Posted by Cheryl Meril on 2/26/11 2:11pm
Msg #374340

Notary ID Verification Form

I'd like to get feedback within the community since I've come across a request in loan signing materials that I provide an ID to prove my identity Notary Public. I would think my notary commission stamp and number would be sufficient. I feel this request, outside of occasional requests from agencies of ID confirmation, is unreasonable and unnecessary.

We can fake ID's without a notary's confirmation so I don't think this is a method of confirming a NP's ID anyway. Should I refuse to provide my Passport or driver's license for this form?

Reply by Saul Leibowitz on 2/26/11 2:15pm
Msg #374341

My traveling bag contains pens, paper, journal, lots of other things and, of course, a photocopy of my Notary Commission, Illinois Bond, and E & O Policy. Nobody has asked for any of these items, but I have them if asked.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 2/26/11 2:16pm
Msg #374342

Are you asking about a signer requesting or a company? n/m

Reply by Cheryl Meril on 2/26/11 2:18pm
Msg #374344

Re: Are you asking about a signer requesting or a company?

The Closing Agent is supposed to verify my identity using a form that I'm to present a valid ID. This has never happened before.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 2/26/11 2:25pm
Msg #374345

Didn't I read the other day that CA notaries are now listed

on line? If so, I would print out the web page with your information from that for them. They may also want to see a copy of your DL. I will provide that to companies with my DL number and some of the other info blacked out for security reasons.

You may already know this, but I would not just stamp my seal on a page with just my name on it as some companies request. If they want a copy of your stamp they can look on the returned docs that have it properly placed, IMO.

Reply by James Dawson on 2/26/11 2:53pm
Msg #374348

Re: Didn't I read the other day that CA notaries are now listed

The forms I've seen usually ask for name address phone# email address and Comm EX date. that's it, They call always ask the scheduler whose often sitting right next to them.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/26/11 3:32pm
Msg #374354

I've never seen that in a package...

I have ID forms where I (as the closing agent) verify borrowers ID, filling out a form with their ID documents but never had to provide copy of my ID with the loan package.

I wouldn't either.....that sounds so silly of them - "here's the loan docs, go get the loan signed and, oh yeah, by the way, send us proof of who you are"...???

MHO

Reply by James Dawson on 2/26/11 3:50pm
Msg #374359

Re: I've never seen that in a package...

I like it when they say, "i never had a problem before, all the other notaries do it". To which I will say, then call them if you don't want to verify my commission using the S.O.S. website or one of the notary search engines that have profile on them.

BTW Does NR allow for members on this site who are not notaries?.

Reply by Cheryl Meril on 2/26/11 7:14pm
Msg #374390

Re: I've never seen that in a package...

Yup, I couldn't believe it, a first. I had to provide a copy of my driver's license or passport.

Reply by garland/CA on 2/26/11 3:40pm
Msg #374355

Prospect Mortgage is one that asks for it

It is an ID verificiation of the notary and the title company is supposed to verify the notary ID by using their driver's license. It doesn't make much sense because the notary is not in front of the escrow agent so they can compare ID to the actual person (notary). We are told the loan won't fund without the copy of notarie's ID. You can send a copy along with info blacked out, including your DL #, DOB, physical attributes. If I have to do this I just leave my name, address and expiration date visible.

Reply by Cheryl Meril on 2/26/11 7:15pm
Msg #374391

Re: Prospect Mortgage is one that asks for it

That's them alright. I noted their loan package is 150 pages.

Reply by Stoli on 2/26/11 3:49pm
Msg #374358

Is the request from Prospect lenders?

I have seen the request form in the loan packages and objected to providing the information. The signing service insisted that the lender requires the information, and if the information was not included with the package, they would re-assign the loan to another notary. So be it.

I tried every argument I've ever seen posted on the board, and then some, without result. I sent a copy of my license with the address, birth date etc. blacked out, and they wouldn't accept it. They wanted the whole, unaltered license. In my opinion, a copy of my notary commission should have been adequate.

