How to request a certified copy of my U.S Passport (California)

[mr&mrsinlove 0]

Hello there, 

 

After 11 months of waiting we finally got a letter that our visa application has been approved. 

The U.S Embassy in her country has asked for a few more documents including a certified copy of my U.S Passport. 

 

How can I obtain a certified copy of my passport ? 

 

Is it sufficient to provide a regular copy of my passport with a written notarized statement declaring that this a true copy of my original passport. 

 

Requesting this through the national passport office has an estimated return time of 12 weeks and we simply hope that we do not have to wait for that . 

 

Thank you for your time.

 

 

[JeanneAdil 6,514]

I believe that is the only way to  get one

when i got my passport says to make 2 copies under Important information #4 and carry one and leave one at home) so i went to UPS and asked for them to c

the man said,, "it was illegal for him to make a color copy "  so i did black and white copies at home

so,  i doubt anyone outside the National passport office can provide the certified copy

[pushbrk 12,910]

There is no such thing as a certified copy of a US passport.  What is the exact wording of their request that gives you the impression that is what they asked for?

[SalishSea 17,852]

9 hours ago, mr&mrsinlove said:

certified copy of my U.S Passport. 

This isn't a thing.

[jan22 3,056]

1 hour ago, Jorgedig said:

This isn't a thing.

 

3 hours ago, pushbrk said:

There is no such thing as a certified copy of a US passport.  What is the exact wording of their request that gives you the impression that is what they asked for?

Yes, there is.  The US Department of State, Passport Services office has the authority to certify a copy of your passport. 

 

I think the OP knows this, since he/she mentioned there was a 12 week turnaround time to get the certification.  Unfortunately, if they truly want a certified copy of the passport, that's the only way to get one.   

 

Edited September 20, 2021 by jan22

[Ryan H 3,812]

2 minutes ago, jan22 said:

Yes, there is.  The US Department of State, Passport Services office has the authority to certify a copy of your passport. 

 

Please provide an official link.

[jan22 3,056]

17 minutes ago, Ryan H said:

 

Please provide an official link.

On a limited wi-fi connection right now, so can't  do a complete search, but for one reference, if you read through to the "Fees" section of the "Get Copies of Passport Records", it references the cost to get a certified copy.  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/passport-records.html

 

For an explanation as to why it goes through the State Department, check out information from the American Association of Notaries:

https://www.notarypublicstamps.com/members/news/586/ .

Edited September 20, 2021 by jan22

[pushbrk 12,910]

15 minutes ago, jan22 said:

On a limited wi-fi connection right now, so can't  do a complete search, but for one reference, if you read through to the "Fees" section of the "Get Copies of Passport Records", it references the cost to get a certified copy.  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/passport-records.html

 

For an explanation as to why it goes through the State Department, check out information from the American Association of Notaries:

https://www.notarypublicstamps.com/members/news/586/ .

A "passport record" is not a certified copy of a passport, as it does not contain information about travel.  It's not a "copy" of a "passport".

 

Still need the exact wording of the actual request.

[jan22 3,056]

1 hour ago, pushbrk said:

A "passport record" is not a certified copy of a passport, as it does not contain information about travel.  It's not a "copy" of a "passport".

 

Still need the exact wording of the actual request.

True -- but most of the situations I'm aware of where a certified copy of a passport is required/requested, it means the biodata page, not the travel information.

[pushbrk 12,910]

6 hours ago, jan22 said:

True -- but most of the situations I'm aware of where a certified copy of a passport is required/requested, it means the biodata page, not the travel information.

If a US Consular Officer is requesting a certified copy of a biodata page, then they would request it by the correct name. That's why I asked the OP for exact language.

 

[Redro 4,611]

Are you sure they're not just asking for a notarized copy of your passport? Something you can get your closest FedEx or Bank... showing the photocopy of your passport biopage is a true copy of the original? I know in my country when I was asked for certified copy of my U.S degree, I first had to get it notarized. I'm not sure if it's legal to get a certified/notarized copy of your passport in the States. But, I've obtained one for my passport at my embassy and police stations before. 

Edited September 20, 2021 by Kor2USA

[Redro 4,611]

20 minutes ago, Kor2USA said:

Are you sure they're not just asking for a notarized copy of your passport? Something you can get your closest FedEx or Bank... showing the photocopy of your passport biopage is a true copy of the original? I know in my country when I was asked for certified copy of my U.S degree, I had to get it notarized. I'm not sure if it's legal to get a certified/notarized copy of your passport in the States. But, I've obtained one for my passport at my embassy and police stations before. 

I

Edited September 20, 2021 by Kor2USA

[mr&mrsinlove 0]

17 hours ago, pushbrk said:

There is no such thing as a certified copy of a US passport.  What is the exact wording of their request that gives you the impression that is what they asked for?

The exact wording is "certified copy of passport (bio page only)"

As you can see, the request is really vague which is definitely adding to my confusion. Thank you for taking the time to respond. 

[Just Paul 4,595]

25 minutes ago, mr&mrsinlove said:

The exact wording is "certified copy of passport (bio page only)"

As you can see, the request is really vague which is definitely adding to my confusion. Thank you for taking the time to respond. 

Depending on your state you could go this route:

 

However, the following suggestion is stated on the website of the USDOSFA , “One alternative is to permit the requester to make a sworn statement that the document presented is a true copy (see 7 FAM 850). This is a process whereby an individual makes a sworn statement declaring that a copy is an exact reproduction of an original document he or she possesses. This is also known as a ‘Copy Certification by a Document Custodian’.”

 

https://www.notarypublicstamps.com/members/news/586

[pushbrk 12,910]

6 hours ago, Paul & Mary said:

Depending on your state you could go this route:

 

However, the following suggestion is stated on the website of the USDOSFA , “One alternative is to permit the requester to make a sworn statement that the document presented is a true copy (see 7 FAM 850). This is a process whereby an individual makes a sworn statement declaring that a copy is an exact reproduction of an original document he or she possesses. This is also known as a ‘Copy Certification by a Document Custodian’.”

 

https://www.notarypublicstamps.com/members/news/586

Yea, what can be done about notarizing a copy depends on the State regulations.  It is an unusual request, and I would wonder WHY, if it were me.  On the other hand, perhaps the petitioner has a clue as to why.