Posted by Kim_Cali on 6/23/05 9:40am
Msg #47096

What do you use for id verification tools?

I would like to invest in a Panagio UV pen to bring with me to signings as an extra security measure while checking ids. What products do you use? Wondering if these are truely worth the investment!

Thanks,
Kim

Reply by Kim_NJ on 6/23/05 12:28pm
Msg #47135

My own two eyes and gut instinct! Personally, I would not make the investment into anything above and beyond the glasses or contacts I wear to see. :-) I'd be interested too in what others use though.

I carry a list of what I can use as acceptable ID, and as long as what I am handed appears to be a valid ID, I accept it. If I were ever in a situation where I was uncertain, I would ask for additional ID to verify the identity. If they could not provide anything else I would not proceed with the notarization. I don't think we are expected to be experts in identifying counterfit ID - unless it is blatantly obvious.

Now all that said, I am in NJ which seems to be fairly relaxed regarding acceptable ID compared to California. (You would be shocked by the response I received first from the Notary Division, then from the Division of Finance, which oversees the Notary Division, regarding acceptable ID in NJ - and in writing no less. I'll post it some day for a good laugh.)

Reply by Kim in Cali on 6/23/05 12:45pm
Msg #47143

I KNEW someone would say "eye"....lol, that was my first thought

Anyway I have just purchased one of those UV lights by digimarc and I was wondering if anyone actually has caught a false id with one. Guess it would work more the "intimidation factor" to someone who would actually attempt to pass a false id....ya never know!

Kim

Reply by Anon on 6/23/05 1:33pm
Msg #47159

Love your response. It is so reasonable. I have been in two states. A reasonable certainty....that is accurate, at least where I have been a notary. We overstep our bounds sometimes. Feet back on the ground!

Reply by Kim in Cali on 6/23/05 2:00pm
Msg #47171

What are you referring to by overstepping our bounds?

Reply by Kim in Cali on 6/23/05 2:07pm
Msg #47172

Look...Im new to this and it was suggested to me that using one of these would not be a bad idea. You must be one of the people here that they refer to here when they talk about individuals being rude pompas a**es to new notaries.....next time try leaving a helpful useful post instead of sarcasm. Thanks for your help.

Reply by BrendaTx on 6/23/05 4:53pm
Msg #47221

Kim in Cali - hey, I just posted something for fun below and I realize now after reading your post that it may come across as directed at you.

That's not the case...I understand your concerns and that you want to do the job right. However, some organizations sell these kinds of things and they promote the idea that we need them to make sure we are getting good ID on bwrs. Don't worry about the sarcasm as its not directed at you in this thread but more toward the groups that sell these things.

Reply by Anon on 6/23/05 1:34pm
Msg #47160

Is anyone using DNA testing?

Reply by BrendaTx on 6/23/05 4:50pm
Msg #47218

DNA for ID? Well, yes of course, Anon...

I collect a hair sample, blood, and both finger/toenail clippings.

Look - I am the interface between God, County, Mother, apple pie and people who disresepect America by not having the right name on their ID.

None of these communist plotting evil-doing borrowers who let me come into their homes and witness their loan signings are going to get by with not being up to standard. See I won't tolerate anyone not having their whole name on their DL, their right name on their DL, or not changing their DL to match their married names. No tolerance for this kind up indifference. You bet I'm taking DNA samplings.

Naw...just having fun ya'll...one more EOM day to go.

Reply by Terri_CA on 6/23/05 4:18pm
Msg #47214

California Notarial law doesn't say you have to be an expert in determining "genuine" id; but to use your best judgment. i.e. we aren't the ID police. One should not feel that they have to invest in additional equipment to verify whether the id presented is geniune or not. If it is obvious to the "naked" eye, then, of course, you could not accept the id.

However, the law doesn't state that you can't do what you're suggesting. My concern would be if it would provide a benefit for you or would the risks (more liability?) outweight the benefit?

While the law states that I must obtain fingerprints for Deeds, Deeds of Trust, QuitClaim Deeds (anything that conveys or encumbers property), etc., it doesn't state that I cannot get fingerprints for every document that I notarize. That is what I do. I write down all the ID info in my journal, and obtain a thumbprint for every document. If at a later date, I am contacted I have that thumbprint to additionally prove who appeared before me.

Just my take on it. What you do, is up to you and is your personal choice.

Terri
Lancaster, CA

Reply by Joel CT on 6/23/05 8:31pm
Msg #47266

Hey - Thumbs up to anyone willing to take verification one step beyond! My personal view on the matter is that as a Notary, I am expected to be "proficient" a viewing ID's, but not an expert at detecting forged ID's. If a signer really wants to perpetrate a fraud on the HELOC he is signing, he will have probably covered his bases on UV lamination.

Here are some good things to look for when considering the validity of an ID:
- Could you make the same ID card on your personal computer?
- Would you refuse this ID card if you were a bartender?
- Is the ID expired?
- Is the lamination peeled back, especially near the photo?
- Is one portion of the ID more or less faded/worn then the rest?
- Does the ID number and format differ from similar IDs you have viewed previously?
- Does the ID card say FBI in big letters and "Female Body Inspector" in smaller letters?
- Is the signer sweating bullets while you examine his ID?

If you answered "YES" to any of the above questions, its time to ask for better ID. Play scratch and sniff, see what comes of it. Most folks will break with even the most simple questioning about their ID. For you seasoned folks out there, how many times have you had a signer present his social security card and a credit card as ID? I laugh as they pull them out right after I ask for anything BESIDES these cards!

Taken with a grain of salt, even these comments are worth reading!

Reply by Barry Silver on 6/23/05 9:46pm
Msg #47282

I use the UV light sold by NNA. Yes, I find it useful.