Reply by garland/CA on 2/26/11 4:10pm
Msg #374362

yes, that is the one

I have always blacked out my information and it has always been accepted. I object to having to provide this info. It is totally useless. Nothing is being verified. They have no idea what we look like and who we are. Without us being right in front of them they have nothing to compare the DL to.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 2/26/11 4:12pm
Msg #374363

Re: Is the request from Prospect lenders?

Are you referring to the Prospect Mortgage Notary Identity Verification Form that asks for at least one prmary form of ID, meaning a DL , PP or Military card? The first few times I saw this I could barely believe it and didn't provide my personal information. But as Prospect started to crack down, I got calls form SSs saying the loan won't fund without it. Too bad, I said. Now when I see it, I immediately call the hiring agency and tell them I'm not filling it out and let them decide if they want to keep me. (They always have). However, I admit that one time this poor SS owner - a really nice guy - was practically in tears over this - like he'd lose his client if I didn't co-operate. So I faxed him a copy of my DL with my DL#, birthdate, expiration date, issue date, etc. blacked out. The only thing left showing was my address and photo. I guess that was acceptable. (He told me I was his only notary to object).

What I think happens is that TCs get hysterical if we don't fill out this form cos the lender will get mad at them; and from what I am told, most notaries gladly provide everything they want. Like notaries who show their DL to borrowers who want to see it ....

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/26/11 4:19pm
Msg #374364

I don't see where our ID documents have any

bearing whatsoever on the funding of someone's loan...IMO that's a crock of BS....they have no right to that information and I would refuse.

The only way we impact the funding of someone's loan is if we (a) get the package signed incorrectly; (b) fail to sign and/or notarize the security instrument; or (c) fail to return the package (in which case, a copy of our ID is the least of our problems).

My .02 FWIW

Reply by ikando on 2/26/11 4:35pm
Msg #374370

Re: I don't see where our ID documents have any

I agree with you, Linda. For what purpose could having our ID be used in the processing of a non-related person's loan? Do the companies requiring this information pay more? (I doubt it.) Will they be paying us a salary or benefits? (That's why employers need a copy for personnel files.)

As independent contractors, if a hiring entity requires too much information on us and our own businesses, dictating to us too many "rules", they run the risk of governmental scrutiny as to our relationship to them. It could end up causing them more problems than solutions. IMHO

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 2/26/11 4:40pm
Msg #374372

Re: I don't see where our ID documents have any

Right on, Linda; but I think that Prospect looks at this differently. They include their notary ID form as one of the conditions for funding. Totally stupid ... but as I said, more notaries than not provide everything they want - probably because they just don't know any better - or have no problem with it.

But I have a big problem with it - and this is exactly what I say to the SS: Unlike the borrowers, I have no protection of privacy by Prospect Mortgage. (In a practical sense neither do the borrowers, but at least lenders put up a good front with their privacy policies and the GLBA privacy provision that allegedly prevents misuse of nonpubic personal information in financial transactions, including loan signings). I have no idea what Prospect (or the TC, for that matter) is going to do with the copy my DL. Actually, I do know - throw it away so anybody can find it floating around in a trash bin - or leave it sitting around on some desk somewhere ...anywhere ... ? Are they going to shred it when done? What do they do with the form where we're supposed to fill in all this info ... ? No thanks.

Reply by Cheryl Meril on 2/28/11 12:58am
Msg #374485

Re: Is the request from Prospect lenders?

Thanks for the info, yes it's Prospect lenders.

Reply by Cheryl Meril on 2/26/11 7:15pm
Msg #374392

Re: Yes, it's Prospect, surprise! n/m

Reply by Stoli on 2/26/11 5:28pm
Msg #374377

Prospect Lenders

As others previously stated, the notary identification form is a funding condition; however, in California, the notary has complied with the state-required GLBA and classroom training, been subjected to live scan fingerprinting and an FBI/Department of Justice background screening prior to receiving our commissions, not to mention our bond and errors and omissions insurance, in addition, most, if not all of us, have submitted to an invasive background check as a condition of signing.

