I-134 Notary said NO

[perfect 39]

Just wanted to add a comment as a California Notary myself!

A notarization which will be filed anyplace in California (all states have their own rules on notarizations) must be accompanied by California-approved jurat or acknowledgment wording. It is illegal for a notary to tell which whether you need a Jurat or acknowledgment wording (that's call "unauthorized practice of law"! - he cannot sign a notarization without either a jurat or acknowledgment if its being filed in California.

Depending upon the State in which the Notary is registered, there may be similar requirements so be don't too hard on him/her!!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I think the confusion come from the fact that several years ago the I-134 did need to be notarized and in fact had an area on the form for such. I can remember having to get it done. Things have changed.

Until about November of 2008, true. I had to have it done for the visa. The bank did it for me for free. I also had them notarize my signature on my tax return (printed unsigned copy and signed it in front of them) It wasn;t needed but I was there anyway so why not? She just put her stamp and signed it in the margin.

This is Vermont, we are a free state. A notary means they witnessed your signature and really is no more complicated than that unless California wants to invent laws to make it so.