrity the company has ....... Just some stuff that makes me go Hmmmmm....

Reply by mimi on 7/9/04 12:12pm
Msg #4149

I have had the same experience. I did submit the copy of my seal but I put a line or X through it.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 7/9/04 12:21pm
Msg #4151

I do not even submit a copy of my seal with an X through it. I just tell them my state forbids the use of a notary seal for anything but official notary acts. I will provide a copy of my commission which is all that they should need.

As for the W9 - get yourself an EIN number from the IRS website as a sole proprietor and put that number on the W9.

Reply by Cheryl CA on 7/9/04 4:09pm
Msg #4169

In California, it is illegal to affix your seal to any document other than for the purpose of performing a notarial act. I think this is a test, to find out if a notary knows their stuff. It should be sufficient to send them a copy of your commission issued by the SOS.

The SS's also ask for a copy of DL, SS Card and often your insurance card. I caution everyone out there not to copy these for any one. It can lead to identify fraud and other misuse of your personal information. It should suffice to give them your DL#, but not make a copy of your license, and to complete a W9, not send them a copy of your SS Card, and to send them the name of your insurance agent.

We are after all independent contractors. Do we get to ask them for their DL, SSN and insurance cards, and what about a copy of their employee dishonestry coverage in the event of fraud and compromise of your personal information at their disposal.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 7/9/04 4:32pm
Msg #4172

Unfortunately, Cheryl, asking for a copy of your seal is not a test.
Notary Express asks for a copy - there is a discussion on this on the GMN board. They claim they need a copy to verify the seal is legiblle. DUH! Just because you send them a legible copy one day does not guarantee anything! It has been pointed out to them that not only is it illegal to send them a copy of your seal, it is illegal for them to ask for it.

Reply by Arizanga CA on 7/12/04 3:12pm
Msg #4280

Thanks for the information. I'm new and didn't realize the consequence of the signing company's requests. Are you a member of NotaryRotary and is it worth joining?

Any suggestions to a new certified notary signing agent (I want to specialize in loan document signing because that's where the money is).

Hope to hear back from you.

Reply by Stephanie/CA on 7/9/04 4:29pm
Msg #4170

Anthony,
Everyone has given you excellent responses.
In California, probably like most other states, we go through a rigorous background check prior to being commissioned. We are the industry that encompasses the most honest people with the highest integrity.
I generally provide a DL #, and explain why I cannot provide the rest of what they request.
Sylvia indicated that you can get a Tax ID # which is a great idea because the ss# doesn't even come up.
It seems to me that you are asking all the right questions as a New Signing Agent.
Good luck to you in this industry.
Stephanie

Reply by Curious George on 7/10/04 2:03pm
Msg #4204

Thanks Everyone, All of your info helped.... I appreciate all the responses

Anthony
Oregon