My Realtor wants to copy my Drivers License
Member since 2024 · 17 posts · 8 votes
My Realtor wants to copy my Drivers License
Most Popular Reply
Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
2yYou are a stranger. What if you rob and kill the agent? What if you are trying to scam someone?
38% of agents are placed in situations where they have feared for their safety. 11% of agents have been a victim of a violent crime while conducting their business.
We do an in office, or a coffee shop consult. We require a copy of your ID, proof of funds, and lender pre-approval letter to proceed with working with our team. Client doesn't want to, we move on. I'm not putting myself or my team members in positions to be scammed or be a victim of violence.
District Invest Group545 Reviews
57 Replies
- Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes2y
@Christine Shay
They want to make sure you are the legal owner of the property because there have been a lot of instances where people have been selling properties they do not own.
7e investments53 Reviews - Real Estate Broker · Northeast PA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes2y
With so much fraud and crime in the world today, I understand why they want to keep a copy of your ID on file.
However, if you feel uncomfortable supplying it and they insist, then walk down the block to the next brokerage.
- 2yTheresa HarrisPro MemberMember since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
I have no problem with it. They are licensed and use it to prevent identity fraud.
- Member since 2024 · 17 posts · 8 votes2yI'm buying, not selling. I should have been more clear in my post.
Quote from @Chris Seveney:
@Christine Shay
They want to make sure you are the legal owner of the property because there have been a lot of instances where people have been selling properties they do not own.
- 2yBruce WoodruffPro MemberContractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
You have to figure out how badly you want this property....or this realtor. With the amount of fraud out there, you cannot be surprised that everyone is checking IDs like crazy.
I have a good friend that just moved into a new house and the City Water Dept wanted every form of ID you could imagine.....including his SS #. Not a big deal but he drew the line there just on principle and I think kinda for fun. They insisted until he went down to the City in person, then they realized that they actually couldn't ask for SS for a water turn-on.
It's crazy out there now, decide which battles you want to fight and against whom...
- Member since 2024 · 17 posts · 8 votes2y
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
You have to figure out how badly you want this property....or this realtor. With the amount of fraud out there, you cannot be surprised that everyone is checking IDs like crazy.
I have a good friend that just moved into a new house and the City Water Dept wanted every form of ID you could imagine.....including his SS #. Not a big deal but he drew the line there just on principle and I think kinda for fun. They insisted until he went down to the City in person, then they realized that they actually couldn't ask for SS for a water turn-on.
It's crazy out there now, decide which battles you want to fight and against whom.
I agree with you. I'm not surprised, but checking ID is one thing. Taking and retaining a copy is something else entirely.
If you don’t like it I’d pry switch to another realtor/broker. I’ve had realtors/brokerages ask me for a $500 “paperwork/storage fee” as a buyer. I just say no thank you. They’ve waived it every time.
If you do want to work with them ask the realtor for a copy of their drivers license to “keep on file”. Tell them there’s a lot of identity fraud going on lately and you want to be sure who they really are. If they’re cool with it you should probably be cool with them having yours.
- Member since 2024 · 17 posts · 8 votes2y
Quote from @Bill B.:
If you don’t like it I’d pry switch to another realtor/broker. I’ve had realtors/brokerages ask me for a $500 “paperwork/storage fee” as a buyer. I just say no thank you. They’ve waived it every time.
If you do want to work with them ask the realtor for a copy of their drivers license to “keep on file”. Tell them there’s a lot of identity fraud going on lately and you want to be sure who they really are. If they’re cool with it you should probably be cool with them having yours.
I like how you think!
- Member since 2024 · 17 posts · 8 votes2y
Quote from @Account Closed:
The gal next door to him was running a power cord from my place into their place so they would have power. All 8 Phoenix cops that showed up were as nice as can be. This is two blocks from the main precinct. It was a circus. Just thought I'd throw that one in.That's awful what you went through. Not sure how ID sharing would have prevented that.
We've been working together for 6 weeks and this only just came up as I'm getting ready to put in an offer. Again, proving my identity is different than them keeping my ID on file. I have to prove who I am to my lender, not my agent. I met with a PI recently to have him teach me various ways to tell if a Driver's License is fake. I had one on file from a fake seller who had recently tried to get me to list a property that didn't belong to them, and we found 16 different ways it was fake. They sent me a fake deed for the property too. I'd be grateful that your agent and their brokerage is on top of what's going on in the world. They'll probably make sure whoever you buy from is the actual seller too, and that you don't wire your hard-earned money overseas to a scammer like a lot of people have done recently. An agent doing their due diligence to protect themselves will probably be better at protecting their clients too. That would be a positive for me right now with all the scamming going on. Wire fraud, identity theft, fake sellers, fake buyers stealing things from listings… all these things are common these days and agents always get named in the resulting law suits because they carry E&O insurance. I won't be surprised if keeping copies of ID on file becomes a requirement and I view that as a positive. Unless your ID is fake?
