Immigration Document Notarization in Sacramento
Affidavits of support, consent letters, USCIS-related declarations. We notarize immigration documents quickly and accurately, and come to you throughout Sacramento and the region.
What you need to know
Immigration Documents We Notarize
Immigration processes frequently require notarized supporting documents. As a California notary public, we can notarize sworn statements, declarations, and consent letters: documents that contain the signer's own affirmation of facts.
We are notaries public, not immigration attorneys. We notarize documents; we do not provide immigration legal advice. For legal guidance on your immigration case, consult a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative.
Common Immigration Documents We Handle
A sworn statement from a U.S. citizen or permanent resident agreeing to financially support an immigrant. These are signed under penalty of perjury. USCIS does not require them to be notarized, though some consular and international processes ask for a notarized copy.
Confirms a familial relationship between a U.S.-based person and someone abroad seeking immigration benefits.
Allows a minor child to travel internationally with one parent or a third party. See our Parental Consent page for more detail.
Sworn statements verifying addresses, relationships, identity, or other facts needed for immigration filings.
Some filings request a notarized copy of a passport, permanent resident card, or naturalization certificate. We attest to copying an original; we do not certify the underlying document's authenticity.
Granting another person authority to act on behalf of a sponsor or petitioner for immigration-related matters.
Used in some international filings or for Canadian immigration purposes.
Important distinction
Notarization vs. Certified Translation
A common source of confusion: USCIS and immigration courts often require certified translations of foreign-language documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.). This is different from notarization.
- Certified Translation: a professional translator provides a translation of a foreign document along with a signed certification that the translation is accurate and complete. This is NOT performed by a notary
- Notarized Translation: some immigration submissions request a notarized translation, meaning the translator's certification is notarized. The notary verifies the translator's signature and identity, not the accuracy of the translation
We can notarize a translator's certification once the translator has signed it in our presence. We do not perform translations.
Immigration Law Notice
We are notaries public, not immigration attorneys. We notarize documents; we do not provide immigration legal advice. For legal guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative.
Before we arrive
What to Have Ready
Before your notary appointment, make sure you have the following:
Have ready
- Valid government-issued photo ID (U.S. or foreign passport, driver's license, or state ID card)
- Your permanent resident card as well, if that is the ID you have. California does not accept a Green Card for an ordinary notarization, but state law makes a narrow exception when the notarization is only to prepare a form for U.S. immigration. Bring it, tell us what the document is, and we will use whichever ID the law allows
- The complete, unsigned document to be notarized
- Confirm that all blank fields are filled in before the appointment
- If a translator will be signing, they must also be present with ID
- Any original documents you want a notarized copy of (bring the originals)
- Know the exact wording required by the form or filing: some immigration forms specify exact notarial language
Common mistakes: what NOT to do
- Do not sign any document before the notary arrives
- Do not use a notary public as an immigration consultant: we cannot advise on immigration law or strategy
- Do not confuse notarization with certified translation: USCIS typically requires certified translations of foreign documents
- Do not present an ID that is both expired and more than five years old: California accepts an ID that is current, or that was issued within the past five years
- Do not submit documents with blank spaces: fill everything in before the appointment
- Do not use someone claiming to be a "notario público" for immigration advice: in Latin America this is a licensed attorney, but in the U.S., a notary public is not an attorney and may not give legal advice
Immigration notarization questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my green card as ID for a notarization?
For an ordinary notarization, no. California uses a specific list of acceptable IDs and a permanent resident card is not on it, so a Green Card alone will not work for a power of attorney, a deed, or most other documents. There is one narrow exception in California law: when the notarization is solely to prepare a form for submission to U.S. immigration authorities, a notary may accept identification that those authorities accept. Tell us what the document is when you call and we will confirm before we come out.
Does the I-864 Affidavit of Support need to be notarized?
The I-864 itself is signed under penalty of perjury and does not always require a separate notarization for USCIS filings. However, many immigration attorneys and sponsors choose to have it notarized for additional legal weight, and some specific filings or local immigration courts may request it. Check with your immigration attorney for your specific case.
Can you notarize a copy of my passport for immigration purposes?
We can notarize a photocopy of your passport by attesting that we viewed the original and the photocopy appears to be a true and accurate reproduction. Bring your original passport to the appointment. Note that California notaries do not "certify copies" of vital records — that attestation covers the copy-making process, not the document's authenticity.
Can you notarize a translated document?
Yes, if the translator signs a certification statement in front of us, we can notarize the translator's signature. We are not notarizing the accuracy of the translation — only that the translator signed the certification in our presence. USCIS requirements vary, so confirm with your immigration attorney.
How much does it cost to notarize immigration documents?
The notary fee is $15 per notarized signature, the California state-regulated maximum. The travel fee is $50. The total depends on how many signatures need notarizing. Call or text (916) 222-2251 and we're happy to review your document list with you. We take cash, credit card, Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App.
Related services
Ready when you are
Need Immigration Documents Notarized?
We come to you throughout Sacramento. Same-day appointments are often available. Call or text and we'll talk through exactly what you need.
Call or Text(916) 222-2251