notarization

[garypeg]

According to what I just read in a doc from the Philly consulate, "Documents from States that are not part of the Philadelphia jurisdiction must have the
translation notarized by the Consulate that has jurisdiction over that State."

Please tell me they don't really mean this. If they do, how do I address the envelope? Who at the consulate does this? Do i write, Att: Notary on the envelope? SASE? I have docs from Fl, Az, Ark, NY, and Tx. I can't imagine how long this is going to take.

thanks

gary

[JJ313]

Gary, I can't speak from personal experience in Philly, but it seems that a few people have had this issue come up in other consulates. The procedure varies by consulate as to which department handles the process, (citizenship dept. in some, notary in others), what they call the process(authentication, legalization, notarization), the fee (NY and Newark $8.70, Miami and Philly $8.65) and method of payment.

If you can, check with the consulate as to exactly which docs they require to be authenticated by the other consulates. This also seems to vary by consulate and can vary from posted instructions.

[garypeg]

Getting through to Philly seems difficult. I am going by what is in writing only. This notarization seems like an odd thing to require and just another hoop to jump through and throw money into.

[garypeg]

I am wondering if anyone has further information on this. I have been able to get replies from Houston and LA about the fees and procedures for certifying the translations. New York and Houston have not replied. The New York site says that a new Italian law prevents them from notarizing any document for a non-Italian citizen. It is very frustrating!