Content Export Link to Content Question Answer Approximate Ranking Last Updated Topic Subtopic http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=32 Authenticating Documents: Status Request The authentication of documents by the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="Office of Authentications" /> at the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4391" contents="United States Department of State (DOS)" /> takes approximately five business days from the time of receipt. Requests should be accompanied by a cover letter and a self-addressed stamped envelope so that your documents can be returned faster (a <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3846" contents="private delivery company" /> may be used if desired). Documents received without return envelopes and postage are returned through regular mail by the DOS, which can result in a two to three week delay. To request the status of an authentication request, please contact the Office of Authentications by e-mail at <a href="mailto:aoprgsmauth@state.gov">aoprgsmauth@state.gov</a>, or by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.202.647.5002 (Recording) TDD: 1.202.663.3468 Department of State Authentications Office 518 23rd Street NW, SA-1 Washington, D.C. 20520 The following information should be included in the correspondence: name of the person requesting the authentication, their full address, their daytime telephone number, the number and type of documents submitted, the approximate date when the documents were sent, and the country where the documents are intended to be used. Please note that due to the high volume of requests received by the Office of Authentications, the fastest response to questions is via e-mail. E-mail inquiries are responded to within a 24 hour period, or the next business day. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="Authenticating Documents: Requirements" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="210" contents="Authenticating Documents: For Non-Hague Countries" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="5883" contents="Authenticating Documents: For Hague Countries" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="5730" contents="Authenticating Documents: Federal Document" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="33" contents="Authenticating Documents: Rejection by the DOS Office of Authentications" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> </ul>   3196 12/29/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Vital Records http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=33 Authenticating Documents: Rejection by the DOS Office of Authentications There are many reasons why the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /> at the <rn:answer_xref contents="United States Department of State (DOS)" answer_id="4391" /> may reject documents submitted for Authentication. These may include: <ul> <li>Failing to include a notarized English translation of foreign language documents.</li> <li>Submitting a cover letter that fails to explain your request and what country the documents are to be used in, or not including any cover letter.</li> <li>Failing to include the statement that any copies are "true and accurate copies."</li> </ul> If a document is rejected, the authentication process must be started over, taking care to follow the <a href="http://www.state.gov/m/a/auth/c16920.htm" target="_self">correct procedures</a> outlined on the DOS website. If you have a specific question about why your documents were returned or what your next step should be, the Office of Authentications recommends contacting the Authentication Officers directly by e-mail at <a href="mailto:aoprgsmauth@state.gov">aoprgsmauth@state.gov</a>. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentication Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Authenticating Documents: Requirements" answer_id="6046" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Authenticating Documents: Use in Non-Hague Countries" answer_id="210" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Authenticating Documents: Use in Hague Countries" answer_id="5883" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Authenticating Documents: Federal Document" answer_id="5730" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Authenticating Documents: Status Request" answer_id="32" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> </ul>   1282 11/11/2009 General Information Vital Records http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=37 Employer ID Number (EIN) An <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html" target="_self">Employer Identification Number (EIN)</a> is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. To find out if you need an EIN, please view the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97872,00.html" target="_self">Do You Need an EIN?</a> web page from the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/" target="_self">Internal Revenue Service (IRS)</a>. You can <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97860,00.html" target="_self">apply for an EIN in various ways</a>, including <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html" target="_self">online</a>. Please note that no matter how you apply, it will take up to two weeks before your EIN becomes part of the IRS's permanent records. You must wait until this occurs before you can file an electronic tax return, make an electronic payment, or pass an IRS Taxpayer Identification Number matching program. When is a New EIN Needed? For information about needing a new EIN for your business, please visit the IRS's <a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98011,00.html" target="_self">Do You Need a New EIN?</a> web page. Businesses need a new EIN when their ownership or structure has changed. Please visit the IRS's <a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=148089,00.html" target="_self">Business Name Change</a> web page to find out what actions are required if you change the name of your business. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96696,00.html" target="_self">Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN)</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=108532,00.html" target="_self">Online EIN: Frequently Asked Questions</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/article/0,,id=100236,00.html" target="_self">State Revenue Departments</a></li> </ul>   15836 11/19/2009 Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Taxes http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=43 United States Census Bureau The <a href="http://www.census.gov/" target="_self">U.S. Census Bureau</a>, a component of the <a href="http://www.commerce.gov/" target="_self">U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)</a>, was established to provide a statistical study of the population every 10 years. The <a href="http://2010.census.gov/" target="_self">next 10 year survey will be in 2010</a>. Information collected by the Census Bureau includes population demographics, housing statistics, and various types of trade data. Federal law mandates that the information collected by the Census Bureau from individuals, households, or establishments be kept strictly confidential and used only for statistical purposes. The Census Bureau serves as the leading source of data about the nation's people and economy. They honor privacy, protect confidentiality, share their expertise globally, and conduct their work openly. For additional information, please refer to their <a href="https://ask.census.gov/" target="_self">frequently asked questions</a> or call the Census Bureau's national customer service center at 1.800.923.8282 or 1.301.763.INFO (1.301.763.4636). For specific questions, you may wish to contact your nearest <a href="http://www.census.gov/field/www/" target="_self">U.S. Census Bureau Regional Office</a>. For media/press inquiries, please visit the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3491" contents="Census Bureau's Public Information Office" />. The Census Bureau conducts <a href="http://www.census.gov/survey_participants/" target="_self">surveys</a> more than just once every 10 years. Each year, several surveys and questionnaires are sent to households all across the United States. There are some that are only done locally (for example, by county). If you have a concern about the legitimacy of a survey or questionnaire, you may also contact the Census Bureau's national customer service center. To search a wide range of statistical information at the state and local level that is compiled and maintained by the federal government, please visit the following web pages: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.usa.gov/Government/State_Local/Statistics.shtml" target="_self">Statistics at the State and Local Levels from USA.gov</a></li> <li><a href="http://quickfacts.census.gov/" target="_self">National, State and County QuickFacts from the U.S. Census Bureau</a></li> <li><a href="http://censtats.census.gov/usa/usa.shtml" target="_self">Census Data on U.S. States and Counties</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/fas.html" target="_self">Federal Aid to States</a></li> </ul> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.census.gov/econ/census07/www/notifyme/index.php" target="_self">Notify Me</a> informs you through e-mail when national data becomes available on a certain industry that may interest you. For example, you would be able to receive information on the number of employees or total value of sales for a certain industry.</li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="44" contents="Employment with the U.S. Census Bureau" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8520" contents="Census 2010" /></li> <li><a href="http://2010.census.gov/2010census/involved/" target="_self">Census 2010 Social Media Tools</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.fedstats.gov/" target="_self">FedStats.gov</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.data.gov/" target="_self">Data.gov</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Reference_Shelf/Data.shtml" target="_self">Data and Statistics Resources from USA.gov</a></li> </ul>   19691 01/08/2010 Reference and General Government Agencies Statistics http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=44 Employment with the United States Census Bureau The <a href="http://www.census.gov/hrd/www/" target="_self">Jobs at Census web page</a> was designed to help prospective employees match their interests and experience with one of the many positions available at the <rn:answer_xref contents="United States Census Bureau" answer_id="43" />. You may also want to view information specifically about <a href="http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/" target="_self">2010 Census Jobs</a> for information on temporary, part-time work on the <rn:answer_xref contents="2010 Census" answer_id="8520" target="_self" />, including positions for census takers. You can also call the Jobs Line at 1.866.861.2010.   