Posted by Cyndi on 12/17/11 7:25pm
Msg #406919

Clients copyinr Notary and Drivers licenses.

Lately I have had clients ask me if they can copy my driver's license and notary license because I am the only one they ever meet with. How do you handle this without blowing the closing and is this actually legal? Advise please!!!

Reply by ikando on 12/17/11 7:35pm
Msg #406923

This has been discussed in another thread. You may want to try "Search".

I definitely would NOT allow a copy of my DL or notary certificate to be made by a party who HAS NO REASON to have it. I hand people my business card with my name and contact information on it. Why would they want to have information on the person who is for all intents and purposes considered "the messenger," but not request the same from the people who are preparing the paperwork, and that they will be sending payments to.

Reply by VT_Syrup on 12/17/11 7:40pm
Msg #406924

No reason for a client to get a copy of my driver's license. In my state the notary commission is a public record which anyone is free to obtain, for a nominal fee, from the county courthouse.

Reply by Roger_OH on 12/17/11 7:56pm
Msg #406929

Re: Clients copying Notary and Drivers licenses.

Absolutely not. I'd show them my state notary card, or my DL, but that's it. They also get a business card As far as "blowing" the closing, I'd have them take it up with their lender if they're that hard core about it to stop the signing.

You might also soothe the BOs by assuring them that notaries are utilized for signings because we are commissioned officers of the state, and are there as an impartial third party to protect everyone involved. The notary office dates back 2000 years, and has always been based uopn the twin pillars of trust and integrity.

We protect the lender/TC by ensuring that the BOs are the right people receiving the loan, and that they sign the documents correctly and in all the right places. We protect the BOs by ensuring they are aware of what they're signing, are willing to sign, and are doing so without any coercion.

We're not there to sell them anything, just to complete the documents for the terms they have already discussed with their LO. They can always exercise their RTC if not happy in the

You've hopefully introduced yourself with a confirmation phone call, so they are expecting you.

Reply by Karla/OR on 12/18/11 4:01am
Msg #406947

Great post Roger. Thanks. n/m

Reply by LKT/CA on 12/17/11 7:41pm
Msg #406925

You could explain that if not for the TC or Escrow Company calling YOU, that you wouldn't have their loan paperwork and be at their home. I have no problem handing the borrowers a copy of my commission certificate. As far as the license - NO. If the borrower is THAT concerned that an imposter/crook/criminal is sitting before them, I have NO problem with the borrowers calling the police and having them come to their home and I'll hand my license to the police officer and HE/SHE can confirm that I'm okay. I doubt the borrowers would even bother. JMHO

Reply by Les_CO on 12/17/11 9:43pm
Msg #406933

For me it would depend on the borrowers. To some (most) I would have no problem. With a few, copy my commission yes, copy my ID no. I would show it to them, if asked.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 12/17/11 10:41pm
Msg #406937

OMG! Never let them copy your DL...

... gawd forbid, you're ever an identity theft victim, but do you want to be wondering if it was one of your signers who did you in?
I see how some borrowers might be nervous about the notary being the only person they ever actually see in living color throughout the whole loan process. Once, I tried to figure out what they were worried about and envisioned a scheme where a borrower filled out paperwork for a loan, were told the loan was approved and that a notary would meet with them and to please provide a check for $x,xxx.xx for funds due made out to "Scamsters R Us." I know that scenario seems pretty far-fetched to us but maybe not to a borrower..... I've had to reassure several borrowers over the years that everything was on the up and up despite the fact they had never seen a LO and weren't closing at a brick and mortar TC.

In any event, I feel very strongly that a loan signing is not a case of you show me yours and I'll show you mine. They have no reason to see my ID and they never will. In the first place, I don't even take it into the signing. I once had a cop tell me many ID theft issues are the result of people who can memorize the main parts of a DL. He also said never show your ID to anybody other than a cop, a notary and when you're buying liquor; and if you're at a restaurant or store never let the worker walk off with it. But in real life, it's hard to protect your DL info ....

