How to Notarize passport applicataion docs in California ?

[gav_sharma]

My passport is expiring soon and so I am putting together a application package. Also I wish to add my wife's name to my passport.So I gathered all the documents as per the San Francisco Indian Consulate website.

I went to AAA for notary. I had to notarize I-797, Marriage Certificate, Drivers License as well as the affidavit to add spouse`s name. The affidavit clearly stated that the notary should sign such that half of the signature is on affidavit and half on photographs on the front page.

The AAA notary said we do not sign or stamp anywhere except the two printed documents that she showed me. Also regarding notarizing the other docs like I797,marriage cert and DL she said she cannot sign on the photocopies. She called someone and confirmed that she cannot notarize immigration papers and said that marriage certificate copy has to be obtained from the place it was issued( i.e. from INDIA).

So how do I get my documents Notarized ? I have read on forums that many people have notarized all sorts of documents. I am not sure if I went to the wrong notary ? I am in LA zip code 91316.

Please help and thank you for your time.

[immihelp]

All they can notarize is your signature.

Therefore, you make the photocopy in such as a way that there is some blank space left on the paper. Then you write something like 'I certify that the above is a true copy of the original document.' and then you sign in front of the notary below it and ask notary to notarize your signature.