Posted by Deborah Breedlove on 11/17/07 6:40pm
Msg #221849

Portable scanners

Does anyone use a small, portable scanner or copier for making copies of photo IDs? I've looked into the business card scanners, but it seems that they must be attached to a laptop in order to work. They don't have a power cord, but are powered by the USB cable attached to the computer. I don't even know if they will copy a driver's license or not. I don't want to carry around anything large and/or heavy.

I have used my digital camera a few times, but it is hard to focus on the details of the license, hard to read the letters, the flash causes a glare on the plastic license, etc. I would think there has to be something better out there.

Of course I always tell the borrowers to have a copy of their IDs. I can't tell you how many times they say they forgot, or just didn't have time, etc, and seem to think it shouldn't be a big deal. Last week, I arrived at the signing on time, and the husband said his wife was out making the copies. Then she called to say the copier at the grocery store was out of order, so she was heading to Walgreens. Then she called to say that Walgreens didn't have a copier, so she was on her way to the library. She finally showed up about 30 minutes later with the copies. Yes, I realize it's not my job to make the copies, but I want to come up with a good solution to this problem, just to save myself the time and aggravation.

It would be nice if I could find something small that would fit into my notary bag. Also, free-standing, no computer necessary for the scan, and I could plug it into the computer when I get back to the office and print out the IDs. At the risk of sounding technically challenged, does this type of item exist? If not, how about a small portable copier? Does anyone use one that works well for them? If so, what is the brand name and approximate price?

Thanks!!
Debbie

Reply by Martha Gall on 11/17/07 6:50pm
Msg #221850

I bought a very cheap Brother copier/printer at Wally World ($39). Quality is poor but it works for driver licenses. Figure when it runs out of ink I will buy another copier. I just leave it in my car trunk in a box and dig it out when necessary.

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/17/07 6:53pm
Msg #221851

**I have used my digital camera a few times, but it is hard to focus on the details of the license, hard to read the letters, the flash causes a glare on the plastic license, etc. I would think there has to be something better out there.**

Just for grins, try practicing with a couple of different magnifying glasss in front of the lens for close up work. Not wanting to carry around another piece of electronics on my back seat I have had success with that.

Reply by Margaret_FL on 11/17/07 6:53pm
Msg #221852

I got a Lexmark copier, scanner for $25 on clearance. I loved it so much I went back and bought another one. One for my car and one for the house. It also scans to PDF file, it also has a two prong plug and runs on my cig lighter power inverter. It is light weight and can be easily carried into the borrowers home. I do a lot of Reverse Mortgage applications where I need to copy all their documents, I put in into a rolling suitcase also.

Reply by peterole_MN on 11/18/07 1:12pm
Msg #221901

Regarding getting a "glare" when photographing a license with a digital...try turning off the flash. I usually get a non glare pic with available light...unless the room is lit with candles.

Reply by peterole_MN on 11/18/07 1:13pm
Msg #221902

Regarding getting a "glare" when photographing a license with a digital...try turning off the flash. I usually get a non glare pic with available light...unless the room is lit with candles.

Reply by Leon_CO on 11/17/07 7:25pm
Msg #221853

>> the flash causes a glare on the plastic license <<

Don't use a flash when taking a photo of IDs.

Just set it on macro mode, have enough light, and keep a steady hand. I always use my digital camera if the borrowers don't have a photocopy.

I even take photos of documents, and they come out as clear as if it were done with a copier. I do this when I do on-site inspections. Just keep practicing. And remember -- no flash.

Good luck.

Reply by Leon_CO on 11/17/07 7:32pm
Msg #221855

I wrote a brief tutorial called 'Getting a copy of the borrower's ID with a digital camera':

http://activerain.com/blogsview/105516/Getting-a-copy-of

Hope that helps.

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/17/07 7:44pm
Msg #221856

Great article, Leon. n/m

Reply by CopperheadVA on 11/18/07 7:26am
Msg #221876

Re: Great article, Leon - I agree

I use a Nikon and it also has a flower icon for the macro setting - works like a charm.

