Posted by WINotary/WI on 3/31/07 6:26pm
Msg #183192

Certification of VISA for tax filing?

Can we certify a copy of someones VISA, for the purpose of tax filing?

Reply by John_NorCal on 3/31/07 9:47pm
Msg #183200

Check your state laws, but you probably can not. I don't know of any states that allow you to make certified copies of something like a visa. You may be able to notarize a statement of document custodian.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 3/31/07 10:20pm
Msg #183201

Your state notary laws may differ from OR, but here,

"Some records may be copied, such as the Oregon Driver's License, U.S. Passport, and most professional licenses, because copies of these documents cannot be obtained otherwise. Check to see if the document has a "Do Not Copy" warning on it, or call the agency in question."

So, if the Visa is a stamp in a US Passport, then our "Sample Certificate (Attestation of a Copy of a Document):

I certify that this is a true and correct copy of (a document) in the possession of ___, Dated:____," would suffice, as long as the notary either made the photocopy or closely oversaw the process.

If WI doesn't grant that duty, then the client may want to call the passport people for direction.

If it is a foreign passport with a US Visa stamp, perhaps the client's Embassy would have info, especially if this is a routine request for tax purposes. Or, the IRS, if they are requiring the copy?

Cheers!
Susie

Reply by Elizabeth Soliday on 3/31/07 11:05pm
Msg #183202

As a paralegal in the military I was told I could not certify true copies of official documents. (Such as transcripts, birth certificates, etc.) To satisfy the person asking for one we had a stamp that said, "I certify that this is a true copy of my copy that is in my possession". The person had to sign and then we would notarize their signature. We always thought it was kind of funny because it was really a useless document. In order to get a certified copy, the person must go to the agency that produced the document.

Just my experience, but I would say that the person would probably have to ask the issuing agency for a certified copy.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 3/31/07 11:33pm
Msg #183207

Yes, it is illegal to copy public records: birth/death certs

but on page 38 of the Oregon Notary Public Guide, "Copy Certification Certificate," some records, including US Passports may be copied, and notaries may certify that the copy of a document in possession of someone is a true and correct copy because the notary either copied the document or closely observed the copying process. There is nothing in the cert is about the document itself.

I recently certified a copy of a US Passport for some folks who were opening a bank account in another country for a business deal, and the bank required such copy.

Cheers!
Susie