U.S. Identity Notarization and Authentication Service (Same Person Affidavit), Certificate of One and the Same Person 518-956-5673

Affidavit of One and the Same Person

For Chinese Americans holding U.S. passports, matters can often become more complicated. Authorities in China generally require individuals to prove that their Chinese passport and U.S. passport belong to the same person. A complete certification proving that the Chinese passport and U.S. passport belong to the same person must undergo a three-level authentication process to be valid for use within China. The typical three-level authentication involves three steps: notary public certification, Secretary of State authentication, and authentication by the Chinese embassy or consulate in the U.S. There are two methods to certify that the U.S. passport and Chinese passport belong to the same person. The first method involves obtaining a certification for both the U.S. passport and the Chinese passport, confirming that the copies match the originals. In this case, two certification documents will be produced. The second method involves drafting an affidavit explaining the situation and declaring that the foreign passport and Chinese passport belong to the same person, along with copies of both passports. In this case, only one certification document is produced.

Obtaining Separate Certifications for Copies Matching Originals of Both Passports

When overseas Chinese or Chinese Americans are involved in property transactions (transfer), property leasing, or other entrusted matters in China but are unable to return to China due to being abroad, relevant Chinese authorities may require them to provide a certification confirming that the passport copies match the originals. This certification is equivalent to the original passport. When using passport copies to handle related matters, authorities may require you to present a notarized and authenticated certification confirming that the copies match the originals (True Copy), ensuring the copies are consistent with the originals and are genuine and valid.

Obtain a notarized certification confirming that the copy of the Chinese passport matches the original, and simultaneously obtain a similar certification for the U.S. passport. Since the English names on the Chinese passport and U.S. passport are consistent, it can generally be determined that they belong to the same person. Therefore, in this case, two certification documents will be produced.

Required Materials for Consular Authentication of Passport Copies Matching Originals:

1. Notarized copy of the passport
2. Completed "Notarization and Authentication Application Form"
3. Scanned copy of the applicant's passport information page (Chinese citizens must also provide original and copies of legal U.S. residency documents, such as a Green Card, I-20, H1B, etc.)

How to Draft an Affidavit

Draft a statement explaining the situation and declaring that the foreign passport and the Chinese passport belong to the same person, along with copies of both the foreign passport and the Chinese passport. In this case, there is only one certification document.

* Note: When drafting the statement, if there are two pages, be sure to add page numbers to each page and indicate them in the statement (see Attachment I, Page 1) (see Attachment II, Page 2). Otherwise, the second page may be considered as having been added after notarization, leading to rejection of the document.

Below is a sample statement. Please verify with the relevant domestic authorities whether this sample is acceptable.

Same Person Statement for U.S. Passport and Chinese Passport

I, ___Zhang San (Zhang, San)___, date of birth ____________, place of birth ___________, currently a U.S. citizen, U.S. passport number ______________, Chinese passport number _______________.

I, __Zhang, San__, Date of birth _______________, place of birth ________________, is a U.S. citizen, U.S. Passport No. ___________, Chinese Passport No. ______________.

Attached are true copies of my U.S. passport and Chinese passport. Refer to Attachment I (Page 2) and Attachment II (Page 3).
Attached with true copy of U.S. Passport and Chinese passport, refer to attachment I (Page 2) and attachment II (Page 3).

I hereby declare that both the U.S. passport and the Chinese passport belong to me and are for the same person. I guarantee that the above information is true and accurate. If any part is found to be false, I am willing to bear all legal responsibilities arising therefrom.
Being duly sworn in, hereby solemnly declare that the ownership of U.S passport attached and Chinese passport attached are the same person. I declare, that the foregoing is true and correct. I am the person named above, and I assume full responsibility for the declaration.

 

Due to varying policies across different regions in China, when preparing a notarized certification that the U.S. passport copy matches the original, please confirm with the domestic handling agency which of the above methods is acceptable in China.

Common Scenarios (Proving the Same Person Before and After)

• Former Chinese passport, current U.S. passport
• Former Chinese passport, current Canadian passport
• Former Chinese passport, later Canadian passport, then U.S. passport
• Former Chinese ID card, current U.S. passport
• Former Taiwan Compatriot Permit, current U.S. passport
• Old and new U.S. passports
• Name change due to marriage or other reasons

Authentication Process for Same Person Statement for U.S. Passport and Chinese Passport

The steps for the three-level authentication process are as follows. You may adjust the process based on your specific situation.

1. Draft a statement explaining the situation and declaring that the foreign passport and the Chinese passport belong to the same person. Then, have it notarized by a local notary public. (Can be handled by an agent.)

2. Secretary of State Authentication (Can be handled by an agent.)

We provide agent services for Secretary of State authentication in the jurisdictions of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and Washington.

Processing times vary by state, typically taking 2-3 weeks. Some states offer expedited services, while others do not. (For specific processing times by state, please contact customer service for details.)

3. U.S. Department of State Authentication Required for the Washington D.C. Embassy Jurisdiction (Can be handled by an agent.)

Currently, the processing time for Department of State authentication is lengthy, typically 3-4 months, which significantly increases the difficulty of the application. You can entrust us to handle this step on your behalf.

4. Authentication by the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in the U.S. (Can be handled by an agent.)

Submit the Secretary of State or Department of State authenticated Same Person Statement for U.S. Passport and Chinese Passport to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. to complete the final authentication step.