- Member since 2024 · 17 posts · 8 votes2yYou're probably right about it becoming a requirement at some point but right now it isn't. If it does, then I'll oblige. Until then, I don't ever share my ID with anyone ever, unless it's legally required. Ever had your identity stolen?? Guess not
Quote from @Steve K.:
I met with a PI recently to have him teach me various ways to tell if a Driver's License is fake. I had one on file from a fake seller who had recently tried to get me to list a property that didn't belong to them, and we found 16 different ways it was fake. They sent me a fake deed for the property too. I'd be grateful that your agent and their brokerage is on top of what's going on in the world. They'll probably make sure whoever you buy from is the actual seller too, and that you don't wire your hard-earned money overseas to a scammer like a lot of people have done recently. An agent doing their due diligence to protect themselves will probably be better at protecting their clients too. That would be a positive for me right now with all the scamming going on. Wire fraud, identity theft, fake sellers, fake buyers stealing things from listings… all these things are common these days and agents always get named in the resulting law suits because they carry E&O insurance. I won't be surprised if keeping copies of ID on file becomes a requirement and I view that as a positive. Unless your ID is fake?
Quote from @Christine Shay:
You're probably right about it becoming a requirement at some point but right now it isn't. If it does, then I'll oblige. Until then, I don't ever share my ID with anyone ever, unless it's legally required. Ever had your identity stolen?? Guess notQuote from @Steve K.:
I met with a PI recently to have him teach me various ways to tell if a Driver's License is fake. I had one on file from a fake seller who had recently tried to get me to list a property that didn't belong to them, and we found 16 different ways it was fake. They sent me a fake deed for the property too. I'd be grateful that your agent and their brokerage is on top of what's going on in the world. They'll probably make sure whoever you buy from is the actual seller too, and that you don't wire your hard-earned money overseas to a scammer like a lot of people have done recently. An agent doing their due diligence to protect themselves will probably be better at protecting their clients too. That would be a positive for me right now with all the scamming going on. Wire fraud, identity theft, fake sellers, fake buyers stealing things from listings… all these things are common these days and agents always get named in the resulting law suits because they carry E&O insurance. I won't be surprised if keeping copies of ID on file becomes a requirement and I view that as a positive. Unless your ID is fake?
Well, you’ll probably be more likely to have your identity stolen working with an agent that is less careful.
- Member since 2024 · 17 posts · 8 votes2yI doubt it.
Quote from @Steve K.:
Quote from @Christine Shay:
You're probably right about it becoming a requirement at some point but right now it isn't. If it does, then I'll oblige. Until then, I don't ever share my ID with anyone ever, unless it's legally required. Ever had your identity stolen?? Guess notQuote from @Steve K.:
I met with a PI recently to have him teach me various ways to tell if a Driver's License is fake. I had one on file from a fake seller who had recently tried to get me to list a property that didn't belong to them, and we found 16 different ways it was fake. They sent me a fake deed for the property too. I'd be grateful that your agent and their brokerage is on top of what's going on in the world. They'll probably make sure whoever you buy from is the actual seller too, and that you don't wire your hard-earned money overseas to a scammer like a lot of people have done recently. An agent doing their due diligence to protect themselves will probably be better at protecting their clients too. That would be a positive for me right now with all the scamming going on. Wire fraud, identity theft, fake sellers, fake buyers stealing things from listings… all these things are common these days and agents always get named in the resulting law suits because they carry E&O insurance. I won't be surprised if keeping copies of ID on file becomes a requirement and I view that as a positive. Unless your ID is fake?
Well, you’ll probably be more likely to have your identity stolen working with an agent that is less careful.