I've got a business card and a copy of my commission, if borrowers want to see it. Other than that if they get all iffy, I very politely say (and have said) that if they are so uncomfortable with the situation they need to call so and so and work something else out. Bye Bye. In CA, anyone can go to the SOS Web site and open a list of every commissioned notary if they want ...

And as far as what ikando said, right on. Why is everybody ganging up on the notary about ID, but nobody ever wants ID from the LO, the escrow agent, the settlement agent, the signing service owner , its employees, etc.

Actually, I take it back. I did show my DL one time to a Mrs. Borrower who also happened to be a police lieutenant. For some reason, she got more and more aggravated throughout the signing, thinking that her financier husband was pulling a fast one. She then turned her suspicions on me, thinking I was part of his scheme. She waved her menacing big-ass cop flashlight at me and demanded to see my DL. I was too scared not to obey. Now, however, as a seasoned notary, I'd (politely) tell her to stuff it and call the cops myself if I felt threatened... well, maybe not (since I knew she was a cop.) Still ...

Reply by Ali/IL on 12/17/11 10:52pm
Msg #406939

Re: OMG! Never let them copy your DL...

One time a borrower asked to see my id since they had been scammed one time. I showed it to him and, he started to write my information down that's when I said no. I was new then. That is a good idea to carry a copy of my commission will do that.

Reply by desktopfull on 12/18/11 1:18am
Msg #406943

Re: OMG! Never let them copy your DL...

Why? You have your notary stamp, you can show Id but never let them copy info from it ever.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 12/19/11 12:07pm
Msg #407014

Sounds to me he was trying to scam you!

Waa, waa, waa. I've been scammed so let me see your DL and I'll write down all the info so I get scam you later ... paleeze.

Reply by desktopfull on 12/18/11 1:15am
Msg #406942

Never! n/m

Reply by Kathy Fletcher on 12/18/11 8:30am
Msg #406950

Re: No to copies of my commission

I never give signers a copy of my certificate. Please Remember - they can use the copy to obtain a notarial stamp in your name. I do not even carry a copy of my certificate with me. I explain that I cannot obtain the stamp without a valid commission. I do not show them my driver's license either - I don't even carry into the signing table with me. I too tell them to contact their lender if they have concerns and they have never opted to make this call.

Reply by LKT/CA on 12/18/11 9:47am
Msg #406954

Re: No to copies of my commission

<<<I never give signers a copy of my certificate. Please Remember - they can use the copy to obtain a notarial stamp in your name.>>>

In CA, the only way to get a stamp made is the notary must have a "letter of authorization" from the SOS - which will ONLY be mailed to the address on record. Then only vendors approved by the SOS can make the notary seal. Your advice is still excellent for the notaries in states that don't have those requirements.

Reply by OR on 12/18/11 10:33am
Msg #406957

Re: Clients copyinr Notary and Drivers licenses. If borrower

I dont have a proublem with that. I just back out the number. If the borrower asks to see my ID I them a business card. Never had any one say NO I want to see your drivers license.

Reply by Buddy Young on 12/18/11 11:35am
Msg #406966

I hand the borower my card when they meet me at the door. I've never had anyone ask for my drivers licence. I wouldn't give it to them if they did.

Reply by LKT/CA on 12/18/11 12:21pm
Msg #406969

<<<I hand the borower my card when they meet me at the door. I've never had anyone ask for my drivers licence. I wouldn't give it to them if they did.>>>

The OP asks how you would handle it if the borrowers asked? And what would you say to the borrowers if they say <after you refused to give the borrowers your license> "Get off my property!" ....?!?!

Reply by Buddy Young on 12/18/11 1:34pm
Msg #406973

Re: I would reply as Roger did, Best response I've heard. n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/18/11 2:32pm
Msg #406974

I've been asked once in 5 years...at the door

and I can't say I blamed him for asking...I showed my DL - but it never left my hand. I would not allow anyone to copy my DL *or* or my commission certificate (I don't even carry mine with me) and my DL would NOT leave my hand.


