Colorado Springs Notary - Leon Austin

On a few occasions I will get instructions letting me know that I don't need to get a photocopy of the borrower's ID:

However, most of the time the title company insists on getting a photocopy.  I make a point of requesting it when I make the confirmation call. It's a requirement that should be taken seriously. And 9 times out of 10 the borrowers are able to provide a photocopy.  But there are going to be times when they can't. I could bring a copier along, but I prefer not to carry it if I don't have to.

However a digital camera is something that is small and lightweight. I can fit it in my shirt pocket. It doesn't have to be a top of the line camera. The camera I use is the Kodak EasyShare C533.

The procedure is not difficult. If you can take a picture, you can make a copy of the ID.

It's a good idea to get the borrower's permission. Even though you already have access to a lot of their private information, they might feel uneasy about having it on someone's digital camera. You never know what concerns they have. So always ask. 

The main thing is the proper mode. I use the close up mode. On the C533 you'll see a flower icon.

This allows me to get up close to the ID so that all of the information is legible. You don't need a flash. And you don't want it. Just make sure you have adequate lighting. You'll be able to tell from the LCD screen.  A tripod isn't necessary either. You just want to have a steady hand. Lay the ID on a flat surface, and on a sheet of light-colored paper. Squeeze the shutter button, and you're done.

The next thing you want to do is prepare the photo so that it can be sent to the title company.  You can either email the photo as an attachment, or you can print it out. Call and ask which they prefer.

If you're sending it as an attachment, then all you have to do is upload the photo to your computer and send it.

If you're going to print it out, you will need to make some adjustments. The size will probably need to be reduced. There are a variety of software products you can use. I use IrfanView. Make any adjustments you need to make with regards to size and cropping. When you're done, you will probably have something that looks like this:

Most of the wording on this document is legible. If you have any vital information that didn't come out clearly, you can annotate it on the piece of paper that you printed it on. Or include it in the email, if you sent it as an attachment.

It's always nice if they are able to make a photocopy and have it for you when you arrive. But if they don't, then you have your digital camera to do it for them. Good luck.