Notarial Services

Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. The order in which they appear has no significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.

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.

Notarial Services are provided at the Embassy in Apia by appointment only. Appointments can be made preferably via email to ApiaConsular@state.gov or by phone at (685) 21631 ext 2222.

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.

Fees for notarial services can be paid in cash or credit card when requesting service in person. For mail requests, Cashiers cheques (Bank cheques) are accepted and made payable to “U.S. Consulate General.” Personal checks and bank cards are not accepted.

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:
- Samoan documents (e.g. birth, death and marriage certificate, or authenticating a Samoan notary), refer to Samoan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
- U.S. Federally issued documents (eg: passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad), refer to the Department of State.
- U.S. State issued documents (eg: birth, death and marriage certificates, drivers licenses), refer to the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).

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.

- Samoan Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates
- U.S. Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce certificates
- Contact the relevant school/university for transcripts, certificates and diplomas.

Options for Notarizing Documents in Samoa

To have your document notarized at the U.S. Embassy, you must follow the procedures detailed below.

Notarial Services are provided at the Embassy in Apia by appointment only. Appointments can be made preferably via email to ApiaConsular@state.gov or by phone at (685) 21631 ext 2222.
Be aware of the current fee for notary services.
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID, such as a valid passport or current Samoan /U.S driver’s license. The name on your photo ID must match the name in the document(s) you are having notarized.
Ensure that you understand the contents of the document. A Consular Officer cannot explain it to you.
Complete the document with the appropriate names, places and dates. Do not sign the document. You are required to sign it at the Consulate before the Consul.
Supply witnesses if your document requires them in addition to the notarization.
Bring the entire document as the Consular Officer must review the entire document before signing.