Posted by FeliseSoCal on 2/28/13 4:24pm
Msg #458545

CA Notaries and background checks...

I keep getting asked for these, even though we are automatically background checked.

I'm curious how many of you are getting them and who has the best deal? I had NexisLexis for free before, but it doesn't seem to have everything they're asking for.

Reply by Gregory/CA on 2/28/13 4:31pm
Msg #458547

I get asked as well. I got my BCG here on Notary Rotary. You can find the link under
>Resources
>Notary Membership Levels

Scroll to bottom to the link listed:
k) $20 discount at Notary Public Background Check.

(http://www.notaryrotary.com/library/memberships.asp?id=&sec1=1)

Premier members will receive a discount for the BCG.

Reply by Yoli/CA on 2/28/13 4:32pm
Msg #458548

Right here on NotRot for the best deal! n/m

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/28/13 4:33pm
Msg #458549

No one specific background check with make *everyone* happy.

And, the CA background checks are essentially worthless since last fall anyway since they lifted the ban on felons obtaining a commission. You want to know why more and more we're being asked for updated background screenings? THAT's why.

OH, we still have to submit to the screenings, sure.... but there is no longer a guarantee that a CA notary isn't a convicted felon.

Reply by Stephanie Santiago on 2/28/13 5:10pm
Msg #458563

Interesting Marian. I had no idea. n/m

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/28/13 5:36pm
Msg #458569

Re: Interesting Marian. I had no idea.

A *lot* of people didn't know that. It was in the updated disciplinary guidelines that were approved last November:

http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notary/disciplinary-guidelines.htm

They lifted the ban on felons obtaining a commission. Now, that doesn't mean that *every* felon can obtain a commission. It has to have been at least 10 years since the completion of all of their legal obligations, and they must be adjusted by the court as being rehabilitated in order to even be considered. Even then, it's not automatic... they take it on a case by case basis. So, in reality, the number who make it through that process are likely going to be small... but that doesn't really matter much. Why? Because when it comes to working with GLBA compliance issues with all of the financial organizations, chances are their privacy protection plans prevent convicted felons from handling paperwork of their clients. So, even though CA might give them a notary commission, that doesn't mean they aren't still convicted felons and ineligible to work for these companies.

So, now... even though we STILL have to go through the whole process to obtain our commissions, to many of these companies, that's meaningless because as of November 16, 2012 it no longer guarantees that we aren't convicted felons. This impacts me, personally, because my commission renewed just 12 days after that policy went in to effect.

I let my XYZ membership and everything lapse. I got the BGC through here, which is GREAT. But I'm finding that not everyone will accept it. I have 3, specifically that want the XYZ one again. They know my other one expired and I tried to give them the NotRot one, and they refused it. So right now, I'm debating what I'm going to do. One of the 3 is a local company that I adore and that gives me a LOT of business, and pay very, very well. Their CEO is adamant that they will only accept the XYZ one even though I've personally sat down with him and discussed it and how it's a complete waste. But he's convinced it that one or nothing. FOr just about all other companies I'd tell them to pound sand.... but I like these guys.

Reply by BBuchler/CA on 2/28/13 6:30pm
Msg #458586

My California background check shows no felonies. That's all that should matter to anyone hiring me. If we here in California start bad mouthing our process, then it does open the door for XYZ. You don't change things from the outside, you do it from the inside. If you don't want XYZ or ABC, or TUK, or anyone else to be the "be all and end all" then start complaining to the California SOS, complain loud and complain long.

However, keep in mind that the "notary" commission is not just for loan signers, it was developed for general notary work, which may not include any financial documents. Still, there will be a financial impact to us, in a lot of ways, and we need to make the SOS understand this end of the story.

How exactly does XYZ's background check differ from what they do here in CA?

Reply by Edward Cooke on 2/28/13 8:26pm
Msg #458615

More than likely the only difference is that it has XYZ's name on it.