I too would like to add that anyone should read Victoria's newsletter very carefully and question the content. Her intentions are most honorable and well founded, but she doesn't always provide the accuracy that is demanded. Further she doesn't investigate her own writing, repeating what she has heard or received in emails without any follow-up.
I have been told, though I haven't investigated it myself yet, that her training guide is fraught with errors. As I said, I don't offer this as first hand knowledge, but considering some things that I have read over the past year or so, I wouldn't be surprised.
In my opinion, she offers bad advise too frequently. For example, in Issue 16 she stated, "personally I have never had a problem giving out my social security number or driver’s license number to title and mortgage companies I sign up with online". I would never suggest to anyone to provide their SSN and/or DL number online, unless the site is a secured website (https), which just about all are not. Further, I sent her a reply that she never acknowledged:
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SSN - You are not required (in relation to working) to provide your SSN to anyone but an employer. You are required to provide a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), which may be your SSN or an EIN or one of a few other identification numbers that are available. As an Independent Contractor, not an employee, it is strongly recommended that the Notary obtain an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. The EIN can then be provided to agencies and companies that need to pay you and report that income to the IRS. As a sole proprietor you have the option of using your SSN or an EIN for tax purposes. As a partnership, LLC or corporation, you need to have an EIN. Any self-employed business person can obtain an EIN easily and quickly (within minutes of applying). Simply go to the IRS website and apply. (http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97860,00.html)
Drivers License Numbers - There is absolutely no reason that any agency or company needs this information. There is nothing on your drivers license that is required to be provided as an Independent Contractor, nor a notary. Even signing agents are not required to have a drivers license. Further, having the drivers license number can open the doors to easy, unwanted and unnecessary gathering of personal data. Again, for privacy and identity theft prevention, keep your drivers license in your wallet or purse and provide it only to law enforcement or similar agencies. I have never had an agency refuse my application because I chose not to provide my drivers license information.
Along these lines, there is usually one other piece of information that some agencies frequently ask for: a copy of your seal. Most states forbid the use of a notary seal on anything except official notarizations. Agencies do not need a copy of your seal to verify your commission. Simply include a copy of your Notary Commission (or license or appointment) in lieu of your stamp. That will be accepted.
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