Hello, new CO notary here…just wanted to get your opinion on something. Did a signing last week and when I called to confirm the appt, the signer couldn’t (or wouldn’t) provide a photocopy of her and her husband’s DL and I asked her that it’s required that Title has a copy of their DL. I asked them if they were comfortable with me taking a photo with my phone and they seemed a little hesitant. I told them that I live right down the street and that I will show them my DL & business card when I get to their house (and that I will delete the photos off of my phone as soon as I upload it to the platform) - they were fine with that. When I got there, they took a photo of my DL which kind off threw me but I fully trusted them so I didn’t have a problem with it. Is this normal? They were very nice (and unfortunately very chatty so the signing took way too long).
I wouldn’t go along with that because the signers might not know how to keep the copy secure, or might be careless.
Nope - I wouldn’t allow it either. They’re providing copies of their DLs because it’s Title/Lender’s requirement, not your requirement. This isn’t your idea - it’s your instructions. I would not have pushed it offering to take a photo with my phone (which I won’t do anyway) - I’d have contacted someone from the table and obtained permission to let Borrowers send the required copies to their title company or lender on their own.
JMO
Thank you, good advice. I did ask Title if it would be ok to take photos w/ my phone - they said as long as the signers are ok with it, that’s fine…but I also don’t want to be responsible for any potential fraud by doing so. So going forward, I’ll have the signers deal directly w/ Title regarding the photocopies if they don’t have the photocopies at the signing.
Oh, hell NO. You need it because the Title Co & Lender need it to comply with the Patriot Act. They do NOT need it for any reason. That’s why I carry business cards and leave my ID in my purse hidden in my locked car.
I’ve never been challenged like that. Before cell phone cameras, I carried a digital pocket camera to take ID photos; now I can take them in 3D. Before I meet with signers, I text them a link to my website, and no, I don’t use an alias like NOTARY king .com. I arrive on time and hand them a business card at the door like a professional. If you’re not doing these things, you’re gonna run a good chance of having some cookie borrower demand to see your driver’s license.
I don’t ask, I tell them during the confirmation call: “I’ll need a copy of your DL or an acceptable valid ID, but if you don’t have a copy, that’s fine, I can scan it at the table and upload with your documents”. If they don’t want to provide, I wouldn’t print the docs or make the drive w/o speaking with the Title Co first.
Scan that valid ID is the first thing I do when I get there!
I’ve never had a problem though.
If signers do not have a copy of their IDs available for including with completed package, I ask them to take a photo of those IDs with THEIR smart phones and they can send that copy to Title directly. Just provide them escrow officer’s email address.
Note: Not all title companies require that notary get a copy of signer’s ID. IMO, there’s absolutely no reason for signing company to receive copy of IDs.
That’s right. Some of them even state “No ID required to be uploaded”. I still verify for my records though.
Sounds like a tit for tat. " so how’d you like that". Nope. Not in my job description.
BTW, as some of you know, im a 40 year real estate broker. Mostly retired now. But i take pictures and do valuations for banks. I had someone ask for my badge! People can be weird. I think i would have said we are done and left.
Most of my signings are for signing companies. I uplaod to their platform. No way to give that to them.
FYI - I hope you have an I.D theft protection coverage. There is no legitimate reason to give a borrower a copy or allow a picture to be taken of your personal driver’s license.
LOL…and my first thought is “You have the right to remain silent…”… ROFL
On that particular trop the house i was trying to photograph was on a street occupied on both sides by gang members. Highlight of my year. Surrounding my car. Ugly story.
There is Not a chance in hell would I have provided my ID for a photo shoot! My procedures are as soon as I call them to confirm the meeting to notarize, I request a photo of their ID via cell phone and if they can’t provide that they need to provide me with a photocopy of it ahead of the signing date that way you’re sure you have it. Without that ID, I wouldn’t even notarize for them. This was a red flag to me.
Many platforms allow you to upload the photo of ID directly onto the platform and it doesn’t save to your phone. So I always demonstrate that for the signer. If there isn’t that option I use Mobile Adobe which also does not save a photo to the phone. I’ll upload the scan and then show them I deleted the file. I’ve been asked for my ID before and if they want a photo I say “what program are you using” and talk about the lack of security for a photo being saved to a phone and since I’m pretty careful, I basically say if they can’t take the same care they can have my business card. I don’t retain photos of ID ever so neither should they.
Most signing company platforms are accessed by the lender and title company who want that copy there.
Unfortunately not a great way to start a relationship
Just let the SIGNER take a photo of their OWN ID and let THEM send it to Title, etc. That way you are not responsible for it at all.
Can you explain your comment further? Wasn’t trying to start a relationship, just trying to do my job. I obtained permission (by everyone) to get their IDs by my phone and received some helpful advice here and will heed some of that advice going forward. As far as the signers taking an actual photo of my DL, I handed her my DL, looked away for a second and she was taking the photo. Took me by surprise a bit. My post was simple - is the photo-taking of MY DL by the signer a normal occurrence? It turns out, no, not at all. Will I allow it again? No, I won’t. And to be clear to some of the other folks who commented: I was professional, I was on time, I communicated with everyone extensively, I gave them my business card and DL and I gave them more than enough time to review/sign the documents. They were very personable and comfortable with the experience so I’m happy with the signing. My background is 30 years in accounting so I’m not new to the business world, however, I am trying to get the lay of the land here and always appreciate helpful comments. Care to clarify yours? Thanks all.