Exactly how do I notarize a character reference?

[trandy 5]

Hi,

I've asked so many people about this and can't seem to get an answer.

The I-601 waiver requires supporting statements that need to be notarized/authenticated.

The statements submitted need to be copies rather than originals.

So do I a) get the person to sign the statement, then I myself take that statement to the notary public and have them copy it and certify that it's a true copy

or b) have the person who signed the document go with me to prove that theirs is the correct/original signature? and then have it copied?

Many thanks.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

A notary asks for ID (if they don't already know the customer). Then he/she witnesses a signature being signed on a document. He attests that the document was signed in his presence.

In your situation, John Doe writes a supporting statement. He does not sign it. He goes to a notary and presents his ID and signs in front of the notary. The notary verifies that John Doe did indeed sign that document because he saw John's photo ID and he witnessed the signature as it was signed. Then John brings his notarized statement to you.

The notary isn't testifying to the truth contained in the document. He is only saying he knows the real John Doe signed it.

Edited January 26, 2015 by Nich-Nick

[trandy 5]

ok, that makes sense.

And what about copies being made of that document. Is that something that also needs legally certifying or is the info contained on the original (assuming there's like a stamp on that document with notory info?) enough for me to copy at will?

Thanks

Edited January 26, 2015 by trandy

[Jawaree 717]

The person writes& get the ref. signed by a notary

you can make a copy to keep for your files, but only

one of each of these letters are needed in package.

It should start I am Joe Blow a US citizen by birth

(or naturalization) whichever applies

I am Joe Blow a legal permanent resident in the US

no letters from undocumented is allowed & some attys will

have you add a copy of these letter writer ID attached to it