I want to file a joint US tax return with my new Thai wife. I need to obtain an ITEN for her by filing a form W-7 with the tax return. According to the W-7 instructions I only have to include a certified or notarized copy of her passport.

My question is how to get a certified or notarized copy of her passport without bringing it to Bangkok? I live in Phuket. Can the local Thai passport office give her a certified or notarized copy? She needs to get a new one anyway.

Edited December 20, 201213 yr by Pinot

Inquire at the local passport office. Only a few passport offices in Thailand also have a legalisation office. As Phuket seems to be a new office, I'm not sure if they also have a legalisation department there.

I suspect you could have had Consular officer notarize her signature to a copy yesterday during ACS visit but now would have to visit ACS in Bangkok. Do not believe legalization process is required but I did this in US a bit more than a decade ago and believe I just had her sign a copy in front of bank official (free) for notarized process. Believe you also have to write a short note that agree to be taxed as American Citizen and include with tax return so don't forget that.

1 commercial post removed per forum rules.

In the UK any Solicitor (lawyer,attorney) can 'Certify' a document ,

Correct Notorisation i.e. stamped by a Notary Public, (bank managers and even most lawyers (in the UK) cannot notorise a document) is a higher level of authentication, in my experience Notary Publics in different parts of the world are not necessarily recognised universally without supporting evidence from the authority that appointed them of presumably both their competencies.

E.G. A document notorised in the U.S.A. (U.S. Notary) or Thailand (Thai Notary) will not always be accepted in a British Commonwealth country with the straight Notary stamp on it without this further supporting evidence.

The problem is you don't know what will be accepted until you submit it.

As certification is acceptable you are less likely to run into too much B.S. !

Thailand doesn't have a notary law, with as consequnce that there is no notary in Thailand.

There is course by the Thai Law Council, after follwowing a lawyer can call him a notary. But that can be challenged in court. For the OP it would probably do, but in a dispute abroad where you need to notorize documents from Thailand one should take extreme care.

The US Embassy ACS is the official source for notary service for documents to be used in the US and will be accepted.

The American Citizen Services section of the American Embassy emailed me that I can bring it to the road show (consular outreach) when it comes here in March for certification.

Schedule:

http://bangkok.usemb...ach_fy2012.html

Still be OK for tax submission then - forgot you still had a long time to file if not anxious to get a refund.

I did one for my wife last year. The Consulate in Chiang Mai will handle everything and send the forms in. As Lopburi has said, the Embassy in BKK will also handle this for you or the "roadshow".

I did one for my wife last year. The Consulate in Chiang Mai will handle everything and send the forms in. As Lopburi has said, the Embassy in BKK will also handle this for you or the "roadshow".

Do you remember if they wanted the Thai marriage form? There is conflicting information about if I have to get the marriage form translated and notarized. Her passport will be in my last name.

I did one for my wife last year. The Consulate in Chiang Mai will handle everything and send the forms in. As Lopburi has said, the Embassy in BKK will also handle this for you or the "roadshow".

Do you remember if they wanted the Thai marriage form? There is conflicting information about if I have to get the marriage form translated and notarized. Her passport will be in my last name.

No. We weren't asked for it. The ITIN isn't just for married spouses, so no need to prove marriage. Although, as a side note, you should always have your marriage certificate/form translated and notarized as matter of course.

Edited December 20, 201213 yr by kurtmartens

Actually getting it translated and registered at MFA (several copies) is a good idea as that can then be used for any official US Government need as it is accepted as a legal document. A translation service can do the process from Phuket and no need for ACS notary for that.

Thank you so much for your help. I don't know why this info is so hard to find. The best source is TV.

Two questions were answered:

1. How do I get an American ITEN number for my Thai wife, for tax filing status?

Answer: Fill out a W-7 and mail a certified copy of her passport (obtained at the Us Embassy or outreach program) with your taxes to the address on the W-7 form.

2. What do I do with my new Thai marraige license?

Have it translated and registered at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).