Posted by sue_pa on 12/10/08 7:32pm
Msg #271638

IDing your signer - notary 101

I looked at a web site for a notary in the Philadelphia area a few weeks ago. She advertises that if someone doesn't have id, 2 credible witnesses are sufficient. We're in PA, not CA - our credible witness requirement is nothing like CAs - we personally must know the signer. She's got it wrong.

I looked at a web site for a notary in my area a few minutes ago. He's listed as a premier member. He states that in certain circumstances a utility bill is acceptable ID. Not in this lifetime in PA.

Where do these people get these ideas? (rhetorical question) The first girl certainly from reading message boards. The second idiot because he does HFC/Beneficial work and they used to accept utility bills as ID.

Amazing that these people are in business. I always wonder if and when they'll ever be turned in for these infractions. Possibility is next to zip because who would actually know.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/10/08 7:52pm
Msg #271643

Your second person may have gotten the idea of the utility bill from that ID Verification form that we get filled out at times with a primary and secondary form of ID (can't remember the form number right off) - anyway, on that form one of the acceptable forms of secondary ID, I believe, is a utility bill..

Not saying she's right (cuz she's not) but that may be where she got it.

I like the borrowers who tell me they didn't have to show their driver's licenses the last time they refinanced!!

Reply by JanetK_CA on 12/10/08 10:00pm
Msg #271656

Right! And the ones that assure you when you confirm the appointment that there won't be any ID issues because they've done this before, and "the other notary" didn't have any problems... (I always ask in advance, while I'm verifying the address etc., if they have current ID and go through the drill.) I just cringe when I hear that. Those are often the very ones with some kind of "issue".

Reply by John/CT on 12/11/08 8:21am
Msg #271680

Re: "the other notary"

"never said anything about a witness", so said all too often by borrowers when I tell them during the confirmation call, of the State of Connecticut requirement for one other besides myself. These are the people who take the "easy way out" (and break the law) by completing the "Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of" section of the mortgage signature page afterwards by themselves and their spouse, or some other ficticious person. Very frustrating for me ... and other notary signing agents who play by the rules ... to be the bearer of bad tidings! :>(

Reply by sue_pa on 12/11/08 9:43am
Msg #271698

You're right about where they get their 'ideas' but for the past 5ish or so years, PA is VERY specific about our ID requirements. I've got no idea how these 'professionals' complete other parts of their job properly if they can't get the first step correct.

Anyone that doesn't understand the difference between their state's id requirements vs. a lender's secondary id requirements shouldn't be a notary or should be sanctioned so that they absolutely understand for the future what is required - talking about states here with id requirements, not those that leave it up to the notary's discretion.

Reply by Maureen_nh on 12/10/08 10:48pm
Msg #271661

Part of the problem are these tests to get you certified with one outfit or another.
Here is the material -here is the test- and you are right Sue this is mostly CA stuff.

So for someone from wherever else that might not even have a test, this is the gospel according to whomever.

More than a few years ago national standards were adopted, they were not very rigorous, but that was a kinder, gentler time.
Then the states started to do their own thing and confused matters.
Now the NNA is pressing for uniform standards again which is the only good thing they are doing but I really don't want those *&^*!@@#$* money grubbing #%@!!&*( to be the ones to set anything that will give them more power than they already weaseled themselves into.
I do hope that the best from all the states that will protect the rights of all our citizens will be looked at an adopted again at some point.
However my state is very lenient and lazy one that I am, I am enjoying it while it lasts, but still trying to do my job a little better than I have to.