Notarized document copies.

platano says on Apr 22, 2005, 15:26:

Here's what I did.... I had a lawyer friend. He had me print on the copies something like "Esta es una copia fiel del original" in ink. I signed it, he signed it, then he placed an ink stamp on it, the he used an embossed stamp (that stamps into the paper and leaves ridges), then he placed some colored stamps on it. By the time we finished it looked like it had come from a "notario" in Colombia. The more stamps and colors and official stuff the better. Unless things have changed.

Platano
Oxigeno Verde

plátano

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Scalestick says on Apr 22, 2005, 17:38:

Well Platano that certainly is a creative solution and I thank you. However I don't know any lawyers and I don't think that with my limited knowledge of the spanish language if a conversation on the side of a road with "someone of authority" asking about the authenticity of my papers would be in my best interest. Then again, I have heard about people who have used alternate forms of id other than an official cedula for such said document, of which I won't have any use, but I think with passport copies and such I'll keep it on the straight and narrow just to be safe. You did answer my question though as I now know there are noratios in Colombia. Gracias.

But on the subject of official seals and such, it's interesting how some POWs in the WW2 could use rubber heels of shoes to create "official seals", perfect replicas for false documentation used by escapees. A little bit of inginuity will go a long way in the right hands.

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PABLO G. says on Apr 22, 2005, 18:15:

Notoriazed Documents Take your passport to a notary here in Colombia. There are at least 2 in every neighborhood. They will make a copy of the first page with you photo and info and the page that has your visa or entry stamp. The notary will put their stamp and signature on the back of each copy. Then you can get them laminated and they are good for as long as your visa/entry stamp is. Sometimes there is a person with a lamination machine outside of the notary or look for a store that makes photocopies.

I have a cedulla now but before I did this everytime I was in Colombia. I was stopped by the police/military and never had a problem.

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Scalestick says on Apr 22, 2005, 18:23:

PABLO G. It sounds like a straight forward process. Gracias.

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juanalejo says on Apr 22, 2005, 18:44:

Photocopies Notaries do not do photocopies, you have to have them done previously, once you arrive they check the photocopy is identical to the original and stamp it and sign it. It cost around 2.500 pesos which is about 1 USD and it takes no longer than 5 minutes.

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platano says on Apr 22, 2005, 18:59:

Scalestick, As you see there are people who know what they are talking about here! (I forgot to mention I am not one of them. I'm just "mamando gallo"

I thought it was funny when I went to the United States and got a Social Security card, the gringos don't let you laminate it. In Colombia lamination is acceptable.

It is good you are checking out everything so you can be at peace when you travel.

Platano, who has absolutely no qualifications for offering legal advice
Oxigeno Verde

plátano

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PABLO G. says on Apr 22, 2005, 19:12:

Juanalejo makes a good point Every notary I have been to has a photocopy machine. But to be sure make the copies beforehand. I do not know where you are going to be. The photocopies need to be the same size as the originals. The laminator will trim them down and laminate. Good luck.

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platano says on Apr 22, 2005, 19:16:

Hey, Mario, They made me get a new Social Security card. The letter said right on it not to laminate. Just because you did it and got away with it doesn't mean it's legal or proper or that you could get away with it everywhere. I was in rural New Mexico. You were probably in a city. People where I was were sticklers about the law.

Platano
Oxigeno Verde

plátano

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Scalestick says on Apr 22, 2005, 19:21:

You're forgiven Plantano it was a good story, no harm in that! And I did end up getting the info I needed. Thanks to ALL for the advice, it's exactly what I was looking for.
Muchas gracias

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PABLO G. says on Apr 22, 2005, 19:23:

Document requirements From my experience, you only need to prove who you are and that you are in Colombia legally. The first page of your passport and the page with your visa/entry stanp. The lamination makes your "documents" more durable. The people at the notary will help you no matter how your spanish is.

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