Posted by Anonymous on 6/13/06 5:38pm
Msg #125701

I am new

I just wonder do I need to make a copy each time I notarize? This may be a silly question, but I realy want to know, thanks for your help.

Reply by ananotary on 6/13/06 5:40pm
Msg #125702

That is why you have a journal. It is your "record" of notary work.

Reply by psmithTX on 6/13/06 5:59pm
Msg #125707

Just click on the "orange" search button for all of your questions, before posting anything. Type in message # 33325. It will tell you just about everything you want to know.

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 6/13/06 6:06pm
Msg #125711

Except for 'Do I need to make a copy?'... LOL. That was a new one!

Reply by Missy_Lulu on 6/13/06 6:06pm
Msg #125712

No you do not make a copy of each document you notarize. You log it into your journal stating what the document is and what type of notarization you did as well as signer info, date of signing etc.

Reply by Poppy on 6/13/06 6:11pm
Msg #125717

I went to a notary a few years back who wanted to make a copy of my document for his records. When I said no he said he makes a copy of everything he notarizes. So I had it notarized elsewhere... The doc had my SSN on it and no way was I leaving a copy with him...

Reply by Anonymous on 6/13/06 6:25pm
Msg #125724

thank you so much for all your help, I realy appreciate it.

Reply by PAW on 6/13/06 6:55pm
Msg #125741

Not allowed to in FL

Per the Gov's Reference Manual for Notaries (page 42), "Notaries are not authorized to keep copies of the documents they notarize. The best way to protect yourself is to document your notarial acts in a journal (record book or log)."

Reply by Ernest__CT on 6/13/06 8:10pm
Msg #125758

Let's remember the difference ...

... between making borrower's copies for a loan signing (required for edocs!) and "normal" Notary activities.

No, you should never keep a copy of what you notarize as a Notary Public. There are too many issues involved.

As a Notary Signing Agent, you are responsible (most of the time, anyway) for seeing that the borrowers have their own copy of the loan package. Most of the time overnight docs come with the borrower's copy already made. For edocs, you have to print two sets: One to be signed and returned, t'other for the borrower(s) to keep for their records.

HTH!

Reply by LynnNC on 6/14/06 7:11am
Msg #125811

It is not your job as a notary to know the contents of a document, but to properly notarize a person's signature. If you keep a journal, listing all the documents that you have notarized, including the date on the docs, whether an ack or jurat, list the persons name as it appears on their ID, their address, record the information from the government issued photo ID, and obtain their signature (and thumbprint in CA), you will have everything that you need as a record.

I recently obtained a Home Equity Loan and the signing agent asked for two copies of my driver's license; one to go with the loan documents and one for her file. I told her that she did not need a copy, but should record the information in a journal (which she did not use), and should not keep copies of driver's licenses due to potential identity theft problems.