The Covid-19 pandemic has brought significant challenges to international travel. Our clients may encounter quarantine, travel ban, and other restrictions or limitations. How to have the documents notarized or apostilled/authenticated in the pandemic is the most frequently asked question this year.
How do I get documents notarized outside the U.S.?
Notarizing officers at any US Embassy or Consulate abroad can provide a service similar to the functions of a notary public in the United States. Notarizing officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates require the personal appearance of the person requesting the notarial service; establish the identity of the person requesting the service; establish that the person understands the nature, language, and consequences of the document to be notarized; and establish that the person is not acting under duress.
Do US Embassies and Consulates provide notarial and authentication services for non-US Citizens?
Yes. 22 C.F.R. 92.4(b) provides that these services may be performed for any person regardless of nationality so long as the document in connection with which the notarial/authentication service is required is for use within the jurisdiction of the United States.
What are some examples of notarial/authentication acts?
Acknowledgment: To "acknowledge" is to admit, affirm, or declare; to recognize one's acts, assuming obligation or incurring responsibility. For example, if you sign a deed before a notarizing officer, you acknowledge your signature.
Oath: Any form of an attestation by which a person signifies that he or she is bound in conscience to perform an act faithfully and truthfully. A person who intentionally makes false statements under oath before a U.S. notarizing officer is punishable for perjury.
Affirmation: A solemn and formal declaration that an affidavit is true, that the witness will tell the truth, etc.
Affidavit: A written or printed declaration or statement of facts, made voluntarily, and confirmed by the oath or affirmation of the person making it, taken before an officer having authority to administer such an oath.
Attestation: The act of witnessing an instrument in writing, at the request of the party executing the document, and subscribing it as a witness.
Corporate Acknowledgment: Officials of corporations who desire to execute an instrument in their capacity as corporate officials before a consular notarizing officer must present adequate proof of their corporate identity.
What fees are charged for consular notarial and authentication services abroad?
Effective July 13, 2010 there is a $50.00 fee for each notarial service. Also effective July 13, 2010, there is a $50.00 fee for each authentication service provided by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
What are the hours of operation for notarial services at US Embassies and Consulates?
Contact the Consular Section, American Citizens Services of the US Embassy or Consulate in advance to determine the hours of operation for notarial/authentication services. Hours may vary for US citizens and foreign nationals. The telephone numbers and addresses of US Embassies and Consulates can be found here.
Can a notarizing officer’s seal be further authenticated?
Yes, the Department of State can authenticate the seal of a notarizing officer. American Notary Service Center Inc. is pleased to provide the Department of State authentication/apostille service and Embassy Legalization service for you. The only thing you need to do is mail the original notarized document to us.
American Notary Service Center Inc. provides fair, fast, confidential, and professional document notarization and certification services for our clients. We also provide various assistance services to small businesses led by socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Our service helps small businesses obtain federal government contracts, gain a foothold in the market, and boost their sales. For more information, please visit our website at www.usnotarycenter.com, and contact us by calling 202-599-0777 or by email at info@usnotarycenter.com.