Don't Let an Expired ID Stop Essential Care: The Homebound Notary Program and a Call to Action

 


For homebound residents in North Carolina—particularly the elderly in assisted living and nursing facilities—accessing essential services is vital. However, a silent, yet significant, barrier often stands in the way of critical legal and financial tasks: expired identification.   

Due to the strict legal requirements in North Carolina, notaries public are generally prohibited from accepting expired forms of identification to verify a signer's identity. This crucial safeguard against fraud means that a person's driver's license or state ID card must be current and unexpired for them to get important documents like wills, powers of attorney, or healthcare directives notarized. For those who cannot leave their facility to visit the DMV, this regulation can create devastating delays and complications in managing their affairs.  

This is where the Homebound Notary Program, and the dedicated mobile notaries who participate, become indispensable.  

What is the Homebound Notary Program?

While there is no single, formalized "Homebound Notary Program" established by the state, the term refers to the essential service provided by mobile notaries public who are willing and able to travel to a client's location—be it a private residence, a hospital, or an assisted living facility.

These mobile notaries bridge the gap for individuals who are physically unable to travel. They ensure that homebound seniors and staff can complete necessary notarial acts in the comfort and convenience of their own setting. This service is a lifesaver for time-sensitive or critical documents, yet it can all come to a halt if the signer's identification is expired.  

A Critical Campaign: Educating Facilities on ID Updates

To prevent this issue, we are calling on North Carolina notaries public to lead a vital educational campaign aimed at the locations where seniors reside.

The Call to Notaries: You are on the front lines of this issue. Your visits to assisted living facilities (ALFs), nursing homes, and other senior care communities put you in a unique position to educate staff on the critical importance of proactive ID management.

Here's how notaries can champion this cause:

  • Partner with Facility Administrators: Reach out to the directors and social workers at local care facilities. Explain the stringent North Carolina requirement that mandates current, unexpired government-issued photo ID for notarization, as outlined in the NC General Statutes Chapter 10B.

  • Establish a Proactive ID Checklist: Encourage facilities to integrate ID expiration dates into their patient and staff intake and care plans. An expired ID can affect not only a patient's legal documents but also a staff member's ability to get vital records notarized.

  • Provide Solutions for Updating IDs: Many residents and their families may not realize the process for updating an ID can be managed even for the homebound.

    • NC Homebound ID Program: The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV) offers an Incapacitated Customer Program that allows an individual's physician to complete a special form certifying the person's inability to visit a DMV office. This process can facilitate the issuance of a new, current ID card by mail, removing the barrier to future notarizations.

  • Offer Educational Flyers: Create simple, clear handouts for families and caregivers explaining the "no expired ID" rule and outlining the steps to take to ensure a patient's identification remains current.

By taking this proactive step, North Carolina notaries public can not only ensure the smooth execution of their duties but also safeguard the legal rights and autonomy of our state's most vulnerable citizens. An updated ID is more than just plastic; it is the key to essential care and legal peace of mind.

To improve, gain more practice, and or build up confidence in notarizing documents joined one or all of our notary continuing education training for North Carolina notaries throughout the year. Get more information at, www.ncNotaryTraining.education. 

       

Legal Disclaimer: NC Notary Signing Services strives to provide precise and current information through our newsletters. However, the contents are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. We do not present ourselves as attorneys and cannot assure the information's accuracy, completeness, or reliability. It is recommended to consult a licensed attorney for legal matters. NC Notary Signing Services, its employees, or contractors will not be liable for any claims, penalties, losses, damages, or expenses arising from or related to the use of information in our newsletters. Notaries should seek guidance from their state’s notary authorities or legal advisors for legal queries. If any part of this disclaimer is found to be invalid by a competent authority, the remaining sections will continue to be effective.


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