Posted by Jahari Davis on 2/5/07 9:55pm
Msg #174175

Question about new passport rules

Seeing as we now need passports to cross the US/Canada and US/Mexico borders, people are going for passports in huge numbers. Is there a need for notarizing the forms or no? Has anyone seen any requests for notarization before turning them in at the post office to go to the State Department?

Reply by PL on 2/5/07 10:10pm
Msg #174178

Stand in line, present your papers and smile for the postal guy/gal and wait your time and it will come.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/5/07 10:11pm
Msg #174179

You cannot notarize a passport application unless you've been authorized by the US Dept of State as a passport agent.

Reply by Jahari Davis on 2/5/07 11:21pm
Msg #174187

Can a notary from any state obtain such an authorization?

Reply by TitleGalCA on 2/5/07 11:37pm
Msg #174189

That would be a question specific to your state, so you should direct your questions to your SOS. Notary rules are state specific.

Some notary experience will help you also. Good luck with that, and do read thread 33325. Lots of good information there for newbies.

Reply by Jahari Davis on 2/6/07 12:20am
Msg #174192

Actually Sue, it wouldnt. I'm thinking seeing as its a federal document, there would have to be federal guidelines set and handed down to the states specifically addressing passport forms as the laws have changed. My question was, can state notaries public notarize them. The answer was no. Then once I found out that you have to be authorized by the US State Department as a passport agent, I wondered if a state notary public could obtain that authorization. You did not answer my question but thank you anyway.

By the way, I'm well aware of post 33325 as it relates to questions on the noraty biz. Please do not talk down to me making the mistake that I am a newbie and have no experience. Thank you.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 2/6/07 2:21am
Msg #174201

If you don't like being talked down to perhaps you should...

follow the Golden Rule. As it is talking down to you is the least that should be done: your account should be terminated, your input is valueless. You only incite!

Reply by Becca_FL on 2/6/07 7:50am
Msg #174228

Narcissistic personality disorder is a condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, need for admiration, extreme self-involvement, and lack of interest in and empathy for others. They are usually arrogantly self-assured and confident. They expect to be noticed as superior. Many highly successful individuals might be considered narcissistic. However, this disorder is only diagnosed when these behaviors become persistent and very disabling/distressing.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/6/07 8:06am
Msg #174233

Passport acceptance agents are designated by the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs (Office of Passport Services/Customer Service). These are usually agencies, not individuals - post offices, clerks of court, public libraries, or government offices. You can check with the DOS, but I doubt they will allow individuals to do this.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 2/5/07 11:28pm
Msg #174188

I would like the Post Office to take care of my taxes

See...they do these notarizations for passports routinely. A given. My beef with them is that I pay $.39 flippin cents for a stamp and they have NO ONE to hand out tax forms? This is the GOVERNMENT that I pay taxes to! The Post Office is failing, miserably.

So what if they trudge through rain, sleet and snow? I need tax forms.

I feel it's their responsibility to take an interest in my personal finances and it irritates me no end that they are content to just mail letters. Thirty Nine Cents is a lot! Who do they think they are anyways?

The Post Office can notarize passport forms until the cows come home but they can't help me with my taxes.

Also...I'm wondering if the Village is located at my local post office? I'm wondering where the Village is, exactly. Any clarification is appreciated.

Reply by MichiganAl on 2/6/07 12:16am
Msg #174191

Hey T.G., does the post office notarize other docs as well?

I always have people looking to get something notarized, but they don't really need anyone to travel to them. I usually refer them to the local UPS store or tell them to go to their bank. Do they have a notary on staff for other documents? Any info is appreciated.

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 2/6/07 9:48am
Msg #174255

Re: I would like the Post Office to take care of my taxes

We here in Pittsburgh would like that, too! Since the PO won't carry tax forms, the public libraries started doing it. You know, the Andrew Carnegie privately-endowed library system, as a PUBLIC SERVICE!

The only alternative before online forms came into being was to get them by mail or come Downtown to the IRS office in the Federal Building - open 8-4, Mon-Fri only, too bad if you work those hours, too.

Sorry. One of my pet peeves. . .

Reply by PAW on 2/6/07 7:08am
Msg #174217

The passport application doesn't get "notarized" in the same context that we, as notaries, notarize signatures. The DoS states:

Do n:t sign the application until you take the oath administered only by an authorized passport acceptance agent. To find the nearest authorized passport acceptance facility, click here. Unless authorized as passport acceptance agents, notary publics and attorneys are not allowed to administer or witness your signature on the application."

This clearly defines the oath must be administered by "an authorized passport acceptance agent". (I'm assuming that part of the reason is due to notaries and attorney are regulated by states, and passports are regulated by the federal gov't.) To become an authorized agent, you would need to apply to the Department of State.

FYI - Not all post offices are authorized to accept passport applications. To find out where an authorized agent is located near you (post office, library, etc.) visit the DoS search page:
http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

Reply by SueW/Tn on 2/6/07 7:46am
Msg #174227

Excellent post Paul, I have two Canadian sister-in-laws (they're sisters) and my brother owns property in Mexico. Frankly they've all been mystified at our loose borders and while this will slow them down a bit, they're delighted to see that SOMETHING is being done.

Reply by Julie/MI on 2/6/07 8:00am
Msg #174229

We obtained out passports last year, which included minor children and nothing had to be notarized.

Honestly, the post office camera is awesome!! My passport picture taken there is one of the best I have ever taken!!!