Senior Citizens Need Valid Identification

My first experience as a mobile notary was one I'll never forget. My ostensibly housebound client was in her eighties and didn't possess a current form of valid identification. Yes, I did ask ahead of time. The job was contracted through her attorney, who assured me that she did. I would have had more empathy for the woman if she had been a pleasant person, but she was not. She tossed credit cards and family photo albums in my direction, exclaiming that I must be an idiot if I couldn't see with my own eyes who she was. "I don't drive, I don't travel... why do I need identification?" You get the idea. I proceeded to outline the remaining options, but she claimed that none of her neighbors were home to vouch for her signature. After several minutes of verbal abuse, I packed my bag and prepared to leave.

Suddenly, the neighbor idea appealed to her. I knocked on a few doors and found two local residents who were willing to help out. Was my client grateful that I went the extra mile to notarize her document? On the contrary. She called me names, told me that other notaries never asked for identification (highly unlikely) and even called the next day to chastise me after one neighbor complained about having to show proof of her identity. Needless to say, I "thanked" her attorney for the ambush. I'm sure he was all too aware of her sour disposition, and had probably been on the receiving end of her wrath a few times himself.

Over the years I've received many inquiries from people calling on behalf of elderly family members who don't have proper identification. These assignments almost always involve power of attorney or trust issues. Obviously, family members who might later benefit from these documents can't vouch for the person signing. It takes a bit of coordination to get the signer and witnesses together at the same time, particularly if the signer is in declining health.

In California, where I am commissioned, there are several valid forms of identification. The most logical choice for a person who does not drive or travel is a state-issued identification card, which contains a photograph, description of the person, signature of the person, and an identifying number. Why add stress to an already stressful situation. Plan ahead and be sure to possess a valid identification card at all times. You never know when you'll need it, and your family members will thank you for being prepared.

Image used under Creative Commons from ibison4 (Flickr)