Posted by laurielnc on 3/7/08 3:18pm
Msg #238406

This was unusual....

My borrowers asked for my ID. (I don't carry it in with me but leave purse in car) I gave them my business card but acted mad that was all I had.) Ran out and got it. First time for me. They were short with me because I wasn't an attorney. Anyone else have this happen? Very stressful feeling. They wanted to sign on the coffee table which was really low and they had a perfectly fine dining table. Acted put out when I asked if we could use it. Just an all around strange signing. Also on top of that I had to wait 15 mins. for them to come home. Just venting. My other 2 signings went great.

Reply by kmo on 3/7/08 3:23pm
Msg #238407

I had a lady one time ask for my ID. I showed her my DL and she seemed satisfied with that. I guess she just wanted to make sure who I was, as another notary had been there before me about the same loan, but she had problems with the figures on that trip.

Reply by CJ/Alaska on 3/7/08 3:30pm
Msg #238410

I had one lady who wanted to see my DL and my Notary Commission certificate..
I figured fair is fair, I had to ask her ID too.. so, I showed her and she was happy
But then still didnt sign the docs !

Reply by Carmi/CA on 3/7/08 4:13pm
Msg #238413

When an SS called me to do a signing, they told me that the BOs wanted to see my ID. I got there, completed the signing without them asking for my ID. I asked if they still wanted to see it. The wife said she saw my name on their caller ID when I called to confirm the appointment and that was sufficient.

Reply by Anthony Vivino on 3/7/08 4:13pm
Msg #238414

I beat them to the punch...

When I walk in I explain to them that I'm a Notary and in order to do my job I'm going to have to see their driver's license in order to log it in my journal (State of OR requirement)...

Then before they can feel perturbed or anything else negative I say "now it wouldn't be right of me to ask you for id and not extend the same courtesy in return - especially in today's day and age where id theft is so rampant... you don't want just anyone waltzing into your home and gathering your information."

Every time I've done it this way they've scrambled to pull their id out almost trying to present it before I can pull mine out of my wallet...

Reply by sue_pa on 3/7/08 4:33pm
Msg #238422

brilliant

You bringing up the fact that you are in a position to commit id theft should you so desire. I'm betting that really puts them at ease, especially if the thought never crossed their mind.

Reply by laurielnc on 3/7/08 6:01pm
Msg #238437

Re: brilliant

Is it because I'm in their home? I wouldn't ask a serviceman for his driver's license but his company ID. I showed my business card, why would more be needed? I've never asked a notary at the bank for her ID to notarized a title. Just seems alittle odd. What can they tell from my driver's license? I'm validated too by having all their information.

Reply by janCA on 3/7/08 6:49pm
Msg #238444

Don't you state this when you confirm the appointment and before you travel to the borrower/s home? Sure could save you a trip in case they don't have proper ID.

Reply by laurielnc on 3/7/08 9:45pm
Msg #238466

I always ask to make sure the borrowers have a current picture ID before I come. My problem is with the borrower asking for mine. Why? I never bring my purse in with me in case it gets left behind, but my question is what benefit is it for the borrower to see my ID? I wear a name tag and have business cards, I also have their info. Just don't see the benefit in showing my ID.

Reply by Pat/IL on 3/7/08 10:44pm
Msg #238471

Re: Why, you ask?

Because people are constantly reminded not to let strangers into their home without verifying their identification. Anyone can print up business cards, official looking ones, too. Same goes for ID badges.

Why not just take your license out of your purse and put it in your pocket before you go into the house? It's their house, follow their rules. Make it a part of your routine. They are ultimately paying for your service. You have far more of their personal information at your disposal than they will ever have of yours. If checking your ID makes them more comfortable in inviting you into their home, what's the harm in complying?

Reply by CaliNotary on 3/8/08 12:49pm
Msg #238505

Why make it part of your routine?

In 5 years of doing this, I think I've been asked 2 or 3 times for my ID. It's not a big deal to me, they take a quick peek and I'm assuming make sure the name and face match, but I'm certainly not going to be presenting it voluntarily on every signing.

I'm not a woman, but I would imagine constantly taking your license out of its normal place and sticking it in your pocket instead is a surefire way to eventually end up with a lost license.

Reply by christiSocal on 3/8/08 3:07pm
Msg #238515

4 1/2 years and never been asked!

And yes Cali, that is a very easy way to lose your license! At least for me, waaay to easy to forget where you put it...
I'll show them--- if they ever ask!

Reply by JanetK_CA on 3/9/08 4:20am
Msg #238585

Re: Why, you ask?

Let's see... I've spoken to them over the phone, asked about their ID, and confirmed their address in advance. Then I show up with their documents, my notary case, reasonably professional attire, and introduce myself as I enter. In more than five years at this, I vaguely remember once showing someone a photocopy of my commission, which I just happened to have a copy of, but I don't recall ever being asked for my ID. Maybe I look honest or maybe it's that I know the combination to the lock to get out my journal and stamp -- or maybe I'm just lucky in my area... [I'm also short and non-threatening... ] However, my commission means that I've been background-checked and bonded. I doubt I can say the same about the vast majority of the people I visit. I don't see any need to be showing my ID to anyone, let alone everyone!

It's true that there are some strange people out there and then there are some who have been burned in the past. But I think how you conduct yourself from the first moment you show up has a big impact on their attitude.

Reply by Pat/IL on 3/9/08 5:16pm
Msg #238638

Re: Okay, they can't all be gems.

While I never suggested that you volunteer your identification to everyone you encounter, but only that you have it ready to present upon request, this seems to be an unpopular suggestion. So I will withdraw the suggestion.

While I have no doubt that everything you say is true, Janet, I think that showing your ID to the borrower would be easier than explaining to them why they should simply trust you. But that is just my opinion. I offer it to you at no charge. Feel free to disregard it at your pleasure.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 3/10/08 3:34am
Msg #238682

Re: Okay, they can't all be gems.

I think it was someone else who suggested showing it automatically to everyone to avoid the issue. My post was, perhaps inappropriately, directed in general 'cause after reading it all, I couldn't remember who posted what!

And you're probably right. Like I said, maybe I've just been lucky, because I've never faced that situation, that I can recall. If someone flat out asked me, I might just flash it at them, but I don't think I'd feel comfortable handing it over. BTW, I typically do take my purse in with me.