Only certain documents can be notarized at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for use in the United States.
Prepare your document(s): Be sure to complete the document(s) as much as possible before the appointment but do not sign the document!
This service is by appointment only.
A Letter or Form that I am Signing
Ensure that you understand the contents of the document. A consular officer cannot explain it to you.
Please bring your documents fully completed, without any missing pages, assembled and ready for notarization. Bring instructions from the end user in the state of jurisdiction. We cannot assemble your documents for you or provide legal advice on their preparation. If your documents are not ready for signature, you may be asked to make a new appointment.
Do NOT sign the document !!
- Example of a General Power of Attorney form (PDF 218 Kb)
- Example of a Limited Power of Attorney form (PDF 118 Kb)
- Example of a Sworn Statement/Affidavit form (PDF 92 Kb)
Certification of U.S. Saving Bonds
For general information on U.S. Savings Bonds, see www.savingsbonds.gov which also has this handy Savings Bonds calculator.
Redeeming bonds from abroad: U.S. Savings Bonds cannot be presented for immediate payment while the owner is abroad. The owner must execute a request for payment in the presence of a qualified witnessing official and then mail the bonds to an appropriate authority in the United States. A dollar check will then be mailed to the owner of the bonds.
You can execute a request for payment at the Embassy, by appointment only.
You must present a passport as proof of identification. If the name in your passport differs from that on the bond, you must present evidence of a name change, such as a marriage certificate.
Do not sign the document!
After your signature has been witnessed, the bonds should be forwarded for payment to the United States. It can take up to three months for receipt of payment. Send the signed and certified bonds to either of these addresses:
Federal Reserve or Bank of Pittsburgh Bureau of the Public Debt
P.O. Box 867 P.O. Box 7012
Pittsburgh, PA 15230 Parkersburg, WV 26106-7012
Tax information
If you are a U.S. citizen, you should prepare a signed statement to be sent to the United States with the bonds. This statement should include your passport number, date and place of birth, country of residence, and the name and address of the authority to which taxes are paid.
If you are a citizen of a country with a tax treaty with the United States (such as the United Kingdom), you should complete IRS FORM W-8 to claim exemption from the U.S. tax on the bond(s) interest. Submit this form along with the bonds. IRS FORM W-8 is available online at irs.gov (1-page PDF/90Kb).
Power of Attorney
Ensure that you understand the contents of the document. A consular officer cannot explain it to you.
Please bring your documents fully completed, without any missing pages, assembled and ready for notarization. Bring instructions from the end user in the state of jurisdiction. We cannot assemble your documents for you or provide legal advice on their preparation. If your documents are not ready for signature, you may be asked to make a new appointment.
Do not sign the document!
Example of a General Power of Attorney form (PDF 218Kb)
Example of a Limited Power of Attorney form (PDF 118Kb)
Sworn Statement/Affidavit
Ensure that you understand the contents of the document. A Consular Officer cannot explain it to you. Please bring your documents fully completed, without any missing pages, assembled and ready for notarization. Bring instructions from the end user in the state of jurisdiction. The Embassy cannot assemble your documents for you or provide legal advice on their preparation. If your documents are not ready for signature, you may be asked to make a new appointment.
Prepare your document(s)
Be sure to complete the document(s) as much as possible before the appointment.
Do NOT sign the document!
Example of a Sworn Statement/Affidavit form (PDF 92 KB)
Financial or Real Estate Transaction such as Grant or Warranty Deed, Bill of Sale, Closing Affidavit, Assignment of Lease or Disbursement Instructions
Ensure that you understand the contents of the document. A consular officer cannot explain it to you. Please bring your documents fully completed, without any missing pages, assembled and ready for notarization. Do not sign the document! Bring instructions from the end user in the state of jurisdiction. We cannot assemble your documents for you or provide legal advice on their preparation. If your documents are not ready for signature, you may be asked to make a new appointment.
True Copy of a U.S. Passport
A consular officer can take a true copy of a U.S. passport. Any person may present the passport to be copied. The appointment must be made in the name of the person attending.
Statement of Consent (DS-3053)
If you are applying for a passport service for a child under 16, and only one parent is able to appear, the absent parent may furnish a notarized Statement of Consent, Form DS-3053. You must present your government-issued photo I.D. (such as your U.S or foreign passport, driving license or military I.D) together with the Form DS-3053.
There is no fee for this service.
W-7 Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN)
If you are applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and need to have your identification verified before sending your application to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States, please note:
- When attending your appointment, you must bring your passport and a color photocopy of the bio page; and
- There is a $50 fee for each copy that you require.
For specific information about ITIN, please contact the IRS directly at www.irs.gov.
