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Notarials
Notarial services are available for all nationalities.
Overview
Types of Notarial Services
Services Not Provided
Further Options

Overview

Consular Officers abroad provide notarial services similar to the functions of a notary public in the United States. This service is available to both U.S. and foreign citizens who need to have documents notarized for use in the United States.

Starting in July 2023, notarial services are provided on a walk-in basis every Wednesday from 1-2 pm, exclusive of any U.S. or New Zealand public holidays.  Walk-in services will close promptly at 2 pm.

Fees for notaries are $50 USD per consular seal or signature of the consular officer.

What you must bring to the consulate:

  • Valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or current New Zealand/U.S driver’s license. The name on your photo ID must match the name in the document(s) you are having notarized.
  • Full document to be signed by a consular officer. The officer will need to see the document in its entirety.
    • Do not sign the document yourself. You will be signing in front of the consular officer.
    • You can fill in any address, name, or date information.
  • Flags or sticky-notes within the document marking exactly where the consular officer will need to sign.
  • Witnesses, if your document requires them. Consulate staff cannot act as witnesses.
  • Understanding of the contents of your own documents. Be ready to explain what you need to the consular officer. A consular officer is not an attorney and will not explain your document to you.

 

Types of Notarial Services

  • Acknowledgment – To “acknowledge” is to admit, affirm, or declare; to recognize one’s acts, assuming obligation or incurring responsibility. It is often used for legal agreements, deeds, powers of attorney, bills of sale, and business documents.
  • Affidavits – A sworn statement made by you. We cannot advise you on the specific language needed in your affidavit; please consult a lawyer or other advisor for that type of assistance before coming to see us to notarize the document.
  • Certifications – as part of an application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Please refer to our instructions for ITINs.
  • Certified True Copies Requested by the Social Security Administration – Individuals who have been instructed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to obtain certified true copies of documents as part of their application for services with the SSA do not need to appear in person at the Consulate. Mail us the original documents you need true copies of along with a copy of the email or letter from SSA requesting the true copies and a self-addressed, postage-paid return courier bag.  Our address is:  Consulate General of the United States of America, Private Bag 92022, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.  We will produce true copies of your documents and return them to you.  Processing time for this service is 1-2 weeks.  There is no fee for this service.

 

Notary Services NOT provided by the American Citizens Services Section

  • Apostilles/Authentication of a Public Notary’s Seal and Signature – U.S. Embassies and Consulates do not have the authority to affix an Apostille. To obtain an Apostille on:
  • Medallion Signature Guarantees – U.S. Consular Officers are not authorized to provide signature guarantee/medallion stamp guarantee service. Only a financial institution participating in the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) medallion signature guarantee program is authorized to affix a medallion imprint. However, we may be able to assist if your financial institution provides written confirmation that they will accept a Consular Stamp in lieu of a medallion guarantee seal.
  • Certified Copies of Documents NOT Issued by the Department of State – For certified true copies of non-Department of State documents, please refer to the relevant issuing authority or office.

Further Options for Notarizing Documents in New Zealand

New Zealand and the United States are both party to the Hague Apostille Convention. This means it is possible to have your document notarized by a local New Zealand notary and then have the document authenticated for use in the United States. First, find a notary public. Then, get the document authenticated. To proceed with this simplified process, visit the NZ government’s apostille and authentication page for easy online submission.

Useful Information

Notarial Services of U.S. Consular Officers Abroad

U.S. Birth Certificate Apostilles