8257 01/19/2010 Jobs and Education Jobs Reference and General Government Statistics http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=45 Research of Ancestors and/or Descendants (Genealogy) The United States Census Bureau and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4651" contents="National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)" /> provide resources to assist individuals with genealogical and family research. Please visit the <a href="http://www.census.gov/genealogy/www/" target="_self">United States Census Bureau's Genealogy web page</a> to access information on Census Bureau resources. Or visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/genealogy/" target="_self">NARA's Genealogy web page</a> to access information about NARA resources. NARA has information such as tips for getting started, what records are available, where they can be found, and suggestions for books that may be helpful. NARA also occasionally offers the public genealogical workshops and courses. Topics include an introduction to genealogy and research into records such as Census schedules, military service and pension records, and passenger lists. Their workshop schedule is available for their <a href="http://www.archives.gov/calendar/" target="_self">Washington, D.C. location</a> as well as for their <a href="http://www.archives.gov/genealogy/events/" target="_self">13 regional locations</a>. For help with specific questions, you may wish to <a href="http://www.archives.gov/contact/" target="_self">contact NARA</a> or your nearest <a href="http://www.census.gov/field/www/" target="_self">Census Bureau Regional Office</a>. The <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/genealogy/" target="_self">Genealogy Program</a>, from the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1367" contents="U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS)" />, is a fee-for-service program that provides family historians and other researchers with access to historical immigration and naturalization records.  Finally, <a href="http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/History_Family.shtml" target="_self">links to family history and genealogy resources</a> and information on researching <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6884" contents="Native American ancestry" /> are also available.   2442 01/29/2010 Family, Home and Community General Information http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=47 Complaints: Financial Institutions When you have a complaint about a financial institution, the best place to start is by taking your complaint directly to senior bank management or the bank's customer service center. You should be prepared to explain your complaint and let them know what you expect for resolution. If you have already tried this and are not satisfied, you may contact the appropriate regulatory agency. Please note that regulatory agencies do not resolve factual or contractual disputes. In those cases, it is often best to seek <rn:answer_xref contents="legal advice" answer_id="5864" /> for assistance with resolving the matter. To find the correct regulatory agency, you need to determine which type of financial institution your complaint concerns. If you are not sure, you may wish to obtain this information from the institution directly, or you can determine the type of institution from the <a href="http://www.ffiec.gov/nicpubweb/nicweb/SearchForm.aspx" target="_self">Federal Reserve System's Institution Search</a>. After you verify the type of financial institution, select it from the list below and you can determine where to direct your complaint. <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="National Bank (Ex: Sample Bank, NA)" answer_id="5866" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="State Bank (Ex: Sample State Bank)" answer_id="5867" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Savings and Loan" answer_id="5868" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Credit Union" answer_id="5869" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Finance Companies, Stores, Auto Dealers, Mortgage Companies, Credit Bureaus" answer_id="70" /></li> </ul> If you need additional assistance, please visit the <a href="http://federalreserveconsumerhelp.gov/" target="_self">Federal Reserve Consumer Help</a> website for more information or contact them by phone at 1.888.851.1920 or 1.877.766.8533 (TTY). You may also wish to view the following information: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Filing a Complaint about an Investment Issue" answer_id="130" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complain about Discrimination in a Lending Transaction" answer_id="74" /></li> </ul>   7404 01/04/2010 Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Money Consumer Issues Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=48 Complaints: Cable or Satellite Television Providers You should always contact the cable company or satellite television provider first when a problem occurs. In many cases, the customer service representatives at the company will be able to assist you. Your provider handles complaints about rates for pay-per-channel and pay-per-program services, which are not subject to regulation. If you are unable to resolve your dispute with your cable company or satellite television provider, you may wish to take further action: <ul> <li>Cable company: Contact your <rn:answer_xref contents="local franchising authority" answer_id="49" /> with complaints or questions about customer service, basic services tier rates, or franchise fees. The name of your franchising authority should be on the front or back of your cable bill. If this information is not on the bill, contact the cable company or city hall.</li> <li>Satellite television provider: <a href="https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/" target="_self">File a complaint</a> with the <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Trade Commission (FTC)" answer_id="3927" />. You may also wish to contact your <rn:answer_xref contents="state consumer protection office" answer_id="4213" />.</li> </ul> You can also make general inquiries about cable and satellite regulation by contacting the <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Communications Commission (FCC)" answer_id="208" />. Please note that the FCC does not regulate cable or satellite service issues. Finally, if you are not satisfied with your cable or satellite rates, look for alternative multichannel video programming services that may be available in your area, such as competitive cable services and open video system services.   2760 http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=49 Regulation of Cable Companies According to the <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Communications Commission (FCC)" answer_id="208" />, local franchising authorities regulate cable companies. A franchising authority is the local, municipal, county, or state government organization that regulates certain aspects of the cable television industry at the state and local level. Complaint topics heard by franchising authorities include: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cablerates.html" target="_self">Rates</a> for basic service and equipment.</li> <li>Installation and service charges related to service.</li> <li>Customer service problems, including billing disputes, office hours, telephone availability of personnel, installations, outages and service calls.</li> <li>Franchise fees, which are determined and retained by local governments.</li> <li>Signal quality, including interference and reception difficulties.</li> <li>Use of public, educational, and governmental (PEG) channels.</li> </ul> The name of your franchising authority should be on the front or back of your cable bill. If this information is not on the bill, contact the cable company or city hall. You may also wish to view answers to <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/broadcast.html" target="_self">frequently asked questions about television and cable</a> or information on <rn:answer_xref contents="filing a complaint against a cable or satellite television provider" answer_id="48" />. If you would like further consumer information, please visit the <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/" target="_self">Consumer Action website</a>. The Consumer Action website provides useful addresses, telephone numbers, and samples of complaint letters to help consumers with various types of complaints.   1512 General Information Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=52 Complaints: Pre-Paid Phone Cards When you have a problem with a pre-paid phone card, you should first try to resolve the problem by contacting the customer service number that appears on the card. If that does not work, you can file a complaint with the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="208" contents="Federal Communications Commission (FCC)" />. You may also wish to contact your <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4213" contents="state consumer protection agency" /> to see if they can provide further assistance. In addition, you may also file a complaint with the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3927" contents="Federal Trade Commission (FTC)" />. While the FTC does not resolve individual consumer problems, your complaint helps them investigate fraud, and can lead to law enforcement action. For more information, please visit the FCC's <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/prepaidcards.html" target="_self">fact sheet on pre-paid phone cards</a>.   27 12/24/2009 Scams and Fraud Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=53 Complaints: Indecent, Profane or Obscene Broadcasting The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="208" contents="Federal Communications Commission (FCC)" /> receives complaints of obscene, profane or indecent broadcasts aired on television and radio channels. Broadcasts must have aired between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. to fall under FCC indecency and profane enforcement action. For information on the differences between what is not acceptable in a broadcast, please visit the FCC's <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/obscene.html" target="_self">Obscene, Indecent, and Profane Broadcasts web page</a>. Complaints heard by the FCC should include: <ul> <li>Information regarding the details of what was actually said or depicted during the broadcast.</li> <li>The date and time of the broadcast.</li> <li>The call sign, channel, or frequency of the station involved.</li> <li>The city and state where the program was viewed/heard.</li> </ul> You are not required to submit a transcript or an audiotape, videotape, CD/DVD or other recording in support of your complaint. Doing so, however, may help with processing your complaint. Keep in mind that any documentation you provide to the FCC about your complaint becomes part of the FCC's records and may not be returned. The fastest and easiest way to file a complaint is to use the FCC's <a href="http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgb/fcc475B.cfm" target="_self">electronic complaint Form 475B</a> (Obscene, Profane, and/or Indecent Material Complaint Form). You may also file a complaint by e-mail at <a href="mailto:fccinfo@fcc.gov">fccinfo@fcc.gov</a>, or by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.888.CALL.FCC (1.888.225.5322) TTY: 1.888.TELL.FCC (1.888.835.5322) Fax: 1.866.418.0232 Federal Communications Commission Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division 445 12th St. SW Washington, D.C. 20554 If you are submitting a video tape, DVD, CD, or other type of media with your complaint, please send it to the following address to avoid mail processing damage: Federal Communications Commission Investigations and Hearings Division Enforcement Bureau 9300 East Hampton Drive Capitol Heights, MD 20743   486 01/11/2010 http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=54 Complaints: Phone Companies If you have a problem with a telephone company, you should first try to resolve your complaint directly with the company. The company's phone number should be found on your billing statement. If you are unsure how to contact the company, you can search for this information by using the <a href="http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgb/form499/499a.cfm" target="_self">telecommunications company locator</a> offered by the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="208" contents="Federal Communications Commission (FCC)" />. If your complaint is not resolved, you may try contacting your <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4213" contents="state consumer protection office" />, which may offer suggestions on how to resolve your issue. If you are unsuccessful in your attempts to resolve the complaint yourself, then you should file a complaint with the proper regulatory agency: <ul> <li>To file a complaint about your local telephone service, contact your state <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4214" contents="Utilities Commission" />.