Can I notarize a document from another country?

Asked by: Houston Sipes  |  Last update: February 18, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (35 votes)

Second, yes, a document may be notarized in a foreign country by a notarial officer of that country or by a U.S. citizen taking the document to a U.S. consulate to be notarized by a U.S. consular officer.

How do I notarize a foreign document in the US?

For any non-English document, the best option is to refer the signer to a Notary who reads and writes the language of the document. If that is not possible, the Notary should only proceed if the notarial certificate itself is in English or another language the Notary reads and writes.

Can I notarize a document with a foreign passport?

For instance, California and Tennessee require all foreign passports to include a serial or ID number, a photo, physical description, and signature of the holder, even if stamped by USCIS (California Notaries may accept a foreign passport without a USCIS stamp).

Does a notary have to be in the same country?

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Many states that authorize RON permit remote notarizing for signers located in a different state or country than the Notary. However, when performing a RON, the Notary must always be physically present in the commissioning state during the notarization.

Is there such a thing as an international notary?

For instance, outside of the United States, the only personnel authorized to perform notarial acts, with the same force as performed in the US, are US Consular Officers and US Military Notaries. A California notary cannot notarize documents outside the state of CA, nor outside of the United States.

Can I Notarize Documents In Other States Or Countries?

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Can a non-US citizen use notarize?

Foreign passports are the most commonly acceptable form of foreign identification for notarization, but state laws vary on the requirements. One common requirement is that the passport must be stamped by USCIS.

Can a German notary notarize a US document?

The document must be notarized by the Consular Officer. A notarization therefore cannot be conducted by a German Honorary Consul or by a Notary Public.

Does it matter where the notary is from?

So, can a notary public notarize out-of-state documents? The short answer is yes, notary publics are legally allowed to notarize documents from any state as long the notarial act is conducted within the geographical boundaries of the notary's state of commission.

Can a US document be notarized in Mexico?

Notarial services at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico are for all nationalities and are by appointment only. Appointment availability is extremely limited and we are not able to offer emergency notarial appointments.

Can I notarize anywhere?

Yes, California Notaries have statewide jurisdiction (GC 8200).

Can a US notary notarize an UK document?

Yes, a U.S. notary can notarize a UK document as long as the signer is physically present before the notary during the act of signing. The key requirement is that the document must be signed in front of the Notary Public within U.S. jurisdiction.

How do I notarize a US document in France?

Notaries on the Notarize Network are always online and available 24/7.
  1. Upload or scan your document. ...
  2. Create a Proof account. ...
  3. Verify your connection. ...
  4. Verify your identity. ...
  5. Connect with a notary on a video call. ...
  6. Access your completed document. ...
  7. Download or send document to another person.

Can a foreigner be a notary?

Do I have to be a United States Citizen to become a notary? The United States Supreme Court, in the case of Bernal v Fainter, decided in 1984, that a notary applicant does not have to be a United States citizen. The resident alien notary applicant must be in the country legally, however.

Who is authorized to notarize a document in USA?

The only person who can notarize a document is a notary public. This role is an official position within the state government and notaries public are either appointed, commissioned, or otherwise designated by a high ranking government official such as the governor or secretary of state.

How much does it cost to notarize a document in the US?

Notarization costs vary based on location, document type, and notary fee structures, with in-person notarization generally ranging from $5 to $20 per signature. Online notarization can cost more, typically between $25 and $50, due to the convenience and technology involved.

Can I notarize a foreign birth certificate?

As with domestic birth certificates, notaries should not attempt to make any certification as to the trueness of a copy of a foreign birth certificate. These restrictions tend to apply to all vital records, including death, marriage, and divorce certificates.

Can I notarize a US document in another country?

U.S. embassies and consulates provide notarial services like a notary public in the United States. A notary is someone who witnesses you sign a document. In countries that are part of the Hague Convention, get your document notarized by a local notary.

Who can certify documents in the USA?

Identify someone who has the legal authority to certify documents. This often includes notaries public, government officials, lawyers, or other designated personnel.

Can I use a Mexican passport to notarize in California?

Some states have more stringent requirements for foreign passports. California and Tennessee, for example, require all foreign passports to include a serial or ID number as well as a photo, physical description and signature of the holder (California Notaries may accept a foreign passport without a USCIS stamp).

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.

Does it matter if the notary is from a different state?

Notary commissions are state-specific, and a notary's authority is not typically limited to their own state. For instance, a notary public in Texas can notarize documents intended for use in California unless specific conditions are applied.

What makes a notarized document invalid?

Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal

States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.

Is there an international notary?

An international notary can make the process simple and help ensure your documents are valid wherever you need them. An international notary can also help you understand the complexities of international notary services.

Can you certify a document that is not in English?

If the original document is not in English, the applicant is to provide a certified copy of the written translation (by an authorised translation service, such as an appropriate embassy or a professional translation service accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd).

Is a power of attorney from another country valid in the US?

Document Validity: To ensure the POA is recognized in both jurisdictions, compliance with the legal requirements of both the principal's and agent's countries is critical. This often includes notarization and, in some cases, consular legalization.