Posted by Robert/VA on 8/29/08 9:46pm
Msg #262667

Borrowers not having copies of ID.....!

I am increasingly frustrated by the lack of borrowers NOT having a copy of their ID at closing. I always confirm my signing assignments ASAP, and try to tak "live" to the borrowers, to remind them that they must have a copy of ID. When I arrive for most signings, MOST either do not remember me asking them, or they say "I thought you just meant that I have to have my driver's license to show you!!" (GRRRRRRR....!!!). Today, I had a signing in which I was told that I would receive only 1/2 my fee if the borrower did not have a copy. Maybe I should have "walked" when the borrower couldn't provide this? Just wish that lenders/loan officers would really emphasize that the borrower MUST have a COPY for the notary. Has anyone here "walked".... when not having ID copies?

Reply by Linda Juenger on 8/29/08 9:51pm
Msg #262668

Boy Scout Motto: Be prepared!!!

Just last week a borrower had made a copy of his D/L for me. He was proud to hand it to me. But... it was expired on the front and had the extension on the back of 4 years (IL). He was like a child, so disappointed. No problem. I always, always have my digital camera with me. Don't rely on the borrowers to remember. You have to take charge and get the job done. They can fax it in also in most cases.

Reply by jojo_MN on 8/29/08 9:53pm
Msg #262669

If you don't have a digital camera, I would suggest you invest in one. It need not be expenseive. When the borrowers dont have their copy, I take a picture of their drivers license and print it when I get back to my office. I have never had a borrower refuse. I delete it from my camera as soon as it is printed. Sometimes the borrowers have a computer that I can use my SD card and I will print it at there house and delete it immediately.

Many other notaries also use cameras for this purpose.

Reply by Maureen_nh on 8/29/08 10:45pm
Msg #262674

Half of the time when we get to this point the borrowers tell me that they have already sent their copies in to the lender.
This request is coming from the title co. and the LO doen't have a clue.
Camera is good, but also at this point you could call title and ask if faxing is doable.
I have gotten to the point where I ask for it at confirmation.
I really feel that for the most part this is an unecessary, time and patience wasting effort on the borrowers part.

Reply by jojo_MN on 8/29/08 10:56pm
Msg #262677

Most of the time the borrowers live in the country and don't have access to a fax. I always ask for it at confirmation. I tell the borrowers that I don't have the documents yet, but 95% of the companies require a copy of their drivers licenses so they should have one made just in case. If the company doesn't require it, I don't take it with me when I leave the signing. It is better to be safe than sorry. I always have my camera there as a backup. Like I said earlier, you don't have to have an expensive one and the borrowers really appreciate it.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 8/30/08 6:31pm
Msg #262767

<<95% of the companies require a copy of their drivers licenses>>

I don't know if it's because of who I work for or where I live or some other mysterious reason, but I find the request for a photocopy of ID to be in the minority of the assignments I get. It seems to me to be more an exception than a rule. I DO nearly always have a form to complete with their ID info, but I'm happy to do that. In fact, there are companies out there that specifically prohibit collecting a copy of ID. (Chase comes to mind.) If I see the request in writing with the confirmation, I'll advise them when I make my confirmation call to them, but I've not made it a policy to make it a blanket request and it hasn't been a problem, that I'm aware of.

Most of the time, if it's necessary, they've already provided them to the LO or title company. However, around here there isn't any excuse for not having access to get copies. The majority of borrowers I see have capability to make copies at home and if not, there are abundant resources available around nearly every corner. Personally, dealing with photocopies of IDs is a business I'd rather not be in!

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/29/08 10:52pm
Msg #262675

That's why I have a portable copier available

At confirmation I ask the borrowers if they have a copy machine as we may need a copy of their license - if yes I'm good to go - if no, I bring my handy dandy HP portable....job done and no problems - one of the best investments I ever made...

Reply by Sarah/CA on 8/29/08 11:09pm
Msg #262678

I also have a portable printer just in case.

I always ask the borrowers if they have access to a copier. If they don't, I offer to bring my HP portable one along. It is very easy to use and takes care of the requirement right then. The borrowers are usually happy they don't have to run around to get it done especially if they are elderly.

Reply by CF on 8/30/08 8:43am
Msg #262703

Linda H/FL what model do you have? Mine is heavy and big

I do not like the one that I bought- I only paid $40 on ebay....so I am willing to invest in a different one- if it is smaller and ligheter!!! TIA~

Reply by MistarellaFL on 8/30/08 8:47am
Msg #262705

CF I have a Canon 160 or 170

It is portable, even has a handle for carrying...paid $5 (brand new) on ebay. Shipping costs were about $35.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/30/08 11:54am
Msg #262728

CF, I have the HP Deskjet F-380...

it's a color inkjet all-in-one (although I wouldn't print loan docs on it)...makes great color copies....paid $79 brand new...the only drawback is it does NOT print/copy legal size...but it's come in very handy - I've gotten my money's worth out of it.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 8/29/08 11:17pm
Msg #262679

Don't ever take a reduction in fees.

