Cheaper alternatives to using a UK notary public?

[trandy 5]

Ok, I just wanted to give this one last try because it will save a small fortune if it works.

I need to get an affidavit notarised as well as another piece of paper. Both just need someone to 'authenticate' a signature. I have heard there are alternatives than using an official notary public (in the uk, that's £100 PER DOCUMENT - free or nearly free in the US).

I just read this on some other forum:

"You need to check the actual qualification requirement expected of the witness. In the US they use notary as a global term whereas here, it is a specifically authorised witness. Often, documents that say they need a notary in fact only need to be witnessed by a solicitor which costs £5 for the document and £2 for any exhibits. A Magistrate would not be qualified (unless they are a registered notary public as well) to witness documents requiring the signature of a notary public.

The reason it costs so much to use a notary public is that they have to pay a fee and register to be able to witness the international documents."

So really I just need the documents to be authenticated that I'm the one signing, plus my friend who is signing the other. Would the witness of a solicitor be enough?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Isn't that a question to ask the person requesting the documents. Are these immigration related documents? You have never said what they are, where they go, and who is requesting them.

For example, the US Embassy Immigrant Visa Unit in London has always accepted a solicitor witnessing when a divorced parent is taking kids to the US and needs the permission of the other parent.

Edited July 7, 2015 by Nich-Nick

[Boiler 45,542]

What is the documentary t, never heard of someone needing a notary in the UK.

[trandy 5]

It's an affidavit from my attorney regarding the I-601 waiver + a brief statement of support from a friend. My attorney suggested that the docs merely need to be authenticated somehow.

He says "The point is for the USCIS to know that the name in the signature on the document is actually the name of the person who signed it."

[Boiler 45,542]

Name and contact details would seem to suffice.

[Darnell 8,478]

are fees different in scotland ?

[Boiler 45,542]

are fees different in scotland ?

????? OP is Welsh

[Darnell 8,478]

i know.

OP - fee structure should be different in Scotland, and even different in Liverpool. Can You get out of Wales for a day?

[Boiler 45,542]

I had never come across a notary before coming here. Very very unusual.

[trandy 5]

Anyone got any solid advice? Should I find a way to contact USCIS?

I really need the answer to this asap as my interview is in less than two weeks.

[SarahandTom11412 0]

You can get items notarized at the American Services side of the US embassy in London, but as far as I know, nothing needs to be notarized for DCF in London. I wouldn't worry about it. If you want to get it certified, you can get someone at your bank to "certify" the document for you.

[trandy 5]

I might just get a solicitor to witness the signature and check identification.

But I think this is more a matter for USCIS than the Embassy. Unless they operate under the same rules?

[trandy 5]

Right I'm getting desperate now. Just called USCIS and it's impossible to talk to someone about general enquiries. Where can I find out this information? I have a few questions with the I-601 form but there's just no avenue of enquiry.

[Boiler 45,542]

Have you asked your Lawyer?

[trandy 5]

yeah, he just suggested that someone he knew (from france) went to their mayor for authentication. And pointed me to the notary society web site. Which is no good because a notary would just say "well, who wants it and what are their requirements?" and I'd have to say that I don't specifically know because the info doesn't appear to be available anywhere.