JMO

Reply by jba/fl on 12/18/11 3:52pm
Msg #406975

I've been asked once in 8 years...at the door... n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/18/11 9:16pm
Msg #406984

I just can't get too excited about this...

I show my DL to people if they want to see it.

I am standing there with every number that this borrower has ever had and I'm not going to show them my ID? In their own home?

I think it's crappy not to comply with a request to show an ID and provide them with a business card or copy of my commission.

SSN #, no. DL absolutely.

Reply by LKT/CA on 12/18/11 10:40pm
Msg #406987

Re: I just can't get too excited about this...

The OP said those borrowers wanted to COPY her driver's license, not just show it. Are you in favor of the borrowers COPYING your driver's license?

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/19/11 5:37am
Msg #406994

Re: I just can't get too excited about this...

I know what she said.

I responded with my answer.

In Texas, if I want to know every address that a person has had, their date of birth, etc, it is not that hard to find. If they have a speeding ticket, I can get their DL number if I want to press it.

If you apply for a job, yoir information is taken down by at least four people and published in a database. Along with your ssn.

I am not going to watch the sky to see if it is falling 24/7.

Get a credit lock service. Watch your credit reports monthly. The evil is out there, but it is not borrowers who are just a little bit overly concerned about their loan. After about fifty loans, it is not hard to figure this out.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/19/11 6:03am
Msg #406995

Re: I just can't get too excited about this...I agree

"The evil is out there, but it is not borrowers who are just a little bit overly concerned about their loan"

Or about letting a perfect stranger into their home - the days of absolute trust are long gone.

I don't blame them one bit for asking for it. Nor do I have a problem with it. Just a problem with them making a copy of it.

Reply by NJDiva on 12/19/11 10:48am
Msg #407009

"I don't blame them one bit for asking for it.

Nor do I have a problem with it. Just a problem with them making a copy of it." And under NO circumstances will they voluntarily GET a copy of my ID. Look witchur eyes, not witchur hands...tee hee

Agreed Linda, Brenda and Renee. There are some great solutions given in this whole post. I think it's a great idea to hand your card as you walk in the door. I have a copy of my commission (NJ now gives a miniature copy for a name badge) in a lanyard which I wear around my neck. No one has ever looked at it. I think I had someone ask me for my ID once before.

What do I care? Like was mentioned, I have my picture everywhere...yes, I love mirrors...lol...I have my pic on my email signature, my websites and listings, my business cards etc.

I, myself, can be very guarded (hey, murder, fraud and such, doesn't just happen "to other people", it's not something that is in a movie or on TV-strictly speaking from my own experience of course) and if for one second someone hestitated in providing proof of identity upon entering my home, they'd be out faster than they walked over the threshold. I'm not paranoid, I don't go LOOKING for it, I don't think anyone's out to get me, I'm just living in the real world as I've known it, seen it and hear of it daily! But really the bottom line is that if someone was intent upon causing harm, they're definitely going to do it.

We all, especially in this field, should, IMHO, take certain precautions when putting ourselves in vulnerable positions. I think that we put ourselves in vulnerable positions every time we walk into a strangers home, no matter HOW much information we have on them. Again, I don't walk in with anything other than being aware of my surroundings, confidence and trusting my inner "gut" feelings. I can say that I've not to my recollection-knock on wood-felt physically threatened.

I will also add that as much protection as I take with my own safety, I additionally take with the protection and safety of the bo's identification and documentation. I feel it is my responsibility to do so (for me, I even go so far as to say it's a matter of integrity-do unto others as you'd have done unto you.) I feel honored to be entrusted with that responsibility and take it very seriously.

I utilize the "Notary Privacy Guard" to cover and protect others identity when I am recording each person's ID in my Notary Log. I am sure to let them know that I will honor and protect their ID just as dilligently. They tend to almost give a sigh of relief and say something to the affect of "thank you, I really appreciate that." I think it establishes a bit of trust from the beginning.

Anyway, those are my thoughts and opinions on this subject.

Reply by LKT/CA on 12/19/11 8:42am
Msg #406999

Re: I just can't get too excited about this...

