---
title: "Immigration Paperwork: What a Notary Can and Can't Do | MCC"
description: "What a notary can and can't do for immigration paperwork in New Jersey: notario fraud warnings, why Form I-864 doesn't need a notary, certified translations…"
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/immigration-paperwork-what-a-notary-can-do"
---

Immigration paperwork

# Immigration paperwork: what a notary can and can't do

In many countries a notario is a lawyer. In the United States, a notary public is not, and can't give immigration advice. Here's what a notary can do for you, and where to get real help.

✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials)

## A notary is not a lawyer

Only licensed attorneys and accredited representatives may give immigration advice or prepare immigration forms for you. USCIS forms are free to download. A notary who advertises must say they are not an attorney and can't give immigration advice. ([N.J.S.A. 52:7-17](https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-52/section-52-7-17/)) If someone charged you for immigration advice and isn't a lawyer, report it to NJ Consumer Affairs, which does not ask about immigration status. ([NJ Human Services](https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/news/pressreleases/2026/approved/20261021.shtml))

## What usually doesn't need a notary

- **Form I-864, Affidavit of Support:** the sponsor signs under penalty of perjury; a notary hasn't been required since 2006. Check the current instructions on the form.

- **Translations for USCIS:** a full English translation plus the translator's signed statement that they're competent and the translation is accurate. The rule doesn't call for a notary.

## Get it notarized online today

Online notary: open now until 9 PM ET · sessions by appointment · times confirmed by email

A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment.

**What you need**

- A valid government photo ID
- A computer or phone with a camera
- The unsigned document

[Book an online session](/notary/?service=ron#order)

Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. [What it must say](/notary/remote-online-notarization-certificate-wording)

Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. [What to ask them](/notary/will-my-online-notarization-be-accepted) · [Several signers](/notary/online-notarization-multiple-signers)

## What a notary can do

- Notarize a support letter or affidavit that the attorney or the receiving office says must be sworn.

- Notarize documents going abroad, which may then need an apostille from the State. ([NJ apostilles](https://www.nj.gov/njbonds/treasury/revenue/apostilles.shtml))

- Witness signatures on documents your attorney prepared.

## Where to get real help

A licensed immigration attorney, or a nonprofit with accredited representatives. Legal Services of New Jersey: 1-888-576-5529. [Apostille services](/notary/apostille-services) · [Certified translations](/notary/certified-translation) · [Support letters](/notary/guides/immigration-support-letters-notarized) · [En español](/es/)

General information, checked November 2026. Not legal advice. MCC Solutions is not a law firm.

## Questions

**Does the I-864 Affidavit of Support need to be notarized?**

No. The sponsor signs under penalty of perjury. Always follow the instructions printed with the current form.

**Can a notary fill out my immigration forms?**

No. Only attorneys and accredited representatives may prepare immigration forms or give advice. A notary only checks identity and witnesses signatures.

**Does a translation need to be notarized for USCIS?**

The rule asks for a certified translation: the translator's signed statement of competence and accuracy. It doesn't require a notary.

## Related

- [For immigration attorneys and nonprofits: affidavits, translations and apostilles](/notary/for-business/immigration-practitioners-and-nonprofits)

## Need a notary? Send it to the desk.

[Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)