OOkinawa

American notary off base?

  • March 2, 2026

My wife and I are selling our house and leaving Okinawa, but apparently to do that we need to get some documents notarized by an American notary. The consulate isn't taking any non-emergency service appointments until the 23rd, but we are supposed to be closing the house and leaving the country on the 10th. There are notaries on base who would be acceptable (according to the local scrivener), but we don't have base access. Anyone know of an option for getting documents notarized by an American notary without being able to go on base? I've been googling frantically but haven't found anything quite yet. Thanks!

Note 1: Remote notary services will not be accepted, apparently. We need the original docs notarized and we have about two days in which to do it.

Note 2: Dave Higgins has been suggested several times. I've talked to him and he seems awesome, but the scrivener says that he can't certify documents for our purposes because he's not a US-certified notary.

by mofolotopo

6 comments

  1. Maybe look into remote notarizations and see ifyou can use it in your jurisdiction?

  2. Dave Higgins office somewhere off base over by kadena does apostille for documents. Not sure if that is going to cut it if notorization is required, but you could still call their office to enquire if this might work

  3. I recently used the consulate in Naha. Had to make an appointment, and I think they’re only in the morning. It was $50 a signature for some house sale docs. Four pages were 200 bucks.

    It’s also good to bring a witness. I didn’t think to, but someone else in the waiting area very kindly stepped up. 

  5. I’m in the same boat except i have until this summer. I wish you all the best in finding an alternative solution.

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