Reply by DebbieT on 11/17/07 7:45pm
Msg #221857

Re: HP F300

I purchased it from ebay for 35.00. Alot of people got it as a free gift with a computer purchase. It will scan and print without a laptop. I use a little suitcase on wheels to carry it. I usually use a digital camera for DLs. If it is a passport I use the printer. Definately try to invest in a digital camera for the DLs. Its alot easier to use and you will have more use with it for DLs. Very seldom do I have to copy a passport.

Reply by Lisa/Tx on 11/17/07 8:18pm
Msg #221862

Thank you Leon for that very useful information!

I have always carried my digital camera for these occasions but most of the time the photo was not of the best quality, numbers, letters out of focus, etc. I just tried it with your recommendations and it worked beautifully!!! Again, thank you Leon!

Reply by GF_CA on 11/17/07 8:32pm
Msg #221863

Re: Thank you Leon for that very useful information!

I use to carry a HP printer just for copy of driver license. One day I forgot it at home and I had with me a digital camera, I try it and work just fine. Like Leon said, no flash light.

Reply by CaliNotary on 11/17/07 9:35pm
Msg #221869

Harry doesn't want you posting blog links on this board n/m

Reply by Deborah Breedlove on 11/19/07 6:25pm
Msg #222054

Thank you Leon!!

I'll try this with the "flower" setting. (Hey, I never said I was a professional photographer.) I really appreciate your help.

Reply by Philip Johnson on 11/17/07 9:30pm
Msg #221867

I tell them at work the next day

cut a copy and either fax or email me the copy. If it comes after my drop time, I forward it to the TC. I don't see with the downturn in business, that anyone should spend one more dime on any equipment that is not a necessity.

Reply by Leon_CO on 11/18/07 4:10am
Msg #221875

My apology to Notary Rotary

When I read that this person was unable to make copies of the borrower's ID with their digital camera, my initial reaction was to help. I gave an explanation. Then it dawned on me afterwards that I had written an article on that very subject -- with illustrations. So I posted a link to it. It was done with the intention of helping -- not hurting.

I apologize if I offended anyone. I don't receive any money for the articles that I write.

Disable the link. Remove my post. Do whatever you feel is appropriate.

Sincerely.

Reply by Sharon Taylor on 11/18/07 10:55am
Msg #221887

It was a useful link, Leon, and I hope Harry doesn't mind

It's obvious to ALMOST all of us that you were just trying to be helpful in providing a link to your excellent article. It would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible, to provide the same quality of data with illustrations by merely copying and pasting it here.
IMHO, Harry rightfully objects to posts and links that promote other sites, but he's never objected to posts that give links to useful information where there is no attempt to entice visitors away from his own excellent NotaryRotary site.
Thanks for posting the advice. I too have had problems with taking photos of DLs with my Canon A70 digital camera, but you've provided the solution!

Reply by CaliNotary on 11/18/07 12:21pm
Msg #221895

See Msg #221639 n/m

Reply by rengel/CA on 11/18/07 7:16pm
Msg #221910

With all due respect Cali,

I don't see how Leon's posting of one relevant article is the same as Diane's consistent references to her blog.

This was relevant to the discussion, and was a step by step tutorial for one single duty. Not advertising him at all. IMHO

My .02

Reply by CaliNotary on 11/18/07 9:19pm
Msg #221919

Then read Msg #189156

Where Harry specifically addresses Leon's blog and explains why he's deleted posts with links to it.

If Harry says he doesn't want blog links on the board then that should apply to everybody, whether or not the link is relevant to the discussion. It's his board, it's a simple enough request, why shouldn't we all do our best to honor it?

Reply by Demore on 11/18/07 3:11pm
Msg #221904

Re: My apology to Notary Rotary

Hello! Leon,

I can not find your piece of writing on how to duplicate the mortgagors’ ID with a digital camera.

However, I would like to express to you that I understand your motive and need for an explanation on this topic. It is very difficult to know when a person reacts to something in writing that can be ‘thought provoke’ and how to explain something in written with good intention to help others learning something new to them.

Very good! You are defending yourself and pay attention to readers’ feedback. It is important that we reflect and regret after a person did not accept the idea. And, your request to mend has been accepted. I believe that your reputation has been restored.