An answer that doesn't answer the question is no answer at all. Nevermind, Brenda.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 12/19/11 1:56am
Msg #406991

Re: I just can't get too excited about this...

I'm completely intrigued by your position, Brenda. You seem to be equating your "having every number this borrower has ever had" to somehow feeling obligated to sharing your info, too, for fear of insulting them or being rude "in their own home." A signing is not a quid pro quo situation. You are there to identify them. That's your job. They are there to sign docs, not to learn your DL#, birthdate, address, whatever else they want to see. If a borrower were signing in a brick and mortar TC there is no way the inhouse notary would be showing their DL to a signer. That's just nonsensical. The fact that we are in their home has nothing to do with it; that's just the signing location. We're not a house guest. We're a professional on a business appt. Same as if we were meeting at Starbucks.

I'm wondering if anybody has every demanded to see the DL of the cable guy, appliance repairman, carpet cleaner, whoever. I wonder if they'd show it? And if they did, what would that prove? I wonder what a borrower is really looking for by asking to see a notary's DL? To compare the name on the DL to the name you gave them when you called to confirm? To make sure the person in the picture is the person standing in front of them? What would any of that prove? Makes no sense to me. Seems a business card and/or notary commission would be the better deal.

In any case, if you're going to show somebody your DL you might as well throw in your SS # too - not much difference, IMO, and just as pointless.

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/19/11 5:10am
Msg #406993

Re: I just can't get too excited about this...

"In any case, if you're going to show somebody your DL you might as well throw in your SS # too - not much difference, IMO, and just as pointless."

Could you explain how that is true? I am intrigued by that remark.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 12/19/11 12:53pm
Msg #407019

Re: I just can't get too excited about this...

That's an excellent quesiton, Brenda, for which I admittedly have no sensible answer. It's just that our DLs contain just about all the personal info anybody would ever need on a person and adding the SS# would be the cherry on top - something that could be obtained with a little more work if wanted.

Besides, some states use SS#s for the DL# - so there it all is on one card.

In any case, my point still is what does it prove when a notary shows a borrower their DL?

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/19/11 8:14pm
Msg #407071

Re: I just can't get too excited about this...

"In any case, my point still is what does it prove when a notary shows a borrower their DL?"

Empathy, putting them at ease.

Reply by LKT/CA on 12/19/11 8:43am
Msg #407000

7 Star Post, GoldGirl!!! n/m

Reply by Carolyn Bodley on 12/19/11 7:54am
Msg #406997

Being an ex-signing agent ...

With mortgage fraud and the shape the mortgage market is in today, and after years of reading how misprinted pages/documents, canceled signings after the docs are printed and placed at the curb with the weekly trash pickup and not shredded -- you can bet your bippie if someone I don't know from Joe or Jane Blow enters my house, has my financial records and, as Brenda says, every number I've ever had, they'd be showing me more than their business card or commission.

To be quite honest, with what I saw and was told during the last years I performed signings, and from what I've read on notary forums, if I was not allowed to go to a Bank, loan office, etc., to sign papers, I would never sign them from my home with someone I have no idea who they are.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 12/19/11 12:42pm
Msg #407017

I remain completely perplexed (but that's just me)

Yes, mortgage shennanigans are abundant and legendary. But I need to ask (and I'm being very sincere here):

Who exactly would you think that person is who showed up at your door and who you would never let inside if you had "no idea who they are"? Who would you think they are? Did they call and confirm; were you expecting them? Did someone tell you a mobile notary was coming to your house at a certain time? If you were uncomfortable with a person coming inside your house, why wouldn't you ask to meet somewhere else instead?

"...you can bet your bippie if someone I don't know from Joe or Jane Blow enters my house, has my financial records and, as Brenda says, every number I've ever had, they'd be showing me more than their business card or commission."

What is it about signings at home that somehow change the whole signing picture? Why does signing at a house make a borrower think they need to see the notary's personal info as opposed to signing at any other location? Because a notary steps through the front door then they are regarded with suspicion and sujected to standards that wouldn't be expected if you met them at some other location? Just makes no sense to me.

