Cost of a Notary Public in SD

[johne]

I needed to get a document notarized a couple of weeks ago.A simple two page affidafit. If I had that done here in NY it would cost from $0-$1.00.
I paid so much in SD that I am embarassed to report the amount here.
What should this cost?

john

[GringoCArlos]

I think I paid about RD$500 per page, for the translation into Spanish and the notarization for documents, in a bufete near the Ciudad Nueva courthouse.

One important thing to remember johne, is that here in the DR, the notary is NOT just notarizing that the person signing IS the person signing the document. Under Dominican law, they are ALSO notarizing that the document is a LEGAL document, because if the document does not follow the law and they notarize it, they may go to jail too. That is the reason that a notary in the DR must also be an abogado, and not just someone's secretary with a Notary's stamp.

[johne]

Originally Posted by GringoCArlos

I think I paid about RD$500 per page, for the translation into Spanish and the notarization for documents, in a bufete near the Ciudad Nueva courthouse.

One important thing to remember johne, is that here in the DR, the notary is NOT just notarizing that the person signing IS the person signing the document. Under Dominican law, they are ALSO notarizing that the document is a LEGAL document, because if the document does not follow the law and they notarize it, they may go to jail too. That is the reason that a notary in the DR must also be an abogado, and not just someone's secretary with a Notary's stamp.

He indicated this document became part of the record (don't know who's record) for 6 years. Very formal with copies for him and copies for me.
Thanks for the insight now feel better about paying 1500 rd (can't believe I paid that)

john

[Lambada]

There could be some regional differences - the last document I had notarised was a 2 page document, last December, no translation needed as it was already in Spanish. This was in Puerto Plata and the total cost was RD$400.

[johne]

Well this lawyer was building a 5 bedroom 4 bath house north of Orlando Fla.-perhaps that is part of the "regional difference" AKA his need to put some distance from SD. with my money. LOL

Off topic: I asked him to tell me more about his home building in Fla. He said "I believe that the DR, in 3 years, will implode and I am taking my precauctions"

john
john

[nydr]

A few months ago I paid 1,000 for the same service. In an office close to ciudad nueva courthouse. It was one page and needed translation

[sascha]

when i was in SD in february, i had the rental agreement on an apartment notarized (a 5 page document) i paid $1000 pesos. the notary even came to where we were to notarize the documents.

[GringaRubia]

Some of these lawyers try to get whatever rate they think that they can get. . I was shocked at this "negotiation" of such fees the first time I was at a lawyers office in DR. Oh ...that and the guy walking around with the big gun slung over his shoulder..that too.

[Chip]

Rates depend on:

1. Whether you are a foreigner
2. Whether you look like you can pay a lot
3. Relationship with a lawyer.

With that being said I have been quoted RD500 to RD2000 for a simple document that did not need to be translated, simply they were notarizing that the signature was mine, ie it was an a contract in English for one of my projects not associated in the DR.

Obviously, I now do it through a friend's lawyer, and it is RD500 max.

[GringaRubia]

Right there with you Chip, once you see the "procedure" yopu know the drill. My first time witnessing one of these negotiations was an eye-opener. What a colorful debate..the lawyers in NY or Boston would be amazed.