Maybe not in all states, but in California, our identity is evidenced by our stamp alone. I don’t remember who posted the comment, but their point was that we are public officials much like the judges and peace officers. We are, in fact, officers of the court, and when was the last time you heard of someone asking a judge to verify his identity? I wish I could remember who made the post; it was funny.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/26/11 5:40pm
Msg #374378

Stoli, where is it stated you're an officer of the court?

I believe you're an appointed public official, or public officer, but I don't believe you're an officer of the court....that designation is reserved for attorneys, judges, magistrates, etc etc..

Reply by John Tennant on 2/26/11 6:38pm
Msg #374382

Re: Stoli, where is it stated you're an officer of the court?

That is a good question Linda. The only reference to being an "officer" of the court I can find is in my handbook on page 11. The term "officer" is used in the California prescribed wording of the Acknowledgement.

"On________________before me, (here insert name and title of the officer), personally appeared"

This form certainly indicates we are officers of the court. SOS should be contacted to clarify this.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/26/11 6:40pm
Msg #374384

I disagree John...that doesn't denote the notary as

an officer of the court - but we ARE "public" officers...

Officer of the court is a whole different animal with an entirely different set of responsibilities and standards.

Reply by John Tennant on 2/26/11 6:44pm
Msg #374386

Re: I disagree John...that doesn't denote the notary as

Very good point Linda. As I indicated, the SOS should be asked clear this up in future handbooks. The public should not be given a false impression of whom/what we are.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/26/11 6:56pm
Msg #374388

Officer = one who holds office; not necessarily of the court n/m

Reply by Stoli on 2/26/11 10:05pm
Msg #374405

No, No! I didn't mean to say we are officers of the court..

the previous poster said that we were officers of the court. I've never really given it that much thought, but I was entertained by the post. Sorry to mislead anyone.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 2/26/11 7:17pm
Msg #374394

I believe Stoli meant 'officers of the State.' That, we

are.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/26/11 7:40pm
Msg #374395

I would agree with you Susan..if the statement

wasn't worded as it was - but I do agree that yes, we are officers of the state.

Reply by Stoli on 2/26/11 10:24pm
Msg #374406

I was in a hurry and wrote irresponsibly.

I was in a hurry when I posted and wrote irresponsibly and carelessly. I was making a reference to a long-past, funny post, not a reference to our official capacity.


Can we go back to when Barbara lost her shoe? That WAS funny.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 2/27/11 12:04am
Msg #374415

Cheers! <clink> n/m

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/26/11 6:40pm
Msg #374383

Stoli

Notaries are not officers of the court in most states. We are actually officers of the state, because we derive our authority from the state rather than a court. The only state that I know of that might possibly consider it's notaries officers of the court is Alabama, because notaries are appointed by the local probate judge. Some states also allow notaries to issue subpoenas and they might be considered court officers in that instance.

Reply by Jodith/WA on 2/26/11 6:03pm
Msg #374380

I've been asked as part of the information they want the first time I work for them for a copy of my ID in addition to my notary commission, E&O, bond and W-9. I have a scanned copy of all of them in a file I can send on request.

I've never been asked to send it in with the document package, though. The form I've seen with a title like that has been for the notary to fill out with the borrowers ID information with the notary signing a statement that they have, indeed, verified the persons identity with the ID listed on the form.

Reply by LKT/CA on 2/26/11 9:50pm
Msg #374403

The Secretary of State will prove to them you are a current Notary. Tell them to contact them. I agree with Linda H/Fl.....it is a crock of BS that a loan won't fund because the Notary won't provide his/her ID. If they are so concerned about ensuring the Notary's crecentials are legitimate, the time to do so is BEFORE the loan signing, not after. If they didn't require documentation UP FRONT to prove you are a current Notary in good standing - then too late, tough cookie.

I personally wouldn't give them my driver's license, even if they said the loan won't fund without it. My response to them: "Well, you should have thought about that BEFORE you hired me and entrusted me with the borrower's private info". JMHO

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 2/26/11 10:59pm
Msg #374410

No smart response here....

I simply would have turned back the loan, telling them that I cannot give them a copy of my DL, per my attorney's advice.