International Notary - First American No Help

[Ssplashhmtn]

Has anyone experienced challenges with a seller getting docs notarized? Due to Covid, some US Embassies are shut down, and closing agents require a US notary to oversee signatures. Notary services are apparently only handled by the local embassy. I have two international contracts from October 2020 that are stuck, awaiting closing purely due to the seller‘s need to obtain a notary. Fidelity has no suggestions; First American - no ideas. Has anyone else by chance found a way around this issue?

note: the sellers are in Argentina and Venezuela

 

[Royal Consort]

As a buyer I had to have a notary for one of my contracts and the US embassy was closed. I had the documents witnessed by a local notary public in Australia and sent the documents in for an apostille to authenticate for recognition in the US. Added on about 4 extra days in total.

 

[starry_solo]

will the title company recognize this?

https://www.notarize.com/knowledge-center/how-to-find-a-notary-public-in-argentina

 

[Ssplashhmtn]

will the title company recognize this?

https://www.notarize.com/knowledge-center/how-to-find-a-notary-public-in-argentina

It’s a great idea, but they said: “Right now, remote online notarization law requires that we verify signers' identities prior to completing their documents. This process currently requires the use of a U.S. SSN. We are not able to complete notarizations for users who cannot complete the legally required identity verification process using a U.S. SSN but we're always looking for legal solutions and hope to provide more services to international customers in the future!”

 

[Ssplashhmtn]

As a buyer I had to have a notary for one of my contracts and the US embassy was closed. I had the documents witnessed by a local notary public in Australia and sent the documents in for an apostille to authenticate for recognition in the US. Added on about 4 extra days in total.

Thanks, I’m checking this out. It’s amazing what info this community has to offer.

 

[lovethesun12]

Notary services are apparently only handled by the local embassy.

Is that just for those specific countries? I'm in Canada and a lawyer notarized mine.

 

[Ssplashhmtn]

Is that just for those specific countries? I'm in Canada and a lawyer notarized mine.

Interesting, I’m not sure to which countries this applies. I’m just following the guidance of First American. I will ask them about this!

 

[lovethesun12]

Interesting, I’m not sure to which countries this applies. I’m just following the guidance of First American. I will ask them about this!

I think it's possible a lawyer may not be able to notarize (again, here), there's some sort of certificate/course I think you have to do to be qualified?

Also I was purchasing at the time and I'm not sure that makes a difference. I planned to pay cash and did pay it off after a month or two but had financing lined up for a number of reasons (wanted to pay the amount on a credit card then pay off, watching the exchange rate, easier to do the downpayment, etc etc), and when you have financing lined up you need to use a notary.

 

[AliceIn]

The US Embassy pulled out of Venezuela in 2019 due to the deteriorating conditions and unrest. Getting a notary there may not be possible.

 

[Ssplashhmtn]

As a buyer I had to have a notary for one of my contracts and the US embassy was closed. I had the documents witnessed by a local notary public in Australia and sent the documents in for an apostille to authenticate for recognition in the US. Added on about 4 extra days in total.

Glad you mentioned this, thank you!. According to the closing agent: “Yes, that is the correct. For countries that are part of the Hague Convention the documents may be taken directly to a US Embassy or American Consulate to be notarized OR they may take the documents to a local Notary and have the Notary’s signature authenticated. This is accomplished with a standard certificate known as an Apostille issued by the local government.”

 

[Ssplashhmtn]

The US Embassy pulled out of Venezuela in 2019 due to the deteriorating conditions and unrest. Getting a notary there may not be possible.

Thank you, that’s what I’ve heard. For Venezuela locals, I have learned you are sent to the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia for US notary services. That embassy appears to be open now.