Refuse the signing if anything depends on the borrower(s) doing (or not doing) something. I cannot count the number of times that borrowers have said "Yes. Yes. Yes." when they were told that they 1) Had to have two acceptible forms of ID; B) Were responsible for providing a witness; iii) Had to have copies of their DL. Then at the table there's an expired DL ("I know, but it's got my picture on it.", no witness ("Oh. I thought the guy from [lender] was coming with you.), and no DL copy ("I already sent it in.". Or worse yet, "You didn't tell me I needed [fill in the blank]."

Like most of us who've been around a while, you've probably got your set speech: "Good afternoon, Mr. Borrower. I'm Joe Notary. I understand that we've got an appointment for 6:30 tomorrow afternoon to sign some documents...." followed by _exactly_what the borrower needs to do to prepare and what will be needed at the signing table. You answer the borrower's questions, then reinforce what they need to do.

Yes, I agree that carrying a digital camera is A Good Idea. But it is a stop-gap solution.

Reply by Rich/PA on 8/29/08 11:26pm
Msg #262681

Re: Don't ever take a reduction in fees.

"Stop Gap' perhaps. Valid points, yes. However, the bottom line in plan for worst case contingency. If you do this, you experience far less disappointments, imho.

Reply by MelissaCT on 8/30/08 9:27pm
Msg #262777

Re: Don't ever take a reduction in fees.

I've learned to state witness & copy requirements before the appointment time is mentioned, especially on answering machines. Can't count the number of times that a borrower has told me that they heard part of the message & deleted the rest after they heard the time confirmed.

I've also had LO tell the bwr that "no, a witness isn't required". They obviously don't know CT requirements & spew misinformation like this all the time.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 8/30/08 5:47am
Msg #262687

Ya all are right about the HP. It was inexpensive and takes great pictures. Before I got it I would call the borrower and tell them the title company requires a copy of a valid DL and won't fund their loan without it. Rarely did I had a problem.
And if you don't want the expense of printing the DL email it to the title co to print. What's the big deal? You'd rather turn down a closing for XXX.XX cause you don't want to meet a requirement? I guess working isn't important.

Reply by JulieD/KS on 8/30/08 6:20am
Msg #262689

Your fee should NOT hinge on the borrower remembering to have a photocopy of his/her ID and furthermore, this is not an issue you should be stressing about. Keep a supply of ID forms in your briefcase and if they don't have a photocopy, just fill out the borrower ID form with their license information, have them sign it, you notarize it (if it's a notarizable one) and return it with the package. Many packages already have this form with the docs.

Alternately, the borrower can fax a copy of their ID to the title company the next day. There is NO reason for your fee to be halved because of this. Any company that would threaten me in this way would be on my HAS BEEN list. It's not my job to hold the borrower's hand. Borrowers are adults and if they can't follow directions at this juncture, why are they being allowed to take out a mortgage?

When speaking to them on the phone initially, I say: Now, what I need from you is this: As a notary, I will need to see a current picture ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Do you have this? (Yes or no) Okay, and also, the lender wants you to return a photocopy of your ID with the package; can you have a photocopy made? (yes, no). And finally, I need to know if I have your address correct (and I read off the address on the confirmation.)

I write these three items on the side of the confirmation: ID, photocopy of ID, Add Ver
As I speak of them to the borrower, I check them off. That way, I know I touched on the topics I need to verify.

I never stress about photocopied IDs. They either have it or they don't. But, I know I properly coached them.

Reply by Vince/KS on 8/30/08 7:08am
Msg #262691

A borrower called back and said that they would not let me take a copy of the drivers license nor allow recording the information in my journal or on any forms. So, I asked the title company if they wanted to proceed. They called the borrower and then called me back and said the closing was off and the loan delayed until they decided to allow for it.

Reply by WDMD on 8/30/08 7:46am
Msg #262697

"A borrower called back and said that they would not let me take a copy of the drivers license nor allow recording the information in my journal or on any forms."

I had the same situation. The borrower would allow someone to see or record her information only if the closing was done at the title office. She had to take off work to get her closing done. I still did the closing too. LOL.

Reply by Margaret_FL on 8/30/08 7:21am
Msg #262692

I bought a scanner for $25 (Lexmark) on sale and it was the best investment I made. Carry it in my car and I run out and copy it for them. Saves time, I do not have to go back home and print from a camera, I can go to the fedex box on my way home and not have to go back out.
I actucally bought two, one for my office and it works great.

Reply by twmd on 8/30/08 8:15am
Msg #262699

Use cell phone to take picture

I've done this as a last resort when I knew the borrowers would not be able to fax a copy. It worked well enough and I always have my cell phone with me. Just make sure to delete copies when done.

Reply by CT_Notary on 8/30/08 11:00pm
Msg #262781

In these situations, I too take a cellphone picture. I have a cover sheet which I complete for evey signing, which includes all the ID information. I copy and sign this and attach a print of the cellphone picture. I submit both. Thus they have a poor copy and the information they need. I do alert the borrower that they may be contacted to supply a better copy during recission. So far, that has always sufficed.

Reply by twmd on 8/31/08 12:55pm
Msg #262805

I carry a copy of ""Closing Agent/Notary Public

Certification Photo Identificaton" (1E427-US) with me. If there isn't one in the package I use my copy and attach the cellphone pictures to the form. I automatically use it even if the bo has copies of id.