FAQs

FAQ

What Identification will I/or the customer need to provide?
What if I don't have a drivers license?
What if I don't have any of the listed identification?
What other methods do you use to verify identification?
Why do you take my thumbprint?
Can you give your opinion of the loan that is being signed?
How do you accept documents?
What is the turn-around time to get documents back?
What are the duties of a notary?
Will the personal information disclosed to you be kept confidential?
Have you had the GLBA background check done?
What equipment do you have to complete your business transactions?
The borrowers need to have a copy of their drivers license to be sent back with the loan documents but don't have access to a copying machine.
I am married, but my spouse is not listed on the loan or the title. Does he/she need to be present?

Q: What identification will I / or the customer need to provide?
A: I will need a current drivers license or other government-issued identification for each signer present. You will also need a second identification which can be a major credit card, employer id., paystub with name and address listed, current property tax bill, or a tax return.
Q: What if I don't have a drivers license?
A: I can accept an identification card issued by the state in which you reside, a military identification card, a United States passport, or a passport issued by a foreign government, provided that it has been stamped by the US Immigration or Naturalization Service or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The ID provided MUST be current.
Q: What if I don't have any of the listed identification?
A: The signer may have two credible witnesses. One has to be personally known both by me and the signer.

Q: What other methods do you use to verify identification?
A: I keep a journal of all notarial transactions. I list the identifying information and a thumbprint of each signer.

Q: Why do you take my thumbprint?
A: The thumbprint is for the borrowers protection as well as mine. You can fake an identification card or signature, but you cannot fake a thumbprint.
Q: Can you give your opinion of the loan that is being signed?
A: No. I am not an attorney; so cannot give legal advice. I will explain each document you are signing; however, cannot give you any specific answers to your questions regarding your loan. I will refer you to your loan officer or broker.
Q: How do you accept documents?
A: Documents can be sent to me via overnight mail, e-docs and by fax.
Q: What is the turn-around to get the documents back?
A: All documents will be returned within 24 hours of signing. There are transit stations for UPS, FedEx and DHL all within 8 miles of my office.

Q: What are the duties of a Notary?
A: As a "Certified Notary Signing Agent" and "Notary Public" I have been granted by the Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa State Governments to serve the public as an impartial witness with duties specified by law, and , administer oaths and affirmations. As a Certified Notary Signing Agent, I have been granted the honor to specialize in loan document signings

Q: Will the personal information disclosed to you be kept confidential?
A: Definately. As a Notary Public, I took an oath to keep all information confidential. Any documents associated with the loan are shredded on a weekly basis. The documents are kept in a locked box until they are shredded.

Q: Have you had the GLBA background check done?
A: I have had background checks by three different title companies, as well as by different organizations where I volunteer. If you want, you have my permission to run your own background check.
Q: What equipment do you have to complete your business transactions?
A: I have DSL high speed internet, HP Laserjet 3015 printer/fax, Cannon ImageCLASS D761 laser printer and an HP Color Laserjet 2600n printer. I also have a 7.1 megapixel camera for field services.

Q: The borrowers need to have a copy of their drivers license to be sent back with the loan documents but don't have access to a copying machine?
A: No problem. I carry a digital camera at all times. I can take a picture of your license, download and print a copy to send back with the documents. I erase the picture immediately after downloading.

Q: I am married, but my spouse is not listed on the loan or the title. Does he/she need to be present?
A: Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa are all spousal states. The non-borrowering spouse will need to sign the mortage, Right to Cancel, Truth and Lending, and the Itemization of Amount Financed documents.

Notary Public commissioned in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa

Jolene Lien, Notary and Field Services