</li> <li>The FCC handles complaints regarding services provided from one state to another (interstate services), as well as foreign communications (international calls).</li> <li>The FCC does not regulate contractual arrangements with cellular providers, but does handle complaints about wireless service.</li> </ul> The FCC makes it convenient to <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html" target="_self">file a complaint</a>. Complaints can be filed electronically, by e-mail, by postal mail or by fax. For further information, please visit the web page of the <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumers.html" target="_self">FCC's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau</a>. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="52" contents="Complaints: Pre-Paid Phone Cards" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="60" contents="The Do Not Call Registry" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7688" contents="Telephone Fraud" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7020" contents="Cell Phones" /></li> </ul>   3463 01/19/2010 Science and Technology No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=60 The "Do Not Call" Registry Registering your telephone number with the National "Do Not Call" Registry will stop most telemarketing calls. You may register with the "Do Not Call" Registry online at <a href="https://www.donotcall.gov/" target="_self">DoNotCall.gov</a> or by telephone at 1.888.382.1222 or 1.866.290.4236 (TTY). Once you register your telephone number(s) with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), it will take 31 days for the updated list to be circulated before you notice a reduction in telemarketing calls. Please note that telephone calls from political organizations, charities, telephone surveyors or companies with which you have an existing business relationship are exempt from the FTC's enforcement activities. You may wish to <a href="https://www.donotcall.gov/confirm/Conf.aspx" target="_self">verify if and when your phone number was registered</a>. Please note: Your registration will not expire. The FTC will not drop any telephone numbers from the National "Do Not Call" Registry. HR 3541, the "Do Not Call Improvement Act of 2007" was signed into law on February 15, 2008, and prohibits the automatic removal of telephone numbers registered on the "Do Not Call" registry. To file a complaint about a violator, your telephone number must have been registered with the FTC for at least 31 days before any enforcement activities can occur. In addition, you must be prepared with the following information: <ul> <li>The name or the telephone number of the company that called you</li> <li>The date the call was received</li> <li>Your telephone number</li> </ul> You may also elect to provide your name and address, which would help any law enforcement officers who may investigate your complaint. If you meet these requirements, you may report a "Do Not Call" violator by <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3927" contents="calling the FTC" /> or by <a href="https://complaints.donotcall.gov/complaint/complaintcheck.aspx?panel=2" target="_self">filing with the FTC online</a>. If you have already signed up for the "Do Not Call" Registry and would now like to have your name and phone number removed from the list, you can have your entry deleted by calling 1.888.382.1222 from the telephone number you want deleted. Your number will be removed from the Registry within 24 hours. Please note: The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="208" contents="Federal Communications Commission (FCC)" /> rules also prohibit sending unwanted text messages to your wireless phone number if they are sent using an autodialer, or if you have placed that number on the "Do Not Call" Registry. You may wish to view additional information about <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/canspam.html" target="_self">text message and wireless e-mail spam</a>. If you represent a telemarketing company and would like information on compliance issues, or to subscribe to the FTC's "Do Not Call" Registry, you may do so by visiting the <a href="https://telemarketing.donotcall.gov/" target="_self">telemarketer web page</a>.   25259 11/02/2009 Consumer Issues General Information Scams and Fraud Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=62 Lost or Stolen Credit Card If you suspect your credit card was lost or stolen, report it to the police immediately. Be sure to request a copy of the police report, including your case number, because your credit card company, bank, or insurance company may request such documentation. After you report the missing card to the police, contact your credit card company or issuing bank immediately. A telephone number for customer service and information on how to report a missing card should be located on your monthly statement. Ask to have your account closed, and to have a new card issued with a new number. Follow up your telephone call with a letter summarizing your request. Identity Theft: If you feel that your credit card was stolen to commit identity theft, file a report with the <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/" target="_self">Federal Trade Commission (FTC)</a>. Although the FTC does not have the authority to bring criminal cases, they do put your information into a secure consumer fraud database and may, in appropriate instances, share it with other law enforcement agencies and private entities, including any companies about which you may complain. You can call the FTC's ID Theft Hotline at 1.877.IDTHEFT (1.877.438.4338) or use their <a href="https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/" target="_self">Online Complaint Assistant</a>. You may also wish to view the additional <rn:answer_xref contents="steps that you should take as a victim of identity theft" answer_id="6489" />. You may also wish to view information on how to <rn:answer_xref contents="obtain a free credit report" answer_id="67" />. Additional Steps to Take: If you find an error on your credit card bill/bank statement, you should contact your credit card company/bank as soon as possible. Most credit card companies have specific policies regarding the way they handle disputes, so you may wish to review your card member agreement for additional information about your rights and recourse. You may also wish to look at the back of your credit card statement for detailed instructions on how to dispute unauthorized charges. Finally, after disputing the charges by telephone, you should send your dispute in writing to the address on the back of your statement. It is also a good idea to start a file, being careful to maintain copies of all correspondence and records related to your credit card dispute.   1319 01/19/2010 General Information Scams and Fraud Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=64 Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs) A Credit Reporting Agency (CRA) is a company that collects and sells information about how people handle credit. CRAs issue credit reports that list how individuals manage their debts and make payments, how much untapped credit they have available, and whether they have applied for any loans. The reports are made available to individuals and to creditors who have a legitimate need for the information. The major national credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Please use the following information to contact the major CRAs: Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc. PO Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374 Order a credit report: 1.800.685.1111 Place a fraud alert on your credit report: 1.888.766.0008 <a href="http://www.equifax.com/" target="_self">http://www.equifax.com/</a> Experian   475 Anton Blvd. Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Phone: 1.888.EXPERIAN (1.888.397.3742) <a href="http://www.experian.com/" target="_self">http://www.experian.com/</a> <ul> <li>Please note that the address listed above is for the Experian corporate office, and consumer assistance is not available at that location. Please call Experian's toll-free number or visit their website to locate mailing addresses specific to your question/situation.</li> </ul> TransUnion 2 Baldwin Place PO Box 2000 Chester, PA 19022 Phone: 1.800.888.4213 <a href="http://www.transunion.com/" target="_self">http://www.transunion.com/</a> <ul> <li>Please note that the address and phone number listed above are for purchasing a credit report. Please visit TransUnion's website for contact information specific to your question/situation.</li> </ul> You may also wish to view information about <rn:answer_xref contents="obtaining a free credit report" answer_id="67" />.   12512 11/06/2009 Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Money Consumer Issues General Information http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=66 Disputing an Error on a Credit Report Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, both the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="64" contents="Credit Reporting Agency (CRA)" /> and the organization that provided the information, such as a bank or credit card company, are responsible for correcting inaccurate or incomplete information in your report. To protect your rights under the law, contact both the CRA and the information provider to dispute any errors on your <rn:answer_xref answer_id="67" contents="credit report" />. Notify the CRA in writing about the information you believe to be inaccurate. Include copies (not originals) of documents that support your position. Your letter should: <ul> <li>Include your complete name and address</li> <li>Clearly identify each item in your report under dispute</li> <li>State the facts and explain why you dispute the information</li> <li>Include your request for deletion or correction of the erroneous information</li> <li>You may want to enclose a copy of your report with the items in question circled</li> </ul> Send your letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document that it was received by the CRA. Keep copies of your dispute letter and enclosures.  CRAs must investigate the items in question, usually within 30 days. Disputed information that cannot be verified must be deleted from your file. It is advisable that you check your credit report later to ensure that disputes resolved in your favor have been removed from your report. For this information and more, please visit the <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/credit/reports.shtm" target="_self">credit reports and scoring web page</a> from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Or, you may wish to <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3927" contents="contact the FTC" /> and speak to a representative for assistance. Information about <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6489" contents="identity theft" /> is also available.   