U.S. Embassy in Laos

Affidavit

An affidavit is a sworn statement. Affidavits may be used in many different situations for many different purposes. Using our blank affidavit form (PDF 70.5 KB), write out your statement, but do not sign the form. You will need to sign it in front of a Consul.

We provide the following types of affidavits:

 

Affidavit that you are legally free to marry

Lao law requires all foreigners who marry Lao nationals in Laos, to first prepare a sworn Affidavit of Marriage. If you would like to use the affidavit of marriage prepared by the Embassy, Marriage Affidavit (PDF 117 KB), please check with the authorities first to confirm that it meets their requirements. The affidavit(s) must then be notarized by their own country’s embassy, affirming that they are legally free to marry.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney allows you to designate someone to take legal action on your behalf. A common example of this is empowering someone else to buy or sell property in the U.S. in your name while you are overseas. We cannot advise you on the specific language or content of a power of attorney, so you may wish to consult a lawyer or other appropriate advisor before coming to see us to have your power of attorney notarized.

Blank Power of Attorney forms are available online (PDF 170 KB), or you may use one supplied to you by your attorney, bank, or company.

Please fill out the form before you come to our offices, but do not sign it in advance. You will sign in the presence of a Consul.

Acknowledgement of signature

An Acknowledgement of signature verifies a particular person signed a given document such as a deed or bill of sale. We can notarize only the signatures of those who are present to sign in front of a Notarizing Officer. If you are signing on behalf of a corporation, LLC, etc., you are required to provide proof that you are authorized to sign on behalf of the organization.

• Certified true copies of U.S. passports
• Certified true copies of original documents and foreign passports for use with Social Security applications when requested by FBU Manila (No fee required)
• Form DS-3053 Statement of Consent for issuance of a U.S. passport to a minor (No fee required)

Please note that the Consular Section is not authorized to certify copies of documents issued by a foreign or domestic agency. To obtain certifications in these cases, please have the office that issued the documents certify them.

 

In order to receive notarial services from the Consular Section you must:

• Understand your document. Consular staff cannot explain the contents to you;
• Complete the document with the appropriate names, places, and dates before you arrive (but do not sign it; you must sign in front of a Notarizing Officer);
• Include all pages, information and accompanying documents;
• Organize all pages in order and the page(s) that requires the notary seal must be clearly flagged on the edge of the document;
• Ensure name of the individual signing the document matches the name on the presented identification (i.e., passport or other government issued ID);
• If you are signing on behalf of a corporation, LLC, etc., you must bring proof that you are authorized to sign on behalf of the organization; e.g. business card and/or articles of incorporation etc.
• If your document requires witnesses, please ensure they each have a separate scheduled appointment and appear with a valid government issued photo ID;
• Do not sign your document until requested to do so by a Consular Officer.

 

Refusal of Notarial Services

Please be aware that a consular officer may refuse any notary service when:

• The document will be used in transactions that may be prohibited by U.S. law, treaty or foreign law;
• The host country does not authorize the performance of the service;
• The document is blank or incomplete;
• The officer believes that the document is suspicious, potentially illegal, or detrimental to the best interests of the United States;
• The officer does not understand the document, due to language or any other reason;
• The officer believes the customer does not understand the document or is acting under duress;
• The officer providing the notarial service has a disqualifying interest;
• Invalid, inadequate or insufficient proof of identification is presented, or proof of a corporate title or position is lacking or inadequate.

Refunds are NOT provided when a notary is refused. Customers must ensure they are in compliance with all of the above listed prerequisites.