CA driver's license: New Security features

OK, let's have some fun. Do you have one of the new California IDs?  If so, take out your driver's license or  CA Identification card, and we'll have a scavenger hunt for the new security features. If you have an older card don't worry, some of the features will be present:

Signature and date of birth: Run your finger over the signature: you can FEEL it! And the date of birth is in raised letters over your photo.

Hidden photo: In addition to the full-sized and small photo, there is a third "hidden" photo hologram that is only visible under backlight. On older cards, you'll see a hologram of a walking bear.

CA brown bear: Hold your card in front of a light; you'll see a brown bear magically appear on the right side of the card, outlined by pinpoints of light.

Micro text: I didn't see this mentioned in the DMV flyer, but it's there. Take a look at the word CALIFORNIA, and use a strong magnifier to look at the line under it. In tiny letters, you will see a line of words written immediately under that line. I'll leave it to you to find out what it says.

I have a little Digimark backlight/magnifier that I carry with me. It's inexpensive and a good tool to fight fraud. You can find this or a similar tool wherever you get your Notary supplies or through an internet search. I use it at every notarization, and make a quick journal notation to verify the presence of the hologram and micro text.

The DMV has issued a flyer discussing changes it has implemented:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/dl/dl627e.pdf

Be safe, don't notarize for a con artist.

CHECK THE IDs!

Oh, that special feeling

I am beginning my third commission as a California Notary. This morning I went to the County Clerk's office to take the oath and file my new bond. It's easy to get caught up in the mundane details and paperwork, and over the past four years I've forgotten one of the sweetest parts of the ritual.

The Clerk made sure I understood the significance of the oath she was administering and the importance of my responsibilities as a Notary. Sadly, too many people simply regard it as a clerical function. She knew different, and she understood that I do, too. After I had raised my right hand and taken the oath, the Clerk gave me a warm smile and a heartfelt "Congratulations."

I can't speak for other offices, but the Santa Clara County Clerk does an excellent job of emphasizing the dignity and importance of the office. They always make this simple little swearing-in process something special. Kudos to them.

New Notary Laws - 2014

The National Notary Association has a nice summary of the new laws that went into effect at the beginning of the year, and some changes that will come into effect during the year. You can see their page here: http://www.nationalnotary.org/webinars/new-law/california-jan-2014.html. The page also contains a link to a short video, under six minutes, detailing the changes.

2014 Notary Handbook

Just a reminder to my Notary colleagues to request a current 2014 Notary Handbook from the Secretary of State. They are free, and they will detail the new Notary laws, which I will address in a separate post. In the meantime, you can view the new handbook on the Secretary of State's website.

Send a self-addressed envelope (at least 6" x 9") - you don't even need to supply the stamp!

TO:

California Secretary of State

Notary Public and Special Filings Section

P.O. Box 942877

Sacramento, CA 94277-0001

New Notary Law Takes Effect

Governor Brown has signed a new law REQUIRING thumbprints for more documents than previously mandated. The National Notary Association explains the law here:

Governor Brown changes to thumbprint requirements

It is recommended good practice to take thumbprints from all signers, regardless of the type of document. I've been doing it for years. When apropriate, I explain that the thumbprint is optional, and I have never had  a signer object. So look over the new law to learn the new regulations.

2012 changes for California Notaries

There is a new January 2012 newsletter from the California Secretary of State:
http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notary/forms/notary-newsletter-2012.pdf.

The newsletter details changes to the law, and I urge all California Notaries to read it. It also contains helpful reminders to file any changes to your name or address, and even provides links to forms that can be filled in online (but must still be printed and mailed in via certified mail). The newsletter also reminds us to keep accurate journals and clarifies good notarial practices.

I love when the SOS issues communications to us. I just wish they maintained an email database and sent email notification on the rare occasion when a newsletter is released.

Are you a Notary who uses ditto marks in your journal?

Most, if not all, Notaries I know use ditto marks in their journals to carry down duplicative information; i.e. if you have several signings at the same location, just put ditto marks under the first entry for each additional line, right? Same for signatures. Just draw a diagonal line from the top entry line to the bottom, and have the client sign once. Sounds reasonable and saves a lot of time.

But what happens if someone orders a copy of a specific line item? How do they fill in the blanks where the ditto marks appear?

They can't.

I recently spoke with a representative of the National Notary Association (http://www.nationalnotary.org) Hot Line. It turns out that the time-honored practice of using ditto marks is out, by order of the Secretary of State. I called and verified this, although the policy change doesn't seem to be in writing (?). The SOS agent was very clear: the Notary must record all required information on each line, along with a separate signature. No more cutting corners time-wise.

I'm glad that this subject came up in my conversation with the Hot Line, but it is not mentioned on the NNA web site under California news. It would be nice to have a "heads up" regarding policy changes when they become aware of them. My esp is not that fine-tuned.