Your Cookies are Disabled! NationalNotary.org sets cookies on your computer to help improve performance and provide a more engaging user experience. By using this site, you accept the terms of our cookie policy. Learn more.

Do I need to make a copy of a signer's ID at a loan signing?

When I do loan signings in borrower's homes, do I need to make a copy of their identification? If so, how? And does it need to be sent back to the signing agency?D. W., Texas

There are times when a Signing Agent is instructed to obtain a copy of the borrower’s ID while at a loan signing.  When calling to confirm the signing appointment, the best practice is to instruct the borrower to provide a photocopy of their ID(s) at the time of the appointment.  Then the Signing Agent may include the photocopy of the ID with the signed loan documents that are returned to the closing agent. The signer, not the Notary Signing Agent, should make the copy since the ID belongs to the signer.

Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.




View All: Hotline Tips

4 Comments

Add your comment

Janet Bates

24 Jun 2021

I always remind the signer(s) to make a copy of their ID as it is required as part of their loan package. However, 90% of the time they either forget or don't have access to a printer. In that case, I take a photo on my phone and either print it and include with docs in the return package or email directly to SS. I then delete the photo from my phone. I do this since i am responsible for ALL of the required documents to be returned in order to fund?! Am I wrong?

National Notary Association

02 Jul 2021

We do not recommend taking a picture of an ID with your phone and sending it to the lender. This is not a secure method by which to transmit such sensitive information. The signer can, if they wish, take a picture with their phone and send it to the lender.

James Ward III

22 Jun 2021

When using a DMV driver’s license as an ID, why does expiration of the right or privilege to drive an auto on highways invalidate it it as an ID of the person using it, especially when it has a photo ID? Comments Please?

National Notary Association

01 Jul 2021

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Leave a Comment

Required *

All comments are reviewed and if approved, will display.

Close