5693 01/26/2010 Scams and Fraud http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=67 Obtaining a Free Credit Report Normally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="64" contents="credit reporting agencies (CRAs)" /> may charge you a fee for a copy of your credit report. However, an amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the CRAs to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months. Get Your Free Credit Report: To obtain a <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/freereports" target="_self">free copy of your credit report</a>, please visit: <a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/" target="_self">https://www.annualcreditreport.com/</a> Your free credit report may also be requested by phone by calling 1.877.322.8228. Deaf and hard of hearing consumers can access the TDD service by calling 711 and referring the Relay Operator to 1.800.821.7232. To request your free credit report by mail, please complete the <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/resources/forms/requestformfinal.pdf" target="_self">Annual Credit Report Request Form</a> (.PDF document) and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service PO Box 105281 Atlanta, GA 30348-5281 Other Times You Are Eligible for a Free Credit Report: You may also request a free copy of your credit report if a company takes adverse action against you, such as denying your application for credit, insurance or employment. You must request your report within 60 days of receiving notice of the action. The notice will give you the name, address, and telephone number of the CRA that provided the negative information.  You may also be entitled to one free credit report a year if you certify in writing that: <ul> <li>You are unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days.</li> <li>You are on welfare.</li> <li>Your report is inaccurate because of fraud.</li> </ul> Even if you have not been denied credit, you may want to find out what information is in your credit report. Some financial advisors suggest that you review your credit report periodically for inaccuracies or omissions. This could be especially important if you are considering a major purchase, such as buying a home or a car. This information and more can be found at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) web page about <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm" target="_self">access to free credit reports</a>. You may also <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3927" contents="call the FTC" /> and speak to a representative for assistance. Changes to AnnualCreditReport.com In 2009, the FTC sought public comment on proposed amendments to the Free Annual File Disclosures Rule, also known as the "Free Credit Report Rule." The proposed amendments would implement a new law designed to prevent consumer confusion in advertisements for “free credit reports.” The amendments also would address certain practices that may interfere with a consumers’ ability to obtain their free credit report. You may wish to view the <a href="http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/freecredit.shtm" target="_self">press release</a> from the FTC about the proposed changes. Please note: To view and print .PDF documents, you must use the <a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/" target="_self">Adobe Reader software</a>, which is available for download without charge. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="66" contents="Disputing an Error on a Credit Report" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="68" contents="Length of Time Negative Items Stay on a Credit Report" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6024" contents="Credit Scores" /></li> <li><a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/moneymatters/" target="_self">FTC - Money Matters</a></li> </ul>   39282 01/19/2010 General Information http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=68 Length of Time Negative Items Stay on a Credit Report When negative information in your credit report is accurate, only the passage of time can assure its removal. Accurate negative information can generally stay on your report for seven years, but there are some exceptions: <ul> <li>Information about criminal convictions may be reported without any time limitation.</li> <li>Bankruptcy information may be reported for 10 years.</li> <li>Credit information reported in response to an application for a job with a salary of more than $75,000 has no time limit.</li> <li>Credit information reported because of an application for more than $150,000 worth of credit or life insurance has no time limit.</li> <li>Information about a lawsuit or an unpaid judgment against you can be reported for seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out, whichever is longer.</li> </ul> If you would like to dispute information contained in your credit report, please visit our section devoted to <rn:answer_xref contents="disputing an error in your credit report" answer_id="66" />. Additional information about <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/credit/reports.shtm" target="_self">consumer credit issues</a> is available from the <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/" target="_self">Federal Trade Commission (FTC)</a>. Or, you may also call the <rn:answer_xref contents="FTC's Consumer Response Center" answer_id="3927" /> and speak to a representative for assistance.   1262 12/23/2009 http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=70 Complaints: Companies The <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Trade Commission (FTC)" answer_id="3927" /> offers the following recommendations on how to resolve consumer disputes with a company: <ul> <li>If you are having a problem with a company, you should first attempt to resolve it within the company. <ul> <li>Notify the company of the problem in writing, and what action you feel should be taken as a result of the problem.</li> <li>If the problem remains unresolved, submit (in writing) your complaint to the company's headquarters or main office. The <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/" target="_self">Consumer Action website</a> provides a directory of <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/corpormain.shtml" target="_self">national consumer affairs offices</a> for a number of companies.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Contact your <rn:answer_xref contents="State Consumer Protection Office" answer_id="4213" /> and file a complaint. <ul> <li>Ask if there is anything their office can do to assist you and for other alternatives.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Contact your local <rn:answer_xref contents="Better Business Bureau (BBB)" answer_id="4057" /> to file a complaint. <ul> <li>The BBB keeps a database of all complaints that are filed with them. This database is public information, and is an excellent resource for "checking out" a company.</li> <li>Depending on the nature of the complaint, they may contact the company on behalf of the consumer.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Contact the FTC" answer_id="3927" />. <ul> <li>While the FTC does not resolve individual consumer problems, your complaint helps them investigate fraud, and can lead to law enforcement action.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Complaints about e-commerce (business or trade that takes place on the Internet) across international borders can be filed at <a href="http://www.econsumer.gov/" target="_self">Econsumer.gov</a>.</li> <li>If all else fails, seek <rn:answer_xref contents="legal counsel" answer_id="5864" />.</li> </ul> The Consumer Action website also provides <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/caw_problems_sample_complaint.shtml" target="_self">samples of complaint letters</a> for various types of complaints.   15775 11/06/2009 Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Money Consumer Issues Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=71 Product Recalls On December 15, 2009, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4666" contents="Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)" />, in cooperation with several manufacturers, announced the voluntary recall of multiple Roman style shades and roll-up blinds. These recalled shades and blinds have exposed cords that are a strangulation hazard to children. Examine all shades and blinds in your home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Roman shades and roll-up blinds and contact the manufacturer for a free repair or retrofit kit. For more information, please view <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereldec09.html" target="_self">recalls and product safety news for December, 2009</a> to locate the recall information for each product. <hr /> To find out if a product has been recalled, begin by visiting <a href="http://www.recalls.gov/" target="_self">Recalls.gov</a>. This website contains recall information on consumer products, medicines, food, motor vehicles, boats, and environmental products. You may wish to contact the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4666" contents="Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)" /> for information about consumer products that have been recalled. If the CPSC does not oversee the item you purchased, they will also be able to refer you to the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="5877" contents="appropriate agency" />. You may also wish to view a list of both <a href="http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/recallsdesc.htm" target="_self">government and industry-initiated recalls</a>. For information about automobile recalls and how to file a complaint, please visit <a href="http://www.safercar.gov/" target="_self">SaferCar.gov</a>. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7838" contents="Food Recalls" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="73" contents="Unsafe Products" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="90" contents="Complaints: False Advertising" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7293" contents="Complaints: Medical Products" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6830" contents="Buying Tips" /></li> <li><a href="http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/" target="_self">Household Products Database</a></li> </ul>   1696 01/22/2010 General Information More Topics Current Events http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=72 Researching Background Information on a Business or Charity There are several different ways to research background information on a business or charity: <ul> <li>Visit the <rn:answer_xref contents="Better Business Bureau (BBB)" answer_id="4057" /> online and utilize their <a href="http://www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews/" target="_self">"Check Out a Business or Charity"</a> feature. <ul> <li>You may also wish to contact your <a href="http://www.bbb.org/us/find-a-bbb/" target="_self">local BBB</a> to see if the company or charity is a BBB member.</li> <li>While the BBB is not a regulatory agency, they may be able to provide you with general information.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Check with your <a href="http://www.business.gov/register/licenses-and-permits/" target="_self">state business regulatory or licensing agency</a> to make sure the company is properly licensed to do business in that state. <ul> <li>You may also contact your <rn:answer_xref contents="state consumer protection agency" answer_id="4213" /> for further assistance and referrals.</li> </ul> </li> <li>To find out if a company is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions, please visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) <a href="http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96136,00.html" target="_self">Search for Charities</a> web page.