Guide
How is PasoLibre different from a notario?
People often ask if we're like a notario. It's a fair question — and the confusion isn't your fault. The word “notario” means very different things depending on the country.
PasoLibre editorial team
Reviewed July 31, 2026 · Official sources verified
“Notario” doesn't mean the same thing here
In many Latin American countries, a notario is a licensed attorney with real legal authority.
In the United States it's different. A “notary public” only witnesses signatures. They are not a lawyer, cannot give you legal advice, and cannot decide your immigration case.
That's why many people pay a “notario” believing they're an immigration expert — when the law doesn't allow them to be one.
Why this matters
In New Jersey, the Attorney General acted against businesses offering unauthorized immigration services; some quoted more than $1,500.
A form filled out wrong, or one that was never filed, can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. We don't say this to scare you — we say it so you can protect yourself.
What PasoLibre does — and doesn't do
What we do: provide Spanish-first self-service software that transfers your answers to an unsigned PDF, with technical checks and a clear price. You pay government fees directly to USCIS.
What we don't do: we are not a law firm and do not give legal advice. We do not decide which form is right, whether you qualify, whether you need a lawyer, or what evidence is legally sufficient.
And we never ask you to sign anything blank. You see exactly what we prepared before you sign anything.
Red flags
If someone filling out immigration forms does any of these, walk away:
- Promises your case will be approved. No one can promise that — not even a lawyer.
- Asks you to sign blank forms.
- Won't give you a receipt or a written contract.
- Claims to have “contacts” or influence inside USCIS.
- Charges you for the forms USCIS provides for free.
- Calls themselves a “notario” or “consultant” as if they were a lawyer.
Official sources
Your rights in New Jersey
New Jersey law protects immigrants from this kind of fraud. A non-lawyer preparer must give you a written contract and cannot call themselves a “notario” to imply they're an attorney.
If you think you were a victim of fraud, you can report it to the New Jersey Attorney General's Division of Consumer Affairs.
Clear, human help, no surprises.
We guide you step by step, in Spanish, to prepare your form. USCIS fees are paid separately.
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