You are making a mountain out of a molehill.
Illegible notary statements have been around as long as documents have been recorded on microfilm. As a title officer, when I get a document with an illegible seal - illegible meaning the stamp won't photograph well - I have to determine if it will meet the recorders' requirements and if it doesn't, I have to fill out that same statement by either a) decifering the info on your messy stamp, or b) do a notary search in the database to get your information. Then I have to sign MY name under penalty of perjury. The Recorder REQUIRES this when your stamp can't be read. Otherwise, my customers documents don't record.
First American has probably had enough and is now requiring this so that title doesn't have to chase down a notary, or fill in the Recorder's statement - perhaps there is a legal issue involved now that precludes their TO's from filling in the statement for the notary (which is my first guess).
It's precautionary only, in case your stamp doesn't meet their county requirements. It is not an additional certificate, it is not a blank check where ***let them fill in what they want?****, and it is NOT a big deal; it is certainly NOT a reason to turn down an assignment, as one person suggested!
If it's working for you to not send back the forms, then don't. If you choose to follow the title company's instructions, it's harmless to fill out the form, if they don't need it they'll put it in the shred bin. No reason for collective heart failure by the notary community. |