</li> <li>If the company or charity organization operates nationally, you may want to contact the <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Trade Commission (FTC)" answer_id="3927" />. <ul> <li>To inquire if complaints have been filed against a company or charity organization, the FTC suggests you make a <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/foia/foiarequest.shtm" target="_self">Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request</a>.</li> </ul> </li> <li>If the company is located outside the United States, you may contact the <a href="http://www.ita.doc.gov/cs/" target="_self">U.S. Commercial Service</a> to receive information regarding the viability and reliability of an overseas company.</li> <li>The <rn:answer_xref contents="Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)" answer_id="5873" /> provides a web page about <a href="http://www.sec.gov/investor/pubs/companies.htm" target="_self">getting information from companies</a> that can assist you in obtaining corporate reports, which tell you whether a company is making money or losing money and why. These reports can help you to invest wisely and avoid investment scams.</li> </ul> For additional consumer information, including addresses, telephone numbers, and <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/caw_problems_sample_complaint.shtml" target="_self">sample complaint letters</a> for various types of consumer complaints, please visit the <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/" target="_self">Consumer Action website</a>. You may also wish to view <a href="http://www.ic3.gov/media/2008/080708.aspx" target="_self">tips on avoiding fraudulent charitable contribution schemes</a>. Additional information about <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/telemarketing/tel01.shtm" target="_self">charitable donations</a> is available on the FTC's website, including a charity precaution checklist. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/01/13/help-haiti" target="_self">Help for Haiti</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.bbb.org/us/article/bbb-advice-on-donating-by-text-message-for-haiti-relief-efforts-14734" target="_self">BBB Advice on Donating by Text Message for Haiti Relief Efforts</a></li> </ul>   11714 01/20/2010 Consumer Issues Scams and Fraud General Information http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=73 Unsafe Products If you purchased a product that is unsafe, you should first contact the company that you purchased the item from and request a refund. Clearly and politely inform the company as to how you feel and the resolution you seek. You should also file an <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html" target="_self">unsafe product report</a> with the <rn:answer_xref contents="Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)" answer_id="4666" />. Reports can be made <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx" target="_self">online</a>, by phone at 1.800.638.2772 or by e-mail at <a href="mailto:info@cpsc.gov">info@cpsc.gov</a>. If the CPSC does not oversee the item you purchased, they will refer you to the <rn:answer_xref contents="appropriate agency" answer_id="5877" />. You may also wish to view information on <rn:answer_xref contents="product recalls" answer_id="71" />. The <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Trade Commission (FTC)" answer_id="3927" /> will also process consumer complaints and give any referrals as needed. Consumers should note that the FTC does not act on individual complaints. Rather, they enter all consumer complaints into a central database that is utilized by state and federal investigators. Finally, you may wish to access the <a href="http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/" target="_self">Household Products Database</a>. This database offers information about what is in a number of household products, potential health effects, safety and proper handling.   38 11/29/2009 Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=74 Complaints: Discrimination in Lending Transactions The <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/housing/housing_ecoa.php" target="_self">Equal Credit Opportunity Act</a> prohibits discrimination in all lending transactions, including those involving credit cards, consumer loans and mortgage loans. Individuals who believe that they are the victims of unfair discrimination in a credit transaction should contact the appropriate regulatory agency. The agencies and the types of creditors that they regulate are listed on the Equal Credit Opportunity Act web page listed above. Also, because there could be state law violations, you may wish to contact your <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7004" contents="State Attorney General's office" />. As with any kind of potential legal dispute, it may be advisable to consult with a <rn:answer_xref answer_id="5864" contents="licensed attorney" />. You may also wish to view information about the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8331" contents="Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)" />, a federal law that prohibits financial institutions from serving only wealthier neighborhoods. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="78" contents="Complaints: Discrimination and/or Harassment" /></li> </ul>   1245 01/25/2010 Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Money Consumer Issues Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=75 Disability Discrimination The <rn:answer_xref contents="Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)" answer_id="211" /> prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with a disability in all aspects of employment (hiring, firing, promotion, discharge, wages) by private employers, and state and local governments. This pertains to all the services, programs or activities provided by all state and local governments. The ADA specifically prohibits discrimination: <ul> <li>In all employment practices of state and local government and employers with 15 or more employees</li> <li>In all activities of state and local governments</li> <li>In places of public accommodation, including all hotels, restaurants, retail stores, theaters, healthcare facilities, convention centers, parks, and places of recreation</li> </ul> The ADA also requires that: <ul> <li>Places of public accommodation or commercial facilities owned, leased or operated by a private entity (such as hotels, restaurants, retail stores, theaters, healthcare facilities, parks and places of recreation) be designed, constructed and altered in compliance with accessibility standards</li> <li>Any examination and courses related to licensing or certification for professional or trade purposes are accessible to people with disabilities.</li> </ul> If you feel that you have been discriminated in employment because of your disability, please contact the <rn:answer_xref contents="U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)" answer_id="7729" />. If you feel that you have been discriminated in public services and public accommodations, please contact the <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/" target="_self">Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ)</a> by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.800.514.0301 (TDD: 1.800.514.0383) U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section - NYA 950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20530 Because your state may have other laws protecting individuals with disabilities, you should also contact your <rn:answer_xref contents="State Attorney General" answer_id="7004" />. As with any potential legal dispute, it also may be advisable to contact a <rn:answer_xref contents="licensed attorney" answer_id="5864" />. Additonal Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.disability.gov/civil_rights/" target="_self">Disabled Civil Rights</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm" target="_self">A Guide to Disability Rights Laws</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/" target="_self">Disability Rights Office</a> - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)</li> </ul>   2088 General Information Jobs and Education Workplace Issues Public Safety and Law Laws http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=76 Education Complaints: Discrimination Complaints against public schools should be addressed first to the <a href="http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/" target="_self">local school district</a> and then to the <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/" target="_self">state department of education</a>. A civil rights complaint may be filed with the <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/" target="_self">Office of Civil Rights (OCR)</a> within the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="205" contents="Department of Education (ED)" /> if you believe that an educational institution, such as state education agencies, elementary and secondary school systems, colleges and universities, vocational schools, proprietary schools, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, libraries, and museums, that receives federal funds has discriminated against someone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age. The person or organization filing the complaint does not need to be a victim of the alleged discrimination, but may complain on behalf of another person or group. Anyone wishing to file a formal complaint with the OCR may do so using the <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html" target="_self">online complaint form</a> or by <a href="http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfm" target="_self">contacting the OCR enforcement office</a> that serves your state/territory. You may wish to view additional information on the <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/know.html" target="_self">types of discrimination OCR investigates</a> or you may wish to <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4131" contents="contact OCR headquarters" />. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="78" contents="Filing a Discrimination and/or Harassment Complaint" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="77" contents="Education Complaints - Ethics, Policies, Procedures" /></li> </ul>   900 12/11/2009 Consumer Issues Complaints Jobs and Education Education http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=77 Education Complaints: Ethics, Policies, Procedures <a href="http://answers.ed.gov/cgi-bin/education.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=24" target="_self">Education complaints</a> should first be addressed to the main office, <a href="http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/" target="_self">local school district</a>, or other appropriate authority of the school. If your complaint remains unresolved at the local level, you can also file a complaint through your <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4220" contents="state department of education" />. Colleges, universities and other postsecondary educational institutions, such as <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7718" contents="vocational-technical schools" />, operate independently and with some state supervision. Therefore, you should start by contacting your <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/" target="_self">state department of higher education</a> to find out how they can help you resolve your problem. If the complaint remains unresolved at the state level, you may wish to <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oig/hotline.html" target="_self">file a complaint</a> with the <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oig/" target="_self">U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General</a> or contact them by e-mail at <a href="mailto:oig.hotline@ed.gov">oig.hotline@ed.gov</a> or by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.800.MIS.USED (1.800.647.8733) Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave. SW Washington, D.C. 20202-1500 Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. ET, and Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. ET, except for <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6437" contents="federal holidays" />.   