Application for PIO card - notarization needed

[patilmh]

My daughter is a US citizen. She has her passport already. We are attempting to apply for her PIO card. I know the procedure and the documents required

One problem we are facing is that photocopies of the passport should be notarized "Proof of present citizenship – notarized copies of first two and last two pages of foreign passport "

We went to our local banks and requested them to notarize the photocopies. But they said that they do NOT notarize photocopies of documents. They usually only notarize documents that need our signature.

So how the heck do we get our passport photocopies notarized? Has anyone faced this problem in the US?

[knowledgeable]

Yeah, that's one of the problems with some people in these banks. They don't sometimes get the concept of notarization of the documents v/s the signatures.

Try telling them that you only want your signature to be notarized and not the document itself.

One of the branch managers of Bank of America near my house is an #$%#%@ and doesn't understand this concept. However, another branch manager of the same Bank of America, a few miles away was able to notarize all my documents in minutes. Imagine that!

Meaning, you will sign on any blank/semi blank part of the document's photo copy, in front of the bank officer and you need the officer to notarize your signature.

You may need to push through with the branch manager if the officer still refuses or try other branches or other banks.

Another option is to pay up and go for a private notary who'll do the work for you. You'll have to pay a small fee.

Lastly, if you speak with CGI they'll tell you that SELF ATTESTATION is accepted. In other words, if you sign the photo copies in blue (preferably) ink, those will be good for the processing.

If you still need to be absolutely perfect, get them notarized from a notary.

If you work in a large corporate, one of your senior managers or a finance person may be a notary and will help you out.

If you can do without the original passport for sometime (I think 2-3 weeks), then you can send the same with the application and you'll not have to notarize anything.

Last but not the least. Please do find some time out and send a letter to the bank's executive office indicating your displeasure that they didn't help you out. This will be beneficial to others too.

Good luck.

[cool_r2i]

I think that was a comprehensive reply by 'knowledgeable'. Just adding my 2 cents.

a) Bank officials will notorize if you sign on the photocopy. Just put your name and relationship to applicant at one corner of the photocopy. BOA manager will then attest with his/her seal/signature.
b) I think you already know that if you go in person to the consulate or one of the visa-camps, you need not attest any copies. They will just look at the originals and return all the originals.

Hope this helps!

[knowledgeable]

Perfect!