Every once in a while I will get instructions that the signer is to sign their name like it’s typed on the docs. For example, the first, middle, and last name. However, this can often require them to create a brand new signature because it is not what their signature looks like on the ID. I recently signed a previous escrow officer and she told me that it was ridiculous and she will sign how she normally signs. This makes sense to me. Can anyone please provide me with further clarification on this topic?
I think we’ve all encountered this issue on occasion. A person’s signature will often not include their middle name. Some will be first and/or middle initial and last name, and many variations thereof. You will need to decide for yourself what you are comfortable doing. For me, as long as the signature matches (or in some instances, come close) to the one on the government issued ID they provided, I do not challenge it. I’ve not been challenged or had reduced fee due to the lack of a signature match.
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I view the signature that appears on the ID as only one of several ways to ID the signer. If the height, weight, and photo agree, I’m less worried about how well the signature matches. These days, the signature at the DMV is captured with an electronic pen that doesn’t work too well, and then the signature is distorted when it’s printed on the driver license. For states that do that, I hardly pay any attention to the signature on the driver license.
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For signatures that don’t look like anything recognizable I’ll say “can you affirm this includes your middle name (or initial)” and if they say yes I put a note on the order that says signature includes middle name or initial. Otherwise I’ll make them sign the way the name appears. Every meeting starts with instructions where this is covered.
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Hi Christi, there are many reasons the signature on their driver’s license might not match what their current signature looks like. I do comment to the signer on the difference I notice in what their signature looks like on their ID compared to their signature in my notary journal and I note any explanation they give me in my journal, such as “signer has a broken arm and is signing left handed” or “signer is older and has a shaky signature due to advance age, illness she says, etc.” Some signers have to sign “X” because that is the best they can do.
As far as signing with middle name, middle initial, etc. I instruct the signer to sign exactly as their signature block indicates to the best of their ability. If a signer has a scribble signature (I love those) then it is not an issue. Their signature is their signature. But if it is a perfectly legible signature that clearly says “Jane Signer” and the signature block indicated “JANE A. SIGNER”, then I ask Mrs. Signer to please include an A between her first and last name so that there is no chance it will be rejected by the lender or title co and delay closing. Usually even the people who don’t normally sign with middle initials understand the importance. If they still choose to disregard my instruction, then I don’t fight it – I just note it in my journal (and in my closing notes to the hiring company to CYA) and carry on with the signing.
In your case, the former escrow officer should have understood the importance of signing as signature block dictates, BUT YOU DID YOUR JOB ASKING HER to follow the signing instruction per your hiring company’s request. It is ultimately up to her how she signs her name. I am hoping hers was a scribble type of signature. Those are my favorite because whose to say whether that scribble contains a middle initial or not, right? 
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