If you are so distrustful of someone entering your house with all your financial records, it seems the damage has already been done. What does it prove having them show you more than their business card or commission? Then, they're suddenly OK? So far nobody has answered that question.

Anyway, the bottom line to me is we are "state workers/servents/officials" in a way, and as such are not required to disclose personal information about ourselves in the conduct of our notarial dutues. Not that I wouldn't under certain circumstances do so, but what does it acheive when we do and what does it prove when we do? Zilch, IMO.

Reply by Carolyn Bodley on 12/19/11 6:35pm
Msg #407059

Re: I remain completely perplexed (but that's just me)

I got out of the signing biz because of the morally wrong and unethical things I was asked -- NO, told to do to *get* -- NO, to *make* the borrowers sign the docs. And as Brenda said, today with the notary auction to get the "how low will you go" notary, I'm with her, soon signings will be done, like when I bought my house, at the mortgage company or loan officer's desk. At least at a mortgae/loan office, I can ask and watch with my own eyes that "bad" pages are shredded, or take them home myself and shred. I don't have to question whether some notary that came to my house has misprinted/unshredded documents sitting at the curb.

<<What is it about signings at home that somehow change the whole signing picture? Why does signing at a house make a borrower think they need to see the notary's personal info as opposed to signing at any other location? Because a notary steps through the front door then they are regarded with suspicion and sujected to standards that wouldn't be expected if you met them at some other location? Just makes no sense to me.>>

Just because you, me, Brenda, and everyone else on NotRot is a notary doesn't automatically make a notary honest or trustworthy with the BO's private and confidential information -- whether signing at BO's home or signing at the corner McDonalds.

My skepticism comes from years of working with criminal attorneys and their "alledged" criminal clients. You're only perplexed now -- I could scare you to death with actual stories, but I can't do that, because like the attorney, I will be taking many client secrets to my grave -- never being able to tell anyone.

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/19/11 8:03pm
Msg #407069

Re: I remain completely perplexed (but that's just me)

Carolyn, I have those stories going through my mind, too. My boss did a little bit of criminal, but the major stuff was with one of the partners and it was terribly disturbing.

My friends closed on a refi in the Spring. A very good NSA did it for them. They have excellent credit, income, and assets, but still they had been tooled around. She did a great job at putting them at ease. This was their first signing at home. It was nerve racking for them; they wanted to be in a local TC. She handled them great, though.

Reply by Carolyn Bodley on 12/20/11 4:14pm
Msg #407136

Re: I remain completely perplexed (but that's just me)

Brenda,
It is disturbing and no one seems to care -- hooray for the notary and shame on the borrowers because they want to know the identity of the person handling their loan documents -- and more than likely, the only person, through this whole process, they will have personal contact with.

I always tried to put to put myself in the borrowers' shoes when I was signing, making them as comfortable and secure as I possibly could -- even though we purchased our home in the late 80's in a TC's office and only refinanced one time -- again at the Bank. The house is now OURS and no one else has claim to it. We've never had any encounter with a notary coming to the house with our private information. It would have more than nerve racking for us, too and we probably wouldn't have done it if not allowed at a local TC, Bank, or whereever other than our house or the local McDonalds. Besides my horror stories dealing with law, I grew up in a house with parents that lived through the depression and losing everything. So, I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm not a very trusting person.

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 12/19/11 8:26am
Msg #406998

Agree, Brenda - and Carolyn, et al

For the very same reason we must see a person's PHOTO ID, I would have no problem showing mine, and this is the primary reason my photograph is all over the internet. There is no other way to match the name on my stamp, my commission, the name on the SOS 'active notary' list, the name of the person who called to confirm the appt, or that they were given by the client, etc - to the PERSON standing in their living room with all their personal/financial information.

I can only remember being asked once, by a guy who worked for Homeland Security - and he did tell me he'd already googled me. I would, too!

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/19/11 5:59pm
Msg #407056

Re: Agree, Brenda - and Carolyn, et al

Sometimes I think that notaries lose perspective that the citizen/signer is the prominent figure in the equation. Hugh mentioned that earlier.

