Posted by PA_Notary_II on 9/23/11 11:06am
Msg #398420

NETCO

Their ID verification has all that is needed for a standard ID certification, however I have been in a quandry over their statement at the bottom of the form that says "I hereby certify that I have seen identification for the aforementioned borrowers and that the information contained herein is correct and that the signatures on these ID's match those on the documents associated with this closing" followed by "Sworn before me this ____day of ____,____ followed by a Notary signature and seal. I have always attached a post it sticky saying that I cannot notarize my own signature. (also no venue showing) I'm wondering what other Notaries do.

Reply by HARRY_PA on 9/23/11 11:09am
Msg #398421

Ignore it n/m

Reply by Julie/MI on 9/23/11 11:15am
Msg #398423

Just like all the other title companies that do this, I simply have them sign their name on the same line where their name is printed.

Reply by Missy82 on 9/23/11 12:03pm
Msg #398427

I've done several Quicken loans that have a similar ID checking process. They want you to verify you've seen the ID's, the numbers, etc., and then "place your notary seal as proof of commission" and sign. I feel the same way, that it's notarizing my own signature. So, I called their closing team and asked if I could just include a copy of my commission as proof, to which they agreed. So far, no rejections yet. You'd think by that point in the package, they'd see your stamp on several notarizations and take it on faith in the SA that you actually are a notary.

Reply by MrEd_Ca on 9/23/11 12:17pm
Msg #398428

Re:Quicken ...

For that Quicken form I always write in that space ... 'Not allowed as per CA notary Laws'. I have never had a problem.

Reply by Missy82 on 9/23/11 12:26pm
Msg #398430

Re: Re:Quicken ...

MrEd,
When I called, I told them that same thing, and it satisfied them. But just to be safe, and because Notary commissions are public knowledge anyway, I include a copy of my commission. You'd think after closing 4 Quicken loans in one month, they'd have it on file already. :/

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 9/23/11 12:24pm
Msg #398429

And actually Missy -as I am sure you know, you can only use your seal on documents thatyou are notarizing. You cannot use your seal just as proof of your commission.
I believe there is something in the California handbook to that effect -also a notary public seal and signature cannot be affixed to a document without the correct notarial wording.

Companies can also verify a notary's commission by calling the relevant SOS office. In Florida, and other states, they can also look it up online.

Reply by Missy82 on 9/23/11 12:29pm
Msg #398431

Sylvia,
You're correct, and you'd think Quicken would know that by now. ? I think maybe once upon a time, some SA must have used someone who wasn't actually a commissioned notary, so now they want proof. But by virtue of previous notarizations in that same package, that's proof enough, I'd think.

Reply by Pam/NM on 9/23/11 1:15pm
Msg #398435

I just note that I am unable to affix stamp to a non-notarized document and write my commission number in if they need it.

Reply by Lee/AR on 9/23/11 2:21pm
Msg #398442

I think it's a test to see if they 'found one'.... (notary idiot)

Reply by JanetK_CA on 9/23/11 4:13pm
Msg #398447

When I see those (unless it's with a company where I've already been through this drill), I usually call them and give them a choice: 1) I can either just sign it in my capacity as a "signing agent" (for lack of a better term) and not notarize, OR 2) I can have the borrower sign that page and I can notarize their signature on it. I get responses on both sides of the issue.

I've seen a wide array of variations on ID certifications, but the concept is basically the same. Also, as for the jurat verbiage (assuming they do want it notarized), being in CA, I would stamp it with the correct required verbiage. If just the venue is missing and everything else is OK, I simply write in the venue info.

I have to say that I'm often surprised to see this type of question here, although the discussion is probably beneficial for many (and this isn't to discourage questions like this from the OP - 'cause it was just in the context of "wondering what other Notaries do"). However, when in doubt on how to deal with any particular document, my first reaction is *always* to call my client. I should probably clarify for all the newbies who have come here, that this does NOT include questions about notary law. If there are any notary law issues, I'm going to be telling them what my state requirement are, not asking!

I've noticed that answers to questions like this tend to vary widely, so who do you listen to? Does the person responding really know? And if they're wrong, it's no skin off their nose. I'm sure we all mean well, and the vast majority are going to tell you what has been correct in their experience, but you never know when your particular client is going to tell you something different.

My philosophy has always been to risk looking ignorant and ask the source - but I believe that has also been my best teacher. I have often been surprised when the responses I got were not what I expected to hear - and were different from what I heard the last time I asked. Sometimes it seems to be because the person didn't really know, but if they're the one I need to be accountable to, I want to do what they request [and if it's because I'm not talking to the right person, I have been known to push back (like: "Are you sure?") ]

This doesn't mean that I'm calling about every little thing, of course, but every now and then you run into a situation - like the one described in the original post - that is open to interpretation and will depend on what that particular client prefers.

Just FWIW...

Reply by Jessica Ward on 9/23/11 9:59pm
Msg #398467

Seal as proof of commissoin

I sometimes see the "seal as proof of commission" I seal, and strike through the seal and write "SAMPLE" Not sure if that works, but I add the sticky note on it that says I can't notarize my signature.

Reply by Kathy Fletcher on 9/24/11 10:29am
Msg #398483

Re: NETCO check with your SOS

The Arizona Secretary of State prohibits Arizona notaries from submitting a copy of our commission to any company other than to obtain a new stamp or embosser. The SOS does not want copies of our commision out there that can be used to obtain a stamp illegally. Their recommendation is that we go to their website and print the screen that shows our commission is current.

Reply by Lee/AR on 9/24/11 2:57pm
Msg #398516

Good thinking by AZ n/m

Reply by Teri_PA on 9/24/11 3:57pm
Msg #398530

I am assuming you are a PA notary....Check your notary law...In PA, you may certify...anything you want...thereby notarizing your own signature...It is one of the notary acts allowed in PA...One of the few states that allows you to notarize your own signature..

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 9/24/11 4:48pm
Msg #398549

I'm going to disagree with your interpretation here Teri

We can certify copies here in FL too providing they're not vital records and we make the copy from the original ourselves - but just like in PA, the certificate we're signing is attesting that the copy is a true copy of the original - we are signing as to the authenticity of the copy, we are not notarizing our own signatures.

I don't believe any state allows the notaries to notarize their own signatures.

JMO