Posted by JAM/CA on 3/19/08 1:19pm
Msg #239836

Call from China

I had a gentleman from China call me this morning. He needed to have a document notarized that claims he does not have a criminal record, the SOS told him to have this notarized and get an apostille for his visa. He was very difficult to understand and explain things to. He is currently in China.

Here in the U.S. people have a hard time understanding we simply positively I.D. and notarize signatures. After a lengthy conversation, he wanted to sign a document and have a friend in San Jose, CA bring it to a notary. However; he wanted to fax it. I told him a wet signatue would be necessary.

My question: A subscribing witness must be personally known to the notary or it must be a credible witness who personally knows the subscribing witness and is personally known to the notary. What can this gentleman do to have this document notarized so he can reenter the U.S.? Should he contact the American Embassy in China?

This gentleman was trying to do what the SOS told him to do. Even if he mailed the doc here with his signature, I don't see anyway to notarize it. Any suggestions?
TIA

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/19/08 1:30pm
Msg #239837

US embassies are for US citizens.
He needs to go before a Chinese notary public. Then after getting the document notarized he needs to get it certified by the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Foreign Affairs Offices of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities or foreign embassies or consulates in China.

Reply by BobbiCT on 3/19/08 1:30pm
Msg #239838

Notaries Public in China

"He is current in China."

A notary public, usually an appointed official or judge with a RESTRICTED territory, is far MORE EXPENSIVE that a $10 California notary.

He may be trying to circumvent the travel to, expense of and legal requirements of the Notary Public in China; i.e., he shopped around and is looking for a cheaper US notary.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/19/08 1:38pm
Msg #239840

Re: Notaries Public in China

They reformed the notary public system in China in 2000. They are no longer administrative bodies but a non-profit entity with a legal-person status that independently conduct notary business to meet market demand and assume full responsibility for their operations.

http://www.china.org.cn/english/Judiciary/31141.htm

Reply by LisaWI on 3/19/08 1:43pm
Msg #239841

Re: Sylvia, you are.....

the Bomb!! Your knowledge is outstanding and I say you start a REAL organization to help Notaries and Notary Signing Agents to do a better job.
I vote for Sylvia!!

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/19/08 1:52pm
Msg #239844

Re: Sylvia, you are.....

Well, I knew that the US embassies are only there for US citizens.
The rest of the info - well, Google is my friend

Reply by LisaWI on 3/19/08 2:01pm
Msg #239848

Re: Sylvia, you are.....

And humble to boot! Your dedication to being a Notary shines!! Well, if you ever decide to start an Organization for Notaries, let me know. Im in your corner all the way!

Reply by JAM/CA on 3/19/08 1:44pm
Msg #239843

Sylvia, you are so extremely helpful

I get quite an education from you. Thank you so very much.

Reply by Frenchie/TN on 3/19/08 3:25pm
Msg #239866

Re: Sylvia, you are so extremely helpful

I can't imagine that there is a single regular visitor to this board that has not been helped by Sylvia's vast knowledge at one time or another. She rocks!

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/19/08 3:30pm
Msg #239870

Re: Sylvia, you are so extremely helpful

Merci beaucoup Eveline, tu es très gentille

Reply by CJ on 3/19/08 9:34pm
Msg #239924

And Silvia posts the best music! n/m