Q: I need a document notarised by a US notary, and not a Jamaican justice of the peace. Can the US Embassy help?

A: The American Citizen Services Unit at the US Embassy in Kingston offers notarial services by appointment between 10:00 am and 11:00 am on weekdays, except for Wednesdays and holidays. These services include acknowledgements, authentications, affidavits, and powers of attorney. You can schedule an appointment online by following the instructions on the “Notarial Services” page within the US Citizen Services section of the US Embassy website at jm.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/notaries-public/

Please note that all individuals requiring notarial services must present valid, government-issued photo identification, such as a passport or driver’s licence. Jamaican voter registration cards are not accepted. The name on the document to be notarised must exactly match the name on the identification card or passport. Do not sign your document before your notary appointment.

If you are signing documents on behalf of a company, you also must bring the company’s Articles of Association, issued by the local authorities. This document lists all individuals authorised to sign documents on behalf of the company. If your name is not listed in the Articles of Association, you may be required to submit further documentation before your document can be notarised. If you would like to have a document notarised and your name is not listed in the Articles of Association, you should contact the American Citizen Services Unit at KingstonACS@state.gov before going online to schedule a notary appointment.

If you are a process server or have been asked to serve papers on an individual, you should read the information on the “Serving Papers” section of the US Embassy’s website. Documents that require authentication should first be taken to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Notarial services are also available at the US Consular Agencies in Montego Bay and the Cayman Islands. To schedule a notarial appointment in Montego Bay, e-mail MoBayACS@state.gov. To schedule an appointment in the Cayman Islands, e-mail CaymanACS@state.gov.

There is a US$50.00 fee for each signature by a US Consular Officer or US Consular Agent. This fee can be paid by credit card, or with US or Jamaican dollars.

For more information on notarial services and the American Citizen Services Unit at the US Embassy in Kingston, please visit our website, jm.usembassy.gov/ For safety and security measures, the US Embassy asks that all individuals arrive at the Embassy no more than 15 minutes before their designated appointment time.