- 2yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Steve K.:
Quote from @Christine Shay:
You're probably right about it becoming a requirement at some point but right now it isn't. If it does, then I'll oblige. Until then, I don't ever share my ID with anyone ever, unless it's legally required. Ever had your identity stolen?? Guess notQuote from @Steve K.:
I met with a PI recently to have him teach me various ways to tell if a Driver's License is fake. I had one on file from a fake seller who had recently tried to get me to list a property that didn't belong to them, and we found 16 different ways it was fake. They sent me a fake deed for the property too. I'd be grateful that your agent and their brokerage is on top of what's going on in the world. They'll probably make sure whoever you buy from is the actual seller too, and that you don't wire your hard-earned money overseas to a scammer like a lot of people have done recently. An agent doing their due diligence to protect themselves will probably be better at protecting their clients too. That would be a positive for me right now with all the scamming going on. Wire fraud, identity theft, fake sellers, fake buyers stealing things from listings… all these things are common these days and agents always get named in the resulting law suits because they carry E&O insurance. I won't be surprised if keeping copies of ID on file becomes a requirement and I view that as a positive. Unless your ID is fake?
Well, you’ll probably be more likely to have your identity stolen working with an agent that is less careful.
no one has mentioned it but Real estate agents can be targets of criminals and sexual assault. Agency could be doing it simply for that reason. - Lender · Tampa/St. Petersburg/Sarasota FL and Knoxville/Sevierville/Maryville, TN · Member since 2018 · 361 posts · 178 votes2y
It may be a safety precaution. As a realtor, before I meet someone at a house I do not know well, I ask for one to confirm they are real. Not that someone could not photoshop but it helps and is something taught in all of the realtor safety classes I have attended.
- Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes2y
You are a stranger. What if you rob and kill the agent? What if you are trying to scam someone?
38% of agents are placed in situations where they have feared for their safety. 11% of agents have been a victim of a violent crime while conducting their business.
We do an in office, or a coffee shop consult. We require a copy of your ID, proof of funds, and lender pre-approval letter to proceed with working with our team. Client doesn't want to, we move on. I'm not putting myself or my team members in positions to be scammed or be a victim of violence.
District Invest Group545 Reviews - 2yBruce WoodruffPro MemberContractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
Quote from @Russell Brazil:
You are a stranger. What if you rob and kill the agent? What if you are trying to scam someone?
38% of agents are placed in situations where they have feared for their safety. 11% of agents have been a victim of a violent crime while conducting their business.
We do an in office, or a coffee shop consult. We require a copy of your ID, proof of funds, and lender pre-approval letter to proceed with working with our team. Client doesn't want to, we move on. I'm not putting myself or my team members in positions to be scammed or be a victim of violence.
That's a very fair explanation.....I bet most people never think about that...
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Steve K.:
Quote from @Christine Shay:
You're probably right about it becoming a requirement at some point but right now it isn't. If it does, then I'll oblige. Until then, I don't ever share my ID with anyone ever, unless it's legally required. Ever had your identity stolen?? Guess notQuote from @Steve K.:
I met with a PI recently to have him teach me various ways to tell if a Driver's License is fake. I had one on file from a fake seller who had recently tried to get me to list a property that didn't belong to them, and we found 16 different ways it was fake. They sent me a fake deed for the property too. I'd be grateful that your agent and their brokerage is on top of what's going on in the world. They'll probably make sure whoever you buy from is the actual seller too, and that you don't wire your hard-earned money overseas to a scammer like a lot of people have done recently. An agent doing their due diligence to protect themselves will probably be better at protecting their clients too. That would be a positive for me right now with all the scamming going on. Wire fraud, identity theft, fake sellers, fake buyers stealing things from listings… all these things are common these days and agents always get named in the resulting law suits because they carry E&O insurance. I won't be surprised if keeping copies of ID on file becomes a requirement and I view that as a positive. Unless your ID is fake?
Well, you’ll probably be more likely to have your identity stolen working with an agent that is less careful.
no one has mentioned it but Real estate agents can be targets of criminals and sexual assault. Agency could be doing it simply for that reason.Yeah every experienced female agent I know requires it. OP will probably end up working with a rookie then come back on here in a month complaining about how real estate agents don’t know how to do their job. She might not think that she’s suspicious, and she may not be, but if the agent only requires it of certain people, then they can be accused of discrimination. Just the world we’re living in. The notary keeps a copy in the closing docs anyway so there’s no avoiding it.
