Posted by VioCa on 7/7/07 5:08pm
Msg #198855

Mr. Borrower asked for my ID

and not only, but was ready to write down all the info on my ID when I stopped him, and told him I do not have a problem with showing it to him but I cannot have him write down all my info. He told me that I should not write down his info then. I explained why am I doing it and that I only follow the law, but it seemed to me he was not happy. He almost refused the thumb print, but when he saw that I am ready to leave, he gave in and everything did go ok after that.
Has anybody else experienced this before, and if so, then what is the best way to handle it so that they do not get agravated?
Thanks for the input. Vio

Reply by docs1954CA on 7/7/07 5:19pm
Msg #198857

I had a borrower that is a Superior Court Judge. He didn't want to be sworn to tell the truth.He didn't want to sign in black ink, per the instructions., He didn't want me to thumbprint him, refused to let me write down is lic. number .A real PITA....As I started to collect the docs to leave he suddenly decided that he was in my "court", not his and complied.I had to show him the Notary law in my handbook before he would believe me...Geeezzzz

Reply by christiSocal on 7/7/07 6:32pm
Msg #198866

Sounds like you guys needed that Notary badge!

It is amazing how quickly their minds change when you start packing up though. Lol.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 7/7/07 7:16pm
Msg #198871

Its kind of like the chicken and the pig...

When you are talking breakfast the chicken is involved and the pig is comitted. Well the notary is a lot like the chicken. You have to remember that to the BO the signing is a comitment for a lot of money and for a long time. To the notary its just another job. The BO is frequently stressed out about it. Have a great weekend.

Reply by christiSocal on 7/7/07 8:43pm
Msg #198878

Re: Its kind of like the chicken and the pig...

You have a great weekend too Charles, and I guess I'll be grateful your calling me a chicken and not the pig! LOL

Reply by DD/OR on 7/7/07 8:19pm
Msg #198875

I had one recently that was strange. I went to the door and the husband answered. I introduced myself. He said his wife wouldn't be home for another 10 minutes. I waited for him to invite me in but he didn't. So I waited on the front porch. He stood at the front door, just looking at me and saying nothing. Then he came out and stood by me. I was starting to get a little nervous because he wasn't acting normally. He said, "how do I know you're who you say You are?". I gave him my card. He asked me to prove who I am. He was giving me a hard way to go. He was sarcastic. I was just thinking about leaving when his wife came. She invited me in and things went OK after that, but I was glad to get out of there. This was a first for me. Most borrowers are super nice. I know how you must have felt.

Reply by Lee/AR on 7/7/07 8:36pm
Msg #198877

Along with the fancy legal-size Commission, Arkansas also kindly includes a little wallet card that only has my name, comm. #, County and Issue/Expiration date & is signed by SOS. In the 14 years I've been doing signings, only had one pretty strange man ask to see my ID. He got to see the little wallet card. He wasn't real happy. Too bad.

Reply by bellanco on 7/7/07 9:07pm
Msg #198879

I had that problem a couple of times. Just whipped out my Notary Badge- nuf said.

www.notary-on-wheels.net

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 7/8/07 12:51pm
Msg #198921

I like this idea - an ID card issued and signed by the SOS upon being commissioned - show that and your license for photo ID and you should be good to go...

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 7/7/07 10:55pm
Msg #198882

You might want to ask them , that when they go in for.....

a physical, do they ask the Doctor to get undressed also. ???

Reply by Becca_FL on 7/7/07 10:58pm
Msg #198883

LMAO, Bob! That's a GREAT comeback. Kudos. n/m

Reply by VioCa on 7/7/07 11:07pm
Msg #198885

Re: You might want to ask them , that when they go in for.....

I understand that Bob, the issue is that if you do not show it to them, they think you want to hide something and this can jeopardize the closing. I have no problem showing my ID, it happened before and it will happen again I'm sure, the issue that I had with this one was that he started writing down the info from my ID, which I did not allow and it almost turned into a refused to sign kind of deal because of that. On Saturdays usualy there is nobody available to call and explain the situation. And you know that the client is always right, if I would have left with the loan not signed, (their lock expires on Tuesday by the way) then what, was I in danger to face some law suit?

Reply by Rachel/ORWA on 7/7/07 11:44pm
Msg #198888

The client is NOT always right; you just have to always

TREAT them right. JMO. This little maxim gives me perspective and keeps me from taking things too personally.

