Attorney vs. Notario: Who Should Help With Your Citizenship Application?
In Latin America, a notario público is a licensed legal professional. In the United States, a notary public is only authorized to witness signatures. Many immigrants are harmed by notarios who charge for immigration services they are not legally allowed to provide.
Reviewed by Gracie Johnson, Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, State Bar of California, California State Bar #276536
Last reviewed: July 2, 2026
A notario (notary public) in California can only notarize signatures on documents. They cannot give immigration advice, fill out immigration forms on your behalf, or represent you at USCIS or in immigration court. Doing so is unauthorized practice of law and is illegal under California law.
A licensed immigration attorney has passed the bar exam, carries malpractice insurance, is regulated by the State Bar, and has a legal duty to represent your interests. If an attorney makes a mistake, there are remedies: bar complaints, malpractice claims, and the ability to reopen or appeal cases in many situations.
Notario fraud is rampant in South LA, Compton, Huntington Park, and East LA communities. Common notario scams include charging fees to 'process' green card applications for people who are not eligible, filing incorrect or fabricated forms, and disappearing with fees after causing harm.
If a notario has damaged your immigration case, contact our office at (310) 554-4630. In some cases it is possible to reopen or repair a case that was harmed by unauthorized practice, though this is not always possible. Acting quickly improves the chances of recovery.
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Also available in Spanish: Abogada vs. Notario: ¿Quién Debe Ayudar con tu Solicitud de Ciudadanía?