NOTE:  This program is now defunct and no longer offered.

Requirements for WoT Notary Service

1. Military ID (active duty or retired) or newer dependent military ID with the individual's SSAN
2. State driver's license with SSAN
3. Current passport
4. State driver's license without SSAN
5. Social security card (with reasonable signature match)
6. Health insurance card that has your SSAN on it

These requirements are not arbitrary.  They are the result of performing many notarizations and refining the requirements through direct communication with Thawte certification managers.  They are included here in an attempt to streamline the process and set expectations.  I take this stuff seriously.

To date, I have not set a point value to each of the above forms of ID.  In all likelihood, I will grant the full 35 points I am authorized; however, I reserve the right to grant less based upon the quality of the identification presented.

When and Where

I'm pretty flexible about meeting you to accomplish your notarization.  I believe in this, so I will make every effort to accommodate your needs.  My first choice for a meeting place is just about any public library.  It's a good neutral meeting place where we can make copies, and in some cases, do the notary online.  I also attend a lot of the local security events and meetings, so we can do it there if I know in advance and you bring the copies with you.

I do not have "regular hours" for performing notary services — this is a volunteer thing.  So we will have to set up an appointment to get it done.  But with email, that should be relatively easy.  Again, keep in mind, this is not my fulltime job, so my availability is subject to my work schedule.  I'm a consultant by trade, so I could end up in any part of town on a given day, or out of town altogether.

Please don't even ask about doing this remotely.  There is no facility for this.  Thawte specifically states that you must appear in person with your identity documents.

Do you have any questions I haven't addressed here?  Are you ready to do this?  Send me email at .

What Next?

Once we have met and I have verified your identity and have the appropriate paperwork, I will assert your identity as soon as possible.  However, you have a role to play in this.  Thawte now requires that you give me access to your information before I can make the assertion.  Here are the steps involved:

1. Go to the Thawte website, www.thawte.com.
2. From the "quick login:" dropdown menu select "Web of Trust".
3. On the left nav panel select "find a notary", then select "View Notary Map" in the main frame.
4. Drill down on Earth | United States | Nebraska | Sarpy County.
5. Click on "Allow Robert McCoy to view your details".

If you do this beforehand it will expedite the process.  I will send you an email when the assertion has been made so you can delete me from the list of notaries that can view your information.

Sanitized For Your Protection

Thawte requires that I keep a copy of your application form as well as the copy of your identity documents used to verify who you are.  I probably like this even less than you do, especially with today's issues around identity theft.  So for your protection (and mine), once I have made the assertion, I put your documents in a safe deposit box in a local bank.  I hope that makes you feel better.  I know I feel better about it.

Good News

There is now more than one WoT notary in the Metro Omaha area!

Who knows?  You should be able to get enough points in one day to get your name on the cert!  The new coffee bar at the downtown Omaha library would be a great place for joint sessions.  That would be cool.