- 2yJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Steve K.:
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Steve K.:
Quote from @Christine Shay:
You're probably right about it becoming a requirement at some point but right now it isn't. If it does, then I'll oblige. Until then, I don't ever share my ID with anyone ever, unless it's legally required. Ever had your identity stolen?? Guess notQuote from @Steve K.:
I met with a PI recently to have him teach me various ways to tell if a Driver's License is fake. I had one on file from a fake seller who had recently tried to get me to list a property that didn't belong to them, and we found 16 different ways it was fake. They sent me a fake deed for the property too. I'd be grateful that your agent and their brokerage is on top of what's going on in the world. They'll probably make sure whoever you buy from is the actual seller too, and that you don't wire your hard-earned money overseas to a scammer like a lot of people have done recently. An agent doing their due diligence to protect themselves will probably be better at protecting their clients too. That would be a positive for me right now with all the scamming going on. Wire fraud, identity theft, fake sellers, fake buyers stealing things from listings… all these things are common these days and agents always get named in the resulting law suits because they carry E&O insurance. I won't be surprised if keeping copies of ID on file becomes a requirement and I view that as a positive. Unless your ID is fake?
Well, you’ll probably be more likely to have your identity stolen working with an agent that is less careful.
no one has mentioned it but Real estate agents can be targets of criminals and sexual assault. Agency could be doing it simply for that reason.Yeah every experienced female agent I know requires it. OP will probably end up working with a rookie then come back on here in a month complaining about how real estate agents don’t know how to do their job. She might not think that she’s suspicious, and she may not be, but if the agent only requires it of certain people, then they can be accused of discrimination. Just the world we’re living in. The notary keeps a copy in the closing docs anyway so there’s no avoiding it.
in California notaries also have to take your thumb print for their notary journal. - 2yDoug SmithPro MemberLender · Tampa, FL · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
My wife is an agent. I got my RE license just so I can go to appointments that creep her out. She's very attractive and quit posting her picture on her card, ads, or signs. We kept getting calls asking to have her show the guy a house. She would often say "sure, my husband will meet you to (click)...hello...hello. If someone refuses to allow us to copy an ID so the police can have a lead to go on when our bodies are found in a ravine off of I4, then it's not worth the risk for us to show the house.
- 2yBruce WoodruffPro MemberContractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
Quote from @Joe S.:
Either cooperate with the realtor or find one that doesn’t require it.✅
And there's the answer of the day. You don't have to do business with anyone you don't want to....
- Real Estate Agent · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2024 · 16 posts · 5 votes2y
If you are buying a property, the agent should only ask (if they do at all) to see your ID to verify your human and then only if they are providing you with access to viewing homes on your own. If they are not your anticipated lender (should you need one) then they should not be copying your ID for any other reason at all.
I'd laugh at someone making this demand.
It's the title company's job to check Ids for fraud prevention in my opinion. Sounds like amateur hour to me. If someone asked me for that, I would respond by telling them I'd need their Id, a background check on them as well as 10 references to call. While the realtors in the room speak of safety and stats (I understand their concern), a thoughtful perp would use a stolen or fake ID, therefore giving a realtor a very false sense of security. So then what? Should this realtor have you run by the police department for a full background and ID check in order to show you a house? Perhaps they should also run your prints and dna test to make sure the background check didn't miss anything. You can't be too safe.
I don't think the brand new realtor will be in the business too long, so I wouldn't waste my time working with them now.
Quote from @Ed O.:
I'd laugh at someone making this demand.
It's the title company's job to check Ids for fraud prevention in my opinion. Sounds like amateur hour to me. If someone asked me for that, I would respond by telling them I'd need their Id, a background check on them as well as 10 references to call. While the realtors in the room speak of safety and stats (I understand their concern), a thoughtful perp would use a stolen or fake ID, therefore giving a realtor a very false sense of security. So then what? Should this realtor have you run by the police department for a full background and ID check in order to show you a house? Perhaps they should also run your prints and dna test to make sure the background check didn't miss anything. You can't be too safe.
I don't think the brand new realtor will be in the business too long, so I wouldn't waste my time working with them now.
Not following the logic here... what makes you think this is a brand new agent? I was thinking the opposite as most new agents wouldn't know to do this, while experienced ones won't work with anyone they haven't verified is a real buyer or seller. I see your point about it not being fool-proof. A professional scumbag could use a stolen or fake ID. But every layer of protection helps. I don't think people realize how common scams are becoming. Making the scammers job a little harder benefits everyone. I've been sent 4 fake ID's in just the past few weeks, as well as a fake deed. Asking for their ID and educating myself on how to tell a real from a fake saved me a lot of time and prevented other people from getting scammed. How hard is it to send a photo of your DL?
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.