Documentary Services

Notaries, Affidavits, Authentifications, and other Services

A 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. Consular officers can also authenticate certain signatures of Moroccan officials and U.S. Department of State documents such as a U.S. passport or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.  However, consular officers can not authenticate state and local documents such as a driver's license, a diploma, or state birth certificates.

The U.S. Consulate General is open to U.S. citizens for routine consular services from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, excluding U.S. and Moroccan holidays.  Notarial 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.

Fees:

• Taking of oaths: $30
• Acknowledgements: $30
• True Copies - first copy: $30; additional copies: $20
• Authentications: $30

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.

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 Moroccan lawyers for you to consult, or you may wish to consult an attorney in the United States.

Vital Records: Each U.S. state has its own procedures for requesting vital records (records of birth, death, marriage, and divorce). Please visit the National Center for Health Statistics website for more information on Where to Write for Vital Records