An application was taken via fax or mail, but the customer left the Race blank. Normally, we mark did not provide. However, the officer knows the applicants personally as one of them used to be an employee with our bank. Because of that, do we still mark did not provide? Or can we mark the appropriate box based on visual observation (even though technically they did not see them during the application process)?

The DI is based on what the applicant provides or what the loan officers observes during a face to face meeting with the applicant during the application process. It doesn't appear that face to face meeting took place.

Yes, you still mark "did not provide". The visual observation has to take place during theh application process.

That was my thought, but I wanted to make sure. I appreciate your help guys!