I just can't find the outrage over them wanting to know who the notary is.

If they knew how the notary was picked (the reverse auction - how low will you go??) then I think they would *demand* more information about the notary.

I don't care what we individually do our how perfectly righteous we know that we are as "notaries public," they have every right to question that person who meets them at the title company, McD's or their home carrying enough information to ruin them.

There is a huge difference between going into a title company to close a loan and having a person show up that they did not pick or know.

I don't see myself as above being humble enough show my DL. I'd copy it for them but they might not care for all the strike outs.

Actually, as reflected in many threads on NR, notaries could do with a little sensitivity training on what it is like to be a borrower. TCs do not lose sight of the client's customer-- the person who is getting the loan...NSAs seem to be. Might as well go inside of a TC and be treated well.

Give it a little time...as the loans dwindle and each loan is critical for the lender, TCs may see their bread and butter coming back through the front doors.

Reply by LKT/CA on 12/19/11 7:26pm
Msg #407065

Re: Agree, Brenda - and Carolyn, et al

<<<I am standing there with every number that this borrower has ever had and I'm not going to show them my ID? In their own home?>>>

Yes, but what you DON'T have is every number that **other people living in or has access to that household** has ever had. You don't know who else resides there, who has access - housekeepers, nannies, construction persons - so you don't know that if the borrower left a copy of YOUR ID lying around and/or whose hands it could fall into.

The borrowers may be wearing halos but other household members or employees could be wearing horns.

Reply by Carolyn Bodley on 12/20/11 3:59pm
Msg #407132

Re: BINGO and a big ChaChing

<<You don't know who else resides there, who has access - housekeepers, nannies, construction persons - so you don't know that if the borrower left a copy of YOUR ID lying around and/or whose hands it could fall into. >>

Reverse "borrower" with "notary" and you've just hit my point exactly -- why the borrowers want to know the identity of the person sitting/standing in front of them. Borrowers don't know who has access to the notary's computer, desk, floor, filing cabinet or anyother place papers get strewn for "anyone" and "everyone" to see and have access. The majority of posters keep signing docs on their computer until they get paid -- I never did because I didn't want to be responsible for confidential and personal information. During my years of signing, I wore out three heavy duty cross shredders because I shredded evey package if printed and then signing was canceled; I shredded misfeeds; if replacement pages were to be substituted, I shredded the original pages. I'd be curious at this moment, how many people have signing packages on their computer from 6 months, 8 months, a year or more back that they've not deleted. I alawys assured borrowers that once the docs were printed, I immedidatley deleted from my hard drive and that no additional copies other than those on the table were in existence. I was signing for an FBA agent once and he said that is fine and dandy, but just deleting them from a hard drive does not totally destroy them and what happens if I get a new computer -- he was quite satisfied with my test answer which is exactly what I do -- remove the hard drive and go into the back yard with a hammer and relieve all my tension and stress.

Reply by LKT/CA on 12/20/11 5:26pm
Msg #407143

Re: BINGO and a big ChaChing

Your concerns are legitimate and understandable. I'm not against a borrower just viewing my ID if they ask to see it. I am against the borrower *copying* my ID.

<<<--remove the hard drive and go into the back yard with a hammer and relieve all my tension and stress.>>>

Heehee....I like that!

Reply by jba/fl on 12/19/11 11:45am
Msg #407012

Re: I just can't get too excited about this...

I went to Einstein's Bagels this am to get a dozen to freeze. I ALWAYS get my bagels sliced. This morning they said I would have to wait 10 mins. as they were still cooking the batch that had my bagels. Then, the nice lady said she can't slice the hot ones because they won't survive the attempt, but I had 4 that were cold did I want them sliced still? I just said no.

The point is: I ALWAYS get them sliced. I was confronted with a change in situation. I had to adapt at least in part or go on my merry way elsewhere. I chose to adapt as Einstein's is not on my normal route.

So, unless you are actually confronted with a situation, you do not know how you will react. You can say whatever you want or think you want, but when push comes to shove, you just may adapt.

