I received an e mail from yet another signing company advertising their answer to performing closings during the pandemic . . . a "No Contact Signing".
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Great news! In an effort to enhance our social distancing practices for safe and healthy notary signings. We are allowing for No Contact Signing, also known as "Drive-by Signings".
What is a No Contact Signing? A signing where the notary remains in their vehicle while the client signs the documents.
How they work: 1.The notary would still print the package, and schedule with the client a time to bring the package to their home. 2.The notary would validate lD through a window and leave the package on the porch for the client to retrieve, 3.Client takes the packages, signs it, and leaves the package on the porch 4.Notary retrieves the package from the porch 5.Notary signs and stamps the package, and returns to escrow using provided shipping label. This will greatly reduce the amount of contact between individuals. While this is not mandatory on every job, please be on the lookout for notes requesting "No Contact Signings" or "Drive-by Signings" and follow these instructions if they are requested.
We are confident these steps offer both the notary and the clients a safe and healthy way to perform signings during these difficult times.
Also: according to the US Treasury Secretary, NSAs are considered essential services and can continue to operate during lockdowns.
Kendall Clayton GetNotarized.com - 1-855-706-6827 Kendall@GetNotarized.com
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I am contacting my Secretary of State tomorrow morning and alerting them to the fact that companies are asking notaries to break the law.
Minnesota Statutes clearly state that "The principal signer must personally appear before the notary at the time of notarization. This means that they notary and the signer must both be physically present, face to face in the same room, when the notarization takes place. Notarizations may never be performed over the telephone".
I have been saying this every single day. Notaries please be aware of the rules for your State. Please do not let a signing company tell you how to do your job.
And please stay safe, stay healthy, wash your hands, don't touch your face, sanitize, do closings outdoors if possible, and wear a mask if you feel like you need to. And if you need to sit this round out, that is okay too. Praying for all. |