Posted by Dotti_CA on 9/14/04 12:42pm
Msg #7907

Copying of Social Security Card

I am occasionally asked by lenders or signing services to provide copy of the borrower's drivers license and SScard. I don't have a problem with providing them a copy of the DL but thus far I've pushed back when they've asked for the SScard. Since the SSN is such an important document I don't want the responsibility or exposure by having a copy. I also do not provide a copy of my own to anyone due to ID theft concerns. How do the rest of you feel about this, and how do you handle it? Thanks in advance for responses.....

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 9/14/04 12:50pm
Msg #7910

I am more concerned about the copying of a drivers license!
The package of docs already contain their SS#'s but do not have drivers license info with picture.

A lot of people do not even have their SS cards!!!

Reply by Dotti_CA on 9/14/04 12:59pm
Msg #7912

I pretty much agree with you Sylvia and would prefer not to be responsible for copies of either. In my opinion the lender should obtain this information up front before doing business. Unfortunately they don't. Since our DLs are used for identification for lots of things it bothers me less than the SScard which we are advised by the IRS NOT to carry with us. Just wondering how others deal with this......or is this just a CA issue?

Reply by PAW Notary Services on 9/14/04 1:10pm
Msg #7917

If lenders and title companies would use a Notary Public for what they are for, then we could provide the "proof" of proper identification. Some lenders do this by having the borrowers sign a document attesting to the validity and accuracy of identification information. We notarize it which in effect "authenticates" it.

I also understand the lender side when you have so many notaries who just don't have a grasp on their duties and functions, they (lenders) are very hesitant in accepting the proof from someone who cannot follow simple instructions or complete their certificates properly.

Reply by PAW Notary Services on 9/14/04 1:05pm
Msg #7914

When opening an account (loan), even with a refinance, the borrowers social security number (tax identification number) is required. It used to be that all the application stuff was done at a bank or lender's office, so it was an easy step for the loan officer to make a copy of the documents for their file. Now, quite often, we are the only ones in the borrowers face. Rather than having the borrowers fax or mail in the copies, it is better to have the signing agent pick them up and return them in the overnight envelope. (These are "safer" than mailing, emailing or faxing over the public networks.) Of course, the DL, passport, or whatever gov't picture ID is used, may also be required by the lender as part of their own policies and procedures for compliance with the Patriots Act.

If the lender asks for copies of those documents, and the borrowers don't have a problem, I certainly don't have a problem including them in with the returned docs.

Now, SSes, Title companies and Lenders asking for copies of MY drivers license and social security card is a horse of a different color. I do not provide either one. I have an EIN which I provide (on a W-9) instead of my SSN. They don't need any information from my DL. I'm not providing a service which includes driving. My service contract is to perform the signing. How I get there is not within the contract bounds. It may be that I don't have a driver's license. Maybe I take a cab everywhere, or ride a bike or public transit. They don't care, as long as things get done.

Reply by CarolynCO on 9/14/04 2:17pm
Msg #7923

PAW Notary said: "If the lender asks for copies of those documents, and the borrowers don't have a problem, I certainly don't have a problem including them in with the returned docs."

I agree. If the borrowers don't have a problem with it, then I don't. It's overnighted with the package that is filled with SS numbers, bank account numbers, etc., on any number of docs. I don't make a copy of the card and don't keep copies of any of the docs (whether hard or stored on my computer). As for my Chase signing last night where the borrower's wallet had been stolen and he didn't have a copy of his driver's license -- it was the BORROWER who had the conversation with Chase in regards to not having a social security card, and it was the BORROWER who supplied a copy of a credit card and didn't have a problem with it. Would I have done it? No, but I also don't provide my driver's license, SS #, credit card info., or any other identity theft info.

Reply by Julie-MI on 9/14/04 2:50pm
Msg #7928

Just yesterday I was presented with a really old SS card

the numbers were red, the background had a different color than the letters. The fine print of the card said NOT (my emphasis) to be used for identification.

Reply by PAW Notary Services on 9/14/04 5:42pm
Msg #7940

Re: Just yesterday I was presented with a really old SS card

Julie-MI spouted: "Just yesterday I was presented with a really old SS card ... the numbers were red, the background had a different color than the letters. The fine print of the card said NOT (my emphasis) to be used for identification."

Trust me, these cards are not REALLY that old. As a matter of fact, I have one just like it. (Okay, Sylvia and Hugh, have at it! )

From the SSA FAQ page (http://www.ssa.gov/history/hfaq.html):
Q21: When did Social Security cards bear the legend "NOT FOR IDENTIFICATION"?

A: The first Social Security cards were issued starting in 1936, they did not have this legend. Beginning with the sixth design version of the card, issued starting in 1946, SSA added a legend to the bottom of the card reading "FOR SOCIAL SECURITY PURPOSES -- NOT FOR IDENTIFICATION." This legend was removed as part of the design changes for the 18th version of the card, issued beginning in 1972. The legend has not been on any new cards issued since 1972.

Reply by HisHughness on 9/14/04 5:55pm
Msg #7942

Re: Just yesterday I was presented with a really old SS card

Paul said:

***Trust me, these cards are not REALLY that old. As a matter of fact, I have one just like it.***

I'm surprised that papyrus held up that well.

Reply by PAW Notary Services on 9/14/04 6:11pm
Msg #7945

Re: Just yesterday I was presented with a really old SS card

>>>I'm surprised that papyrus held up that well.<<<

Boy, you surely do have a short memory. Papyrus was way after the HP Hammer and Chisle that I sold to the cavemen. (And I promise not to call you Surely anymore.)

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 9/14/04 6:29pm
Msg #7947

Re: Just yesterday I was presented with a really old SS card

But yours was chiseled in stone before paper was invented - even before the papyrus.
I actually thought your first one was carved on the wall of the cave......

Reply by Bob-Chicago on 9/15/04 12:43am
Msg #7973

Carved on the Cave wall With a dinosaur tooth

A freshly killed dinosaur, at that

Reply by Happy in FL on 9/15/04 6:36am
Msg #7978

Re: Got ya Beat- I Think!

My grandson said a few years ago---"My Granpas so old-- His Social Security Number is 2"-- Can you beat that? Out of the mouths of babes!

Reply by HisHughness on 9/15/04 2:05pm
Msg #8004

Re: Got ya Beat- I Think!

PAW is so old, his SS card is a negative number.

Reply by Dotti_CA on 9/15/04 9:07am
Msg #7981

Re: Just yesterday I was presented with a really old SS card

I Truly love this site! Entertaining AND informative. I actually got my card out to see if it had NOT on it anywhere, it didn't, whew! While looking at the back of the card, something I don't ever remember doing, I actually discovered it doesn't really belong to me after all. It is the property of the Social Security Administration. AND is has a number on the back too. How embarrasing.

Reply by PAW Notary Services on 9/15/04 10:54am
Msg #7990

Re: Just yesterday I was presented with a really old SS card

Also, note that you "cannot" laminate the card, though many people do. I have had a metal SSA card for as long as I can remember (I know, I'm leaving myself open for more public humiliation). I don't remember where I got it or how, and I'm sure it's not anywhere near "official".

Reply by Bob-Chicago on 9/15/04 4:12pm
Msg #8013

Probably bronze, Made way before the Iron Age

Happy birthday. Will the Zypherhills Fire Dept let you have a candle for each year?
Might be a major fire risk