BTW: I will show, not copy though. And the "throw the SS in the mix" remark was extreme - out of line. And Goldgirl's post was not 5 star either.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 12/19/11 2:04am
Msg #406992

Receive business card; view a shrunken Commission

laminated in one of those necklace-badgey IDs; view my Voter Registration card. I give neither permission nor authority to -copy- my ID.

Jmnsho.

Reply by Notarysigner on 12/19/11 9:32am
Msg #407003

75% of the time borrowers tell me they have googled me

before I get there. Some even tell me they like my art.

Reply by Notarysigner on 12/19/11 9:43am
Msg #407005

continued- if they asked to see my DL I would show

it but if they wanted a copy, I would ask why? and make my decision based on that answer. No one has EVER ask to see my DL BTW.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/19/11 11:31am
Msg #407011

Re: continued- if they asked to see my DL I would show

" I would ask why? and make my decision based on that answer"

You'd be more patient than I would be, James. I wouldn't even go that far - they have no need for a copy of my ID - none whatsoever. And when they say "well, I'm giving you a copy of mine", my answer to that is "Yes, you are, because your lender requires it, not me, and I'm not keeping that copy"...

Reply by NJDiva on 12/19/11 11:47am
Msg #407013

"because your lender requires it, not me, and I'm not

keeping that copy"...

Which is exactly why I notarize doc's at the table and ALWAYS put them in the shipping envelope, seal it, and have it ready to drop BEFORE leaving the borrower's home.

I assure them that I will be dropping the package as soon as I find a secure drop off. I DO NOT like to have people's info any longer than I absolutely have to. Ya never know what could happen, e.g. accident, health failure, stolen vehicle, there are a myriad of scenarios. Who knows what could happen. Again, I'm only responsible to take due diligence. I really try and honor that; I'm not perfect, but I certainly try.

Reply by LKT/CA on 12/19/11 5:05pm
Msg #407047

Re: continued- if they asked to see my DL I would show

<<<And when they say "well, I'm giving you a copy of mine", my answer to that is "Yes, you are, because your lender requires it, not me, and I'm not keeping that copy">>>

Short, sweet and to the point - I think that's the best answer yet. Also, <for the borrowers FYI> the Dept. of Real Estate (in CA) requires it because deeds will not be *recorded* without being notarized.

Reply by LKT/CA on 12/19/11 6:30pm
Msg #407057

Finally Brenda, you answered the question.

<<<I just can't find the outrage over them wanting to know who the notary is.>>>

What outrage? There's no outrage here. Most aren't against *showing* the borrowers their ID. OPs question wasn't about *showing* the ID. It was about COPYING the ID. I tried desperately to figure out what part of the word "COPY" you weren't clear on because NONE of your responses reflected <except this one> the OPs question - NONE....you spoke about *showing* your ID - big difference.

<<<I don't see myself as above being humble enough show my DL. I'd copy it for them but they might not care for all the strike outs.>>>

Many don't either and technically - all the strike outs defeats the purpose of giving the borrower a copy of your ID - they'd expect to see your ID fully - without strikeouts or there's no mutual exchange of ID. So you DO care about your private info being COPIED by the borrower and you wouldn't COPY your ID for the borrower. A striked out copy of your ID is useless if you're exchanging ID for ID.....they borrowers would be better off just seeing the ID (nothing struck out on there).

I don't get all this ***responding to a question NOT asked, false humility - like no one else said they'd SHOW their ID, and this supposed outrage by others*** from your posts. This isn't like you Brenda.

Reply by linda/ca on 12/19/11 7:46pm
Msg #407067

Re: Finally Brenda, you answered the question.

Yes it is!

Reply by NJDiva on 12/19/11 9:25pm
Msg #407074

Wow! You girls is gittin feisty...lol n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/20/11 6:22am
Msg #407091

Re: Finally Brenda, you answered the question.

"I don't get all this ***responding to a question NOT asked, false humility - like no one else said they'd SHOW their ID, and this supposed outrage by others*** from your posts. This isn't like you Brenda."