Best regards,

Reply by MikeC/NY on 11/18/07 8:51pm
Msg #221918

Your link was useful - no need to apologize

There's a huge difference between posting the occasional link and constantly promoting your own web site here. I don't think you crossed the line at all - it was good information, and thank you for posting it.

That being said, your suggestion doesn't work for me - my camera is a digital SLR, which is NOT something you can slip into your pocket. I've tried the point-and-shoots, but I'm so used to working with a "real" camera that I can't adjust to the shutter lag on the cheaper digitals, so I usually end up with blurry photos.

My solution was to buy a Canon personal copier, which I keep in the trunk of my car. If the BO forgets to make a copy of their ID, I have it covered and I don't have to mess around with transferring images from my camera to my computer.

This works for me; your mileage may vary.... whatever, but you definitely did NOT do wrong by posting the link to your article.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 11/18/07 11:00pm
Msg #221925

Wonderful help!

This is the kind of info that many notary-loan signers can use. Thanks, Leon for posting. You can learn a lot from postings like this one.

Reply by JamesLee/VA on 11/19/07 8:31am
Msg #221935

Cali Notary

My God Cali Notary!! I hope you spend as much time promoting your business as you do trying to point out what "you" think are problems.

This was one of the most helpful things I have seen on this board.

Im curious, as soon as you saw this did you send a tattletale email to Harry? You sniveling signing agents drive me nuts.

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/19/07 10:08am
Msg #221945

Re: Cali Notary - James Lee

**Im curious, as soon as you saw this did you send a tattletale email to Harry? You sniveling signing agents drive me nuts.**

Leon's post was good, but CaliNotary's post was accurate. I had forgotten that Harry had discussed blog link posting with Leon. Leon's blog is great. However, in order to comply with the rules it is best to put your links in your profile and refer readers to it.

I doubt seriously CaliNotary has sent very few emails to NR.

Your post was unnecessarily snide. If "we sniveling signing agents drive you nuts" perhaps your sanity would be restored if you stopped reading this forum.

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/19/07 10:23am
Msg #221947

Ooops...

**I doubt seriously CaliNotary has sent very few emails to NR. **

Obviously I meant that CaliNotary is not sending emails to NR and being a tattletale.

Reply by kathy/ca on 11/19/07 9:32am
Msg #221942

Leon, thanks so much for the info, I tried it on my ID & it

worked great! People like you that are so helpful makes this board well worth taking the time to read. Thanks again "Leon CO" and have a great EOM!

Reply by Carolyn Bodley on 11/19/07 4:03pm
Msg #222021

*Of course I always tell the borrowers to have a copy of their IDs. I can't tell you how many times they say they forgot, or just didn't have time, etc,*

I tell BOs in my initial call that they need to make a copy of their driver's license before the appointed time of the signing. It's not a BIG request. If people are old enough to refinance and apply for a loan, they are big enough to see that the copies are made ahead of schedule. I am not their mother, spouse or care giver.

In over 1,500 signings, I have not once had a BO not have a copy of their license for me to enclose with the docs. BOs don't know us from Adam -- I would NEVER allow a stranger (which we are) to come into my house and take digital photos of my driver's license.

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/19/07 4:30pm
Msg #222025

**I would NEVER allow a stranger (which we are) to come into my house and take digital photos of my driver's license.**

Yep...I can see that...I wouldn't be crazy about it...but go figure...most of them are really glad not to be bothered with not having their copy available.

Something else...as far borrowers go, craziest thing...I have seen the wealthiest ones give out ID, SS and DL info like candy...they are very unconcerned.

Reply by Carolyn Bodley on 11/19/07 6:05pm
Msg #222046

*most of them are really glad not to be bothered with not having their copy available*

Like I said, in over 1,500 signings, I have never had a BO not have a copy after advising them they needed one. So why does everyone else have such a problem with BOs not having copies?

Reply by Deborah Breedlove on 11/19/07 6:19pm
Msg #222050

I don't always have this problem, but it happens enough that I'd like to have a back-up plan. I appreciate all the suggestions! Thank you so much!

Reply by Deborah Breedlove on 11/19/07 6:26pm
Msg #222055

Thank you everyone !! n/m

Reply by desktopfull on 11/23/07 1:09am
Msg #222539

You might find better results with your camera if you put it on the macro and low light settings, I've been getting great results with mine.