Reply by VioCa on 7/8/07 1:04am
Msg #198893

Re: The client is NOT always right; you just have to always

I never take anything personally Rachel, but I definetely does not feel confortable when a total stranger has all my info written down on a piece of paper. Next is ask for my social security no and what then? I have been in this business for a long time, I have seen enough to know that some of them have unreasonable expectations or their mind is twisted and there is nothing we can do about it. I never argue with them, I explain to them in a few nice words the reason for I cannot proceed if that is the case and if they get the message fine, if they don't then I get my stuff and leave. I treat them with respect and I expect the same in return. I do not feel that if I am doing only a job, I should respond to any requests on their part. I am a person after all and I want to protect my privacy like any other person in this country.
This client's interest rate lock will expire on Tuesday, if he would have chose not to sign because he could not write down my name, address, id no expiration date etc, that is his problem, it does not make me responsible for him losing the lock.
Some would say it is not a big deal, let them do what they want, get it over with. Well, I agree with it but there are some limits. I had to leave from a closing not long ago because the id did not match the documents, and yes, there was a purchase, a lock that expired the next day but I could not help the client. And he was a nice person, but could not prove to me that he was the one on the papers.
Anyway, this was a long post and I could go on and on with all kind of stories, but I'd better stop, I think I made my point. Thanks for all your input

Reply by ZeeCA on 7/7/07 11:51pm
Msg #198891

I explained that as a notary I must remain impartial and not be part of the loan, thus if he chose to ID me than that would make me involved in their loan and I know he did not want to lose his loan after all his work getting this far.

this worked for me twice now.

Reply by PJM/MI on 7/8/07 7:28am
Msg #198899

Getting a badge/Name Tag

I had my local office supply store make me a name tag for about $11.00.
I have had many bo's ask for my ID, which is okay with me. I also carry a copy of my commission & E&O to re-assure them I am who I am.

Reply by sue_pa on 7/8/07 8:30am
Msg #198903

My response would be to tell them to call their lender/lo. I would never give someone my drivers license (don't even have it in my possession while I'm sitting in their kitchen so I couldn't even if I wanted to). If you wouldn't have shown it to him he couldn't have attempted to write anything down. What's the saying ... don't open doors you don't want to walk through...?

As for losing his rate lock, how could that be your fault?

Reply by BobbiCT on 7/8/07 8:34am
Msg #198904

The KIS solution ...

Remember: The average person does NOT know notarial laws and is TERRIFIED from daily fear-mongering news reports of identity theft and warnings to never give out information to strangers.

My personal solution: Mock up a one-page copy of your state law regarding exactly what you must do as a Notary Public to identify a signer, the recordkeeping that is required by law (journal), and the law on what you must do to safeguard your journal. Include on the bottom of the page the exact citation references (if not included in the above), where on-line the person signing can find this same information (web site address), and the telephone number and address for your commissioning official. Include a statement with your name that because you are a PUBLIC OFFICIAL, information on your Notary PUBLIC status can be obtained from your commissioning office. A simple one-page handout to show a signer or, for the extremely terrified, leave a copy with the signer.

I have never had a problem after showing someone a copy of the laws I must follow. Doesn't mean the person liked it, but it did get the job done. As to giving out your address, don't you think an angry borrower can find you through any of the internet sites you are marketing on, through the lender/title company who hired your or the signing company, or from you state commissioning office? It is a "worry," but if you are in this industry - just like real estate agents and appraisers - you can easily be found.

Reply by TRG_wy on 7/8/07 9:19am
Msg #198906

Make yourself a photo ID card to present

I have had very few people ever ask for me to identify myself as who "I" present myself to be.

But I do have a name tag and I also have a photo ID card that clearly reads Notary Public across the top, my photo, name and signature, a bold line that reads "A Sworn Public Official", my appointment status from the SOS and the state seal. We do not have commission numbers here but if we did I would add that as well. - If/when asked I simply show my ID - end of issue.

These notary ID cards are as easy to make on your computer as business cards and can eliminate any issues about who you are. It looks very professional (except my photo is a few years out of date now).

Reply by bigdog on 7/8/07 9:48am
Msg #198907

Re: Make yourself a photo ID card to present

Personally, I've never had the issue come up. But if I ever do, I'll simply show them the docs sent to me by their lender/TC that has all their info on them. If I'm not the right person, how is it I have all of your personal info and why would I show up here with it if my intentions were other than honorable? But I do like the idea of having an ID badge/card. Could cut through some of the BS. There is enough of that in the docs.

Reply by LJ on 7/8/07 10:48am
Msg #198911

Re: Make yourself a photo ID card to present

I've only had it asked to me twice. Both times I got out a business card. That satisfied them. I also carry a copy of my commission, insurance in my briefcase but have never had to show it. I feel that confirming with them on the phone and talking with them beforehand puts them at ease before we show up. I would be leary also if someone just showed up at my door without calling ahead.