Lisa, go back to March of this year on another forum. I was surfing through this morning and ran across you and Paul having this same discussion.

I think Paul said something to you like, "I think that's a rather cavalier attitude. Any property owner has the right to identify any person entering their property." You responded in part, "Only the police are entitled to see my driver's license, not a borrower. The borrower can ask, I can refuse and they can show me the door."

Let's change "outrage" to "righteous indignation" or any other term that means it is not okay with you, but in a very forceful way, not okay.

This apparently has been a big sticker in your craw. I just don't understand it. That's all.

By the way, a few others answered like I did. Surely you can find issue with them, too. Don't save it all for me. Spread it around.

Reply by LKT/CA on 12/20/11 5:14pm
Msg #407142

Re: Finally Brenda, you answered the question.

<<<Let's change "outrage" to "righteous indignation" or any other term that means it is not okay with you, but in a very forceful way, not okay. This apparently has been a big sticker in your craw. I just don't understand it. That's all.>>>

None of this is about me....I answered the OP's question. My position on the subject was clear in my post.

<<<Lisa, go back to March of this year on another forum. I think Paul said something to you like, "I think that's a rather cavalier attitude. Any property owner has the right to identify any person entering their property." You responded in part, "Only the police are entitled to see my driver's license, not a borrower. The borrower can ask, I can refuse and they can show me the door.">>>

How I felt 9 months ago and how I feel today are different. Had I written that post 2 months ago, then you'd have a point in bringing it up. But 9 months is quite awhile ago, long enough to develop a different perspective. Today, I would not have any problem SHOWING my ID. The borrowers cannot COPY my ID.

My point in saying the borrowers can call the police and I'll show my ID to the cop is just really for the borrowers - to drive a point home to THEM that if I'm willing to have them call the police on the spot and request an officer to their home to check me out - then that should tell them I'm on the up-and-up. A scam artist/crook wouldn't do that. An honest person would.

It's not a sticker in my craw. It's not a big deal at all. I say enough in the confirmation call to the borrower so they know I could only have gotten their information from XYZ Title Insurance Company. During the confirmation call, when speaking to the borrower, I don't just name companies, but I name names - "Mary Smith, your loan officer......ABC Bank......Suzie Green, the Title Company Agent.....Fred Lee, the Escrow Agent's assistant...etc". I don't always mention names but I do sometimes to "connect the dots" <so to speak>.

<<<By the way, a few others answered like I did. Surely you can find issue with them, too. Don't save it all for me. Spread it around.>>>

It wasn't what you said that I was at issue with....it was what you DIDN'T say. You only spoke about *showing* your ID. You wouldn't answer the question of *copying* your ID. Those few others agreed with you and also did not answer the question of *copying* their ID. Before, you always stayed on point but this time, you didn't and I wondered why.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 12/20/11 11:45am
Msg #407107

I have never had anyone request to see my D/L, but

I have had someone ask to see my credentials. Since Florida does not provide us with wallet-sized cards - and my commissions is framed and hanging in my office - I do have a small card that my bonding agent provided to me. It is very cheesy and fake looking, but it does have my name, commissioned number, expiration date, and states that I am commissioned as a Notary Public in the State of Florida. I also had an ID badge made that has my name, state notary ID number, and photo.

I am a Trusted Enrollment Agent through the NNA, and Exostar (the company that hires NNA to get an agent) does require that I show my ID to the client, and they specifically instruct the client to ask to see my ID. I show them both my Notary Public ID badge and my driver license. I would not allow the client to write down or copy the information. These TEA jobs are typically at military equipment companies and you generally need to have ID just to get in the building (one company actually required me to provide proof of U.S. citizenship just to enter the building), and this is just part of the TEA job. For general notary assignments, I will not provide my driver license. This is not a "tit for tat". State law requires that a notary inspect your identification, state law does NOT give the client the authority to check the notary's.

Now, as for paranoia regarding D/L *numbers* - it is listed on our commission application, which any member of the public can apply for and receive - and no, the number is not redacted. D/L numbers are not confidential in Florida and I do place them in notarial certificates when I feel it is necessary.