Posted by Marlene/USNA on 5/9/06 11:03am
Msg #118580

Camera phones for on-site IDs?

Can you use a camera phone to take a photo of a driver's license when you get to a signing and the borrower hasn't made a copy? I've read on the board that some signing agents use digital cameras for this purpose, I wondered if camera phones work or if the resolution isn't good enough.

I'm upgrading my cellphone soon, want to get a camera phone (has to be Verizon), does anyone have recommendations? No bells and whistles required - talk/listen/photos only - no games, no IM, no Internet, no ringtones, no color cases to match my moods. Would be nice, tho, if it would walk Bob Dog for me when I'm working late.

Thanks.

Reply by Becca_FL on 5/9/06 11:21am
Msg #118587

Resolution has been a problem for me when using the camera phone for DL copies. If I remember correctly, others have said the same. I use a copier that I have in my car in the event that the borrowers have not provided a copy of their DL at the signing.

I use Verizon and have an LG VX8100 that does have all the bells, whistles and TV to boot. I have been very happy with my phone and love the fact that I can check my email on my phone.

Reply by Joe Ewing on 5/9/06 11:44am
Msg #118592

I have used a camera phone for my ID shots for years. My first ones were just a blur. But the lender accepted them anyway. This led me to believe that the photo request was a joke. I mean who really believes that you can legally include a photo copy of someone ID unless of course it's a blur.

Over the years the camera in each of my upgraded phones has improved. The quality is (now) to the point that even the issue date is readable. OH no!

If this is what you want make sure the camera has at least a 1.5 mega pixel processor and a light or flash. Low light makes the photo grainy so if you do choose one without a flash just remember "lots of light". You will need to add to your wireless service plan the capability to send photos to your computer.

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/9/06 12:37pm
Msg #118597

Re: Camera phones for on-site IDs? - Ditto - Joe...

**My first ones were just a blur. But the lender accepted them anyway. This led me to believe that the photo request was a joke. I mean who really believes that you can legally include a photo copy of someone ID unless of course it's a blur. **


I think this is redundancy as they have them provide a copy when they apply for the loan. Or should anyhow. Probably just a back up for those files without the DL.

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 5/9/06 12:40pm
Msg #118599

Re: Download to computer - Joe

Something I read said, "Buy a USB cable to download photos to computer." Can you do that with the phone model you have? I know it costs extra to email them to yourself.

Reply by PAW on 5/9/06 12:48pm
Msg #118602

Re: Download to computer

I have a Razr and yes, you can download from the phone to the computer and vice versa.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 5/9/06 3:28pm
Msg #118643

Re: Camera phones for on-site IDs?I have a Verizon phone

with camera, it's fine but not for photo ID'ing

Reply by SharonMN on 5/9/06 6:25pm
Msg #118685

Re: Camera phones & professionalism

OK, if you have a good enough camera phone, this might work, but think of it from the borrower's point of view. If I were a borrower, I would find it very fishy if a stranger came to my home and asked to take a picture of my ID with his phone (especially if the docs were late and I'd already been called a couple times "I'm coming at 6 - no wait, I'm coming at 8" It would make me nervous that my identity was being stolen.

A lot of companies allow borrower to fax or email the copy the next day if they don't have it ready at signing. You could use the camera phone if you had no other option, but I wouldn't use it as an everyday tool.

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 5/10/06 10:48am
Msg #118827

Re: Camera phones & professionalism

I agree. I also have a multi-function, whiz-bang, yee-haw, optical digital camera, but I was trying to avoid carrying it and fumbling with it if possible (I've had it 4 years, have yet to figure out everything on it and I was a technical writer for 17 years). I would ask company what to do first, take a phone photo last.