Embassy of the United States

Public Services

Notarial Services

An U.S. consular officer may perform notarial services similar to those performed by a notary public in the United States. Such services include taking acknowledgments of signatures on documents for use in the U.S. (such as deeds, powers of attorneys, and bills of sale), taking affidavits and protests of negotiable papers, and taking depositions. In addition, consular officers may perform authentications. Currently, the fee for notarials is $30.00.

The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consular Section performs notarial services Sunday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Services include taking of oaths, acknowledgment of signatures, certification of true copies, and authentication of signatures.

In most cases the document will be ready the same day. Please be aware that the consular officer may refuse any notarial service when: (1) the host country does not authorize the performance of the service, (2) the document will be used in transactions that may be prohibited by U.S. law or (3) the officer believes that the document will be used for a purpose that is unlawful, improper, or inimical to the best interest of the United States. Consular officers are also prohibited from giving legal advice.

Fees:

• Taking of oaths: $30
• Acknowledgements: $30
• True copies (first copy) $30, (additional copies) $20
• Authentications: $30

If you have any questions about the contents of the documents and the implications of your signing them, the ACS Unit can provide a list of Syrian lawyers for you to consult, or you may wish to consult an attorney in the United States.