282 12/30/2009 Consumer Issues Complaints Jobs and Education Education http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=78 Complaints: Discrimination and/or Harassment Discrimination can be defined as treatment or consideration based on class or category rather than individual merit. Federal laws, supplemented by court decisions, prohibit discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, voting rights, education, and access to public facilities. They also forbid discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, nationality, disability, religion or genetic information. In addition, state and local laws can prohibit discrimination in these areas and in others not covered by federal laws. For more information about discrimination and how to file a complaint, please choose from the following: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="75" contents="Disability Employment Discrimination" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="74" contents="Discrimination by a Lending Company" /> <ul> <li> Credit cards, consumer loans, mortgage loans, etc.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="112" contents="Discrimination by a Public Facility" /> <ul> <li>Hotels, restaurants, places of entertainment, etc.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="111" contents="Complaints: Discrimination in a State or Local Government Institution" /> <ul> <li>Hospitals, jails, nursing homes, etc.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="76" contents="Discrimination by an Educational Institution" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="118" contents="Housing Discrimination" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="5887" contents="Immigration-Related Employment Discrimination" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7729" contents="Workplace Discrimination and Wrongful Dismissal from Work" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6994" contents="Pregnancy Discrimination" /></li> <li><a href="http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/genetic.cfm" target="_self">Genetic Information Discrimination</a></li> </ul> If none of the above selections apply to your particular situation, it may be best to consult with a <rn:answer_xref answer_id="5864" contents="licensed attorney" /> for assistance.   4042 01/04/2010 Consumer Issues Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=79 Report Violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) If you believe that your rights under the <rn:answer_xref contents="Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)" answer_id="1333" /> have been violated, you may: <ul> <li>File a complaint with the federal government in one of two ways: <ul> <li>Filing in person, by mail, or by telephone with the <a href="http://www.dol.gov/whd/" target="_self">Wage and Hour Division (WHD)</a> within the <a href="http://www.dol.gov/" target="_self">Department of Labor (DOL)</a>. <ul> <li>A complaint may be filed with any <a href="http://www.dol.gov/whd/america2.htm" target="_self">district office</a>.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Filing, or having another person file on your behalf, with the <rn:answer_xref contents="Secretary of Labor" answer_id="4518" />. <ul> <li>A complaint filed with the Secretary of Labor should be submitted within a reasonable time of the discovery that your FMLA rights were violated.</li> <li>In no event may a complaint be filed more than two years after the action that is alleged to be a violation of FMLA occurred, or three years in the case of a "willful" violation.</li> </ul> </li> <li>No particular form of complaint is required, except that a complaint must be in writing and should include a full statement of the acts and/or omissions, with pertinent dates, which are believed to constitute the violation.</li> </ul> </li> <li>File a private lawsuit pursuant to <a href="http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/statutes/fmla.htm" target="_self">Section 107 of the FMLA</a>. <ul> <li>Private lawsuits must be filed within two years after the last action of the alleged violation, or three years if the violation was "willful."</li> </ul> </li> </ul> You may wish to view <a href="http://www.dol.gov/dol/allcfr/ESA/Title_29/Part_825/Subpart_D.htm" target="_self">answers to frequently asked questions</a> about employee rights under the FMLA. If you still have unanswered questions regarding violations of the FMLA and would like to speak to a representative, you may <rn:answer_xref contents="contact the WHD" answer_id="3979" /> for additional assistance. If you are an employer with concerns about false FMLA leave, please note that you may request that the employee provide a medical certification at your expense, or a recertification during a period of FMLA leave. You may have a healthcare provider representing you contact the employee's healthcare provider, with the employee's permission, to clarify information in the medical certification or to confirm that it was provided by the healthcare provider. The inquiry may not seek additional information regarding the employee's health condition or that of a family member. You may also wish to <rn:answer_xref contents="contact the DOL" answer_id="4065" /> with any questions about FMLA compliance, and also seek the advice of your company's legal and human resources departments.   2790 01/19/2010 Public Safety and Law Laws Jobs and Education Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=83 Complaints: Labor Unions Most problems or complaints involving <rn:answer_xref contents="labor unions" answer_id="8031" target="_self" /> should be directed to the <a href="http://www.nlrb.gov/about_us/locating_our_offices/" target="_self">nearest regional office</a> of the <rn:answer_xref contents="National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)" answer_id="4215" />. The NLRB oversees labor relations in the private sector and protects the rights of employees to form, join or assist a labor organization. The NLRB also protects the right of employees to bargain collectively or to refrain from such activities. Please note: The NLRB does not handle complaints regarding federal, state and local government unions. Other forms of employment discrimination, such as that based on race or sex, or issues regarding workplace safety, entitlement to overtime pay or family and medical leave, are also regulated by different federal and state statutes and agencies and are not handled by the NLRB. Please access the <a href="http://www.nlrb.gov/workplace_rights/i_am_new_to_this_website/can_the_NLRB_help_me/referral_guide.aspx" target="_self">NLRB Referral Guide</a> to identify which agency can best assist you with your complaint.   844 11/30/2009 http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=84 Apprenticeships <a href="http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/training/apprenticeship.htm" target="_self">Apprenticeship</a> is a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction in which workers learn skills needed to advance in their chosen field. Apprenticeship programs can be sponsored by individual employers, joint employer and labor groups, and/or employer associations. Apprenticeships are available for many occupations. Construction and manufacturing apprenticeships are the most common, but apprenticeships are available for all sorts of occupations. Possibilities range from telecommunications, environmental protection, and pastry making to healthcare, childcare, and the arts. These apprenticeships combine structured on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Current programs vary in length from one to six years. Throughout that time, apprentices work and learn as employees. When they complete a registered program, apprentices receive a nationally recognized certificate from the U.S. <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4065" contents="Department of Labor (DOL)" /> as proof of their qualifications. For more information, please visit the DOL's web page on <a href="http://www.doleta.gov/OA/" target="_self">Registered Apprenticeships</a>, which offers links to each <a href="http://www.doleta.gov/OA/sainformation.cfm" target="_self">state apprenticeship website</a>.   The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7175" contents="Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC)" /> also offers publication called <a href="http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/employ/apprentice/apprentice.htm" target="_self">Apprenticeships: Career Training, Credentials-- and a Paycheck in Your Pocket</a>. <a href="http://www.careervoyages.gov/" target="_self">CareerVoyages.gov</a> also offers a <a href="http://www.careervoyages.gov/apprenticeship-main.cfm" target="_self">registered apprenticeship web page</a>. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8022" contents="Job Corps" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7222" contents="Government Internships" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="200" contents="Student Internships" /></li> </ul>   15 12/24/2009 Jobs Education http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=85 Complaints: Pay/Wages To file a complaint about an issue related to pay/wages, contact the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3979" contents="Wage and Hour Division (WHD)" /> of the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4065" contents="U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)" /> at 1.866.487.9243 or 1.877.889.5627 (TTY). The WHD enforces issues such as the federal minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor requirements of the <a href="http://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-flsa.htm" target="_self">Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)</a>. They also enforce the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="79" contents="Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)" />. If you are represented by a <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8031" contents="labor union" />, you may wish to first contact your union representative for assistance with your complaint. For information on a number of different wage issues, you may wish to view the DOL's <a href="http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/wages/" target="_self">wages web page</a>. You may also wish to view information about the following topics: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6523" contents="Wage Garnishment" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3979" contents="Minimum Wage and Overtime" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7829" contents="Child Labor" target="_self" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8266" contents="Military Pay" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8145" contents="Job/Workplace Issues and Complaints" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1335" contents="Federal Labor Laws" /></li> </ul>   2254 01/06/2010 Consumer Issues Complaints Public Safety and Law Laws Jobs and Education Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=86 