Reply by Signing_Doc on 7/8/07 12:11pm
Msg #198918

and you all laffed at me with my "doc" smock which has my

name and title on it. Since wearing this to all my signings, I've NEVER had any problems. When I call to confirm the appointment, I address myself as "Doc" Stuart. So, when I show up on their doorstep in my 'doc' smock with the name "Doc" Stuart, Notary Signing Agent right on the pocket, there is NO doubt who I am, and why I'm there. "I don't need no stinkin' badge."

Reply by Charles_Ca on 7/9/07 12:15am
Msg #198970

Doc, I've always loved your smock, a brilliant marketing

ploy. I only wish I had thought of it!

Reply by Gerry_VT on 7/8/07 12:49pm
Msg #198920

Re: Make yourself a photo ID card to present

I wouldn't make my own ID card. First, someone present might know that my state does not issue such cards, and wonder who made mine. Second, since the ID card is all about being a notary, making it could be considered a notarial act, and my state laws don't authorize notaries to make ID cards.

Reply by TRG_wy on 7/8/07 4:43pm
Msg #198933

Re: Make yourself a photo ID card to present

I'm not defending the making of an ID card but I have to take exception with your reasoning. I am a t a loss at just how making it could ever be deemed a "notarial act". Nobody got sworn in and no seal was rendered. Second, how can any state prohibit the making of any ID card?

The verbage on the card is exactly what is on the commission certificate issued by the state.

Some people just do not like to provide their personal information, even to a notary. If they want to be defensive and ask for my "proof" of ID, the card does wonders. Anybody can create a business and pretend to be someone or something they are not; the ID card I have is a bit more tangible. P.S. I NEVER show my driver's license.

Reply by John_NorCal on 7/8/07 5:15pm
Msg #198935

Or you can just get the all purpose notary public badge!



http://www.epolicesupply.com/inc/sdetail/18280

Reply by Gerry_VT on 7/8/07 5:48pm
Msg #198937

Re: Make yourself a photo ID card to present

TRG_wv commented "I'm not defending the making of an ID card but I have to take exception with your reasoning. I am a t a loss at just how making it could ever be deemed a 'notarial act'." My reasoning is that whenever a notary, using his or her title, makes a statement of fact, it is a notarial act. Any such statement should be authorized by state law.

Also, while states probably don't forbid private individuals from making ID cards, they certainly can regulate which government officers can, and cannot, make ID cards.

Reply by Joe Ewing on 7/8/07 6:02pm
Msg #198940

Re: Make yourself a photo ID card to present

I have not had that happen to me even once and I do much more than loan signings. Where you late for the assignment? Didn't call and confirm? What did you say or do that made the signer distrust you?

Reply by ZeeCA on 7/8/07 7:38pm
Msg #198945

Re: Make yourself a photo ID card to present : TRG/WY

"Nobody got sworn in ............."

in Calif you ARE sworn

Reply by TRG_wy on 7/9/07 8:35am
Msg #198990

Re: Make yourself a photo ID card to present : TRG/WY

I don't understand your point "in Calif you ARE sworn". ?

I was a CA notary before retiring and moving to Wyoming in 1999. I was there (and here) sworn into office, here by the county clerk. That is NOT a notarial act, and even if it were, it doesn't relate here to the issue that was raised.

Reply by Gerry_VT on 7/9/07 1:40pm
Msg #199039

Re: Make yourself a photo ID card to present : TRG/WY

As I see it, we notaries are sworn government officers. All our actions can be put in four categories:

1. Actions as private individuals, such as posting on computer discussion boards. Private individuals can do anything they please unless there is a law agains it.
2. Official actions that are specifically authorized by state law (taking acknowledgements, administering oaths, etc.) Government officers can't do anything unless the law says they can.
3. Official actions that are not specifically authorized by law, but which the law implies are authorized, because we couldn't carry out our duties if we didn't do them (phone caller asks "Are you a notary?" and we say "yes".
4. Purported official actions that either are not authorized by law, or are actually forbidden by law (in most states, sealing a document with no notarial wording would be an example of this).

So the question is, which category does creating a notary ID card fall in?

Reply by CJ on 7/9/07 10:45pm
Msg #199147

What I did.

Once the guy refused to give me his thumb print. I said it is illegal for me to notariaze his DOT without it, and I packed up to leave (after hagglig with him for 10 minutes). When I packed up, he changed his mind.

Another time I showed up on time to my confirmed appointment, dressed professonally (6:00 p.m., the sun was still up, so it's not like I was the boogie man). She opened the door a crack and peeked one eye out, and asked who I was. I thought, "Who else are you expecting at this time?" I said I was the notary. She said prove it. I showed her my notary stamp and explained how the State of California can track me down and arrest me by the number on my stamp. (Plus I had her loan docs). When they know I can be traced by my stamp, that seems to calm them down.

Reply by Todd/OH on 7/8/07 10:57pm
Msg #198959

Nah - If they don't present the ID that I need and the thumb print, I leave.