Complaints: Unsafe Workplace Workers have a right to a safe and healthful workplace. That is why the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1399" contents="United States Congress" /> passed the <a href="http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owasrch.search_form?p_doc_type=OSHACT&p_toc_level=0&p_keyvalue=" target="_self">Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970</a>, which requires employers to provide workplaces free from serious recognized hazards and to comply with occupational safety and health standards. The <a href="http://www.osha.gov/" target="_self">Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)</a> was created by Congress to help protect workers by setting and enforcing workplace safety and health standards and by providing safety and health information, training and assistance to workers and employers. If you have a complaint about workplace safety, please <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4079" contents="contact OSHA" />. For additional information, you may also wish to visit the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/workplace/" target="_self">workplace safety and health web page</a> from the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3788" contents="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" />. You may also wish to view information about the following topics: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6983" contents="Mine Safety" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7648" contents="Black Lung Disease" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7839" contents="Occupational Asthma" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8145" contents="Job/Workplace Issues and Complaints" /></li> </ul>   3565 01/19/2010 http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=88 Filing a Complaint against the Department of Labor If you would like to file a complaint about the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4065" contents="Department of Labor (DOL)" /> or one of its <a href="http://www.dol.gov/dol/organization.htm" target="_self">offices or agencies</a>, please take the following steps: <ul> <li>First, submit your complaint in writing to the office/agency where your complaint originated. If you need an address or telephone number, the <a href="http://www.dol.gov/dol/contact/contact-phonecallcenter.htm" target="_self">DOL's Nationwide Call Center</a> can provide the appropriate contact information.</li> <li>If you are still not satisfied, then submit your complaint to the appropriate DOL Field Investigation Office. Again, telephone numbers and addresses may be obtained by contacting the DOL Nationwide Call Center.</li> <li>Finally, if the matter is still unresolved to your liking, you may submit your complaint to the <a href="http://www.oig.dol.gov/" target="_self">DOL's Office of the Inspector General</a>.</li> </ul> If you believe you have been discriminated against by a program financed by the Department of Labor and you wish to file a complaint, please visit the DOL's <a href="http://www.dol.gov/oasam/programs/crc/EO.htm" target="_self">Civil Rights Center web page</a>. Finally, if you are an applicant for employment or an employee of the Department of Labor and you wish to file a complaint, please visit the DOL's section on <a href="http://www.dol.gov/oasam/programs/crc/YourRightsEEO.htm" target="_self">Your Right to Equal Employment Opportunity</a>.   0 01/11/2010 Consumer Issues Complaints Jobs and Education Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=89 Complaints: Food in Restaurants If you have a dispute regarding the food or service in a dining establishment, please view the following information in order to direct your complaint to the appropriate agency: <ul> <li>For complaints including licensing, sanitation, and food served at restaurants and at events such as community picnics, please contact your <rn:answer_xref contents="state or local health department" answer_id="7157" />. You may also contact your state health department for information about your state's sanitation guidelines.</li> <li>State departments of health and agriculture sometimes work with the <a href="http://www.usda.gov/" target="_self">United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)</a> during <rn:answer_xref contents="food recall" answer_id="7838" target="_self" /> investigations, so you may also wish to contact your <a href="http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/State_Departments_of_Public_Health/" target="_self">state department of agriculture</a> to file a complaint about unsafe food in a restaurant.</li> <li>For complaints that are not related to unhealthy conditions, such as poor service, you should complain to the restaurant manager first. If you feel that your complaint was not resolved, you may also contact the <rn:answer_xref contents="Better Business Bureau (BBB)" answer_id="4057" />.</li> <li>If you feel that you were discriminated against, please view information about <rn:answer_xref contents="filing a discrimination complaint against a public facility" answer_id="112" />.</li> </ul> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/eatingout-safely/eatingout-safely.htm" target="_self">Restaurant and Take-Out Safety</a> - Information from the <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC)" answer_id="7175" /> about dining out safely.</li> <li><a href="http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/HealthEducators/ucm082539.htm" target="_self">Safe Eats - Eating out and Bringing in</a> - A guide to safer eating out and taking out during pregnancy from the <rn:answer_xref contents="Food and Drug Administration (FDA)" answer_id="4319" />.</li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Salmonella" answer_id="8483" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="E. Coli" answer_id="7532" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Botulism" answer_id="7832" /></li> </ul>   563 01/13/2010 Consumer Issues Complaints Health and Nutrition No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=90 Complaints: False Advertising If you have a complaint regarding deceptive advertising, you should contact the company responsible first to try and resolve the problem. If you are unable to resolve the problem directly with the company, there are several local, state and federal agencies that can assist you with resolving a dispute. <ul> <li>The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4057" contents="Better Business Bureau (BBB)" /> handles disputes involving comampies marketing and advertising practices. If it does become necessary to file a complaint regarding deceptive advertising, these types of complaints are handled by the <a href="http://www.bbb.org/us/find-a-bbb/" target="_self">local BBB</a> where the company in question is located.</li> <li>You may also want to contact your <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4213" contents="state or local consumer protection office" />.</li> <li>At the federal level, you may contact the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3927" contents="Federal Trade Commission (FTC)" />. While the FTC does not intervene in individual cases, your input may help the FTC identify a pattern of law violations that could facilitate law enforcement action. You may also wish to visit the <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/business/adv.shtm" target="_self">advertising section</a> of the FTC's website.</li> </ul> Please note: The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3927" contents="Federal Trade Commission (FTC)" /> approved final revisions to the guidance it gives to advertisers on how to keep their endorsement and testimonial ads in line with the FTC Act. As of December 1, 2010, advertisements that feature a consumer and imply his or her experience with a product or service is typical when that is not the case will be required to clearly disclose the results that consumers can generally expect. For more information about the new guidance, please visit the FTC's press release regarding the <a href="http://www2.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/endortest.shtm" target="_self">final guides governing endorsements and testimonials</a>. You may also wish to view answers to <a href="http://www2.ftc.gov/multimedia/video/business/endorsement-guides.shtm" target="_self">frequently asked questions about the endorsement guides</a>.   1931 11/18/2009 Consumer Issues Scams and Fraud Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=91 Complaints: Dietary Supplements Complaints about <a href="http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm153239.htm" target="_self">dietary supplements</a> should be directed to the <rn:answer_xref contents="Food and Drug Administration (FDA)" answer_id="4319" />. These supplements are regulated by the FDA as a food product. An adverse event is any illness or injury that may be associated with a product or ingredient. To report a non-emergency adverse event, please contact the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/" target="_self">FDA district office nearest you</a>. To report an emergency that requires immediate action, such as a case of foodborne illness or a drug product that has been tampered with, call the FDA's main emergency number, staffed 24 hours a day, at 1.301.443.1240. Timely reporting allows the agency to take prompt action, so please report what happened as soon as possible. Also report the problem to the manufacturer or distributor shown on the product label and to the store where you purchased the product. The FDA offers a guide on how to tell if a product is FDA approved. Please visit the <a href="http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm047470.htm" target="_self">"Is it Really FDA Approved?" web page</a> for more information. You may also wish to view information about the following products: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Drug Labeling" answer_id="8020" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Food Labeling" answer_id="7544" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Medical Products" answer_id="7293" /></li> </ul>   9 01/04/2010 Health and Nutrition No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=92 Complaints: Drinking, Ground and/or Bottled Water Complaints about drinking or ground water should be directed to the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6016" contents="Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA)" /> Safe Drinking Water Hotline. The <a href="http://www.epa.gov/safewater/hotline/" target="_self">Safe Drinking Water Hotline</a>  provides information to the regulated community, state and local officials, and the public about EPA's drinking water regulations and other related drinking water and ground water topics. The Hotline can also provide state and local contacts. To contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline, please call toll-free 1.800.426.4791, or 1.703.412.3330 for local or international calls. You may also wish to search the hotline's <a href="http://safewater.custhelp.com/" target="_self">frequently asked questions</a>. Additional information on ground water and drinking water, such as your <a href="http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/" target="_self">local drinking water quality</a>, can be found at the EPA's <a href="http://www.epa.gov/safewater/" target="_self">ground and drinking water web page</a>. Complaints about bottled water should be directed to the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4319" contents="Food and Drug Administration (FDA)" />. For more information, please view the FDA's <a href="http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-SpecificInformation/BottledWaterCarbonatedSoftDrinks/ucm077065.htm" target="_self">Bottled Water Regulations</a>. If you would like further consumer information, visit the <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/" target="_self">Consumer Action website</a>. The Consumer Action website provides useful addresses, telephone numbers, and samples of complaint letters to help consumers with various types of complaints. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7426" contents="Water Quality" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8167" contents="Pollution: Water" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6717" contents="Prevent Infection from Contaminated Flood Waters" /></li> </ul>   427 12/23/2009 Consumer Issues Complaints Health and Nutrition No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=97 Complaints: Attorneys Private Attorneys If you believe you have a valid complaint about how your lawyer has handled your case, inform the organization that grants or withholds licenses to practice law in your state. Usually, this is the disciplinary board of the state supreme court. You can obtain its location from the local bar association, or you may visit the <a href="http://www.abanet.org/" target="_self">American Bar Association's website</a> for a <a href="http://www.abanet.org/cpr/regulation/directory.pdf" target="_self">directory of lawyer disciplinary agencies by state</a> (.PDF document). For more information, please contact your <a href="http://www.abanet.org/barserv/stlobar.html" target="_self">state or local bar association</a>. State and Federal Government Attorneys To file a complaint against a state attorney, please contact your <rn:answer_xref target="_self" contents="state attorney general's office" answer_id="7004" />. If you have a complaint against a <rn:answer_xref target="_self" contents="U.S. (federal) attorney" answer_id="6754" />, please contact the <a href="http://www.justice.gov/opr/" target="_self">Office of Professional Responsibility</a> within the <rn:answer_xref target="_self" contents="Department of Justice (DOJ)" answer_id="7913" />. Please note: To view and print .PDF documents, you must use the <a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/" target="_self">Adobe Reader software</a>, which is available for download without charge.   2958 01/13/2010 Consumer Issues Scams and Fraud Complaints Public Safety and Law Laws http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=98 Complaints: U.S. Senators A sworn complaint against a Senator must be made in writing and addressed to the Chairman of the <rn:answer_xref contents="Senate Select Committee on Ethics" answer_id="4649" />, which is the body that receives complaints and investigates <a href="http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm" target="_self">Senators</a> concerning: <ul> <li>Allegations of improper conduct which may reflect upon the Senate;</li> <li>Violations of the <a href="http://ethics.senate.gov/downloads/pdffiles/overview.pdf" target="_self">Senate Code of Official Conduct</a> (.PDF document); and</li> <li>Violations of rules and regulations of the Senate relating to the conduct of individuals in the performance of their duties as members of the Senate or as officers or employees of the Senate.</li> </ul> Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="United States Congress" answer_id="1399" /> </li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: U.S. Representatives" answer_id="99" /> </li> </ul> Please note: To view and print .PDF documents, you must use the <a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/" target="_self">Adobe Reader software</a>, which is available for download without charge.   731 12/01/2009 Consumer Issues Complaints Reference and General Government Officials http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=99 Complaints: U.S. Representatives The first step to filing a complaint against a Representative is sending the complaint to another Representative. The complaint must then be sent from this Representative to the <rn:answer_xref target="_self" contents="House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct" answer_id="2897" />. The Representative who files this complaint to the House Committee on Standards must state in writing that the complaint is being submitted for the purpose of initiating a Preliminary Inquiry. Once the House Committee has received the complaint they will initiate an inquiry into the complaint. If the complaint has already been filed with a Representative, and he or she does not accept your complaint, you need to send it to another Representative for submission. If that Representative refuses to submit the complaint, you must contact a third Representative to submit the complaint to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. You can only submit your complaint directly if the third Representative also refuses to submit your complaint. If you do so, your complaint must be made in writing and under oath to: Phone: 1.202.225.7103 Fax: 1.202.225.7392 House of Representatives House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct HT-2 The Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515 The complaint must be dated, and contain the following information in simple, concise, and direct terms: <ul> <li>Name and legal address of the party filing the complaint;</li> <li>Name and position or title of the respondent (House member against whom the complaint is being filed);</li> <li>Nature of the alleged violation of the <a href="http://ethics.house.gov/Pubs/Default.aspx?Section=8" target="_self">Code of Official Conduct</a> or the law, rule or regulation; and</li> <li>Facts alleged to give rise to the violation.</li> </ul> Documents in your possession that relate to the allegations may be submitted with the complaint. You must also: <ul> <li>Include legible copies of the Representatives' refusal letters to transmit the complaint to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct with your complaint.</li> <li>Clearly state the Representatives' refusal to transmit the complaint, and include the Representatives' acknowledgement that such refusal may cause the Committee to consider initiating a Preliminary Inquiry.</li> <li>Include a legible copy of the exact complaint submitted to, and considered by, each Representative. These must be attached to each Representative's refusal letter.</li> <li>Finally, the complaint must be accompanied by a certification that you have provided an exact copy of the complaint and all attachments to the respondent.</li> </ul> Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref target="_self" contents="United States Congress" answer_id="1399" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref target="_self" contents="File a Complaint against a U.S. Senator" answer_id="98" /></li> </ul>   507 01/08/2010 Consumer Issues Complaints Reference and General Government Officials http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=102 Bad/Reckless Driving Involving Government Vehicles You should contact an agency's Fleet Management Center to file a report concerning a federal government vehicle.You may obtain contact information by contacting the specific <a href="http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/" target="_self">federal department or agency</a>. If you are not sure to which federal agency the vehicle was issued, you may <a href="http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=dca4c2336535836591d55651873ca0c3&rgn=div8&view=text&node=41:3.1.1.2.10.2.77.13&idno=41" target="_self">look up the agency license plate code</a> or contact the <a href="http://www.gsa.gov/vehiclepolicy/" target="_self">Federal Vehicle Policy Division</a> of the <rn:answer_xref contents="General Services Administration (GSA)" answer_id="8071" /> at: General Services Administration Federal Vehicle Policy Division 1800 F Street NW Room 1221 Washington, D.C. 20405-0002 If you were involved in an accident with a government vehicle, you should contact the <a href="http://www.gsa.gov/accident/" target="_self">GSA Fleet Accident Management Center</a> for assistance. You may call them to report vehicle damage at 1.866.400.0411 between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT. For support after hours, call Wright Express at 1.866.939.4472. <a href="http://www.gsa.gov/PF_roadassistance/" target="_self">Roadside assistance</a> may also be available. As with most infractions, you should contact the local authorities (police) where the incident took place. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="GSA Fleet Management Centers" answer_id="5442" /></li> </ul>   403 01/12/2010 Agencies Public Safety and Law Public Safety http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=103 Complaints: Doctors If you have a complaint about your doctor's quality of care, fees, or any other aspect of his or her service, you may direct this to your <rn:answer_xref contents="state medical board" answer_id="4216" />. Your state medical board is the state agency that licenses medical doctors, investigates complaints and disciplines practitioners who violate the law. You may also wish to view information about <rn:answer_xref contents="Medicare and Medicaid" answer_id="1366" />, including how to file a complaint about Medicare/Medicaid providers. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Pharmacists" answer_id="108" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Dentists" answer_id="104" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Hospitals" answer_id="105" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Choosing a Doctor or Dentist" answer_id="7733" /></li> </ul>   1902 01/07/2010 Consumer Issues Complaints Health and Nutrition No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=104 Complaints: Dentists If you have a complaint about a dentist, you should first discuss any concerns you have with that particular dentist's office. Many times this will help resolve the matter. If the matter is still not resolved, contact your <a href="http://www.ada.org/ada/organizations/searchcons1.asp" target="_self">state dental association</a>. You can also contact your <a href="http://www.ada.org/ada/organizations/local.asp" target="_self">local dental society</a>. Many local dental societies have established a dispute resolution system called <a href="http://www.ada.org/prof/prac/tools/peer_review.asp" target="_self">peer review</a> to help resolve the occasional disagreement about dental treatment. Peer review provides an impartial and easily accessible means for resolving misunderstandings regarding the appropriateness or quality of care and, in certain instances, about the fees charged for dental treatment. You may also wish to view information about <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1366" contents="Medicare and Medicaid" />, including how to file a complaint about Medicare/Medicaid providers. General information about <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8034" contents="dental health" /> is also available.   101 Consumer Issues Complaints Health and Nutrition No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=105 Complaints: Hospitals If you have a concern, problem or complaint related to any aspect of hospital care, you should first speak with the doctor, nurse or hospital staff member. If you have billing-related questions, you should work with the hospital's billing office and your insurer to resolve any questions/problems. If the problem cannot be resolved by hospital staff, you should contact your <rn:answer_xref contents="state health department" answer_id="7157" /> for assistance. This agency can advise you regarding complaints, problems, or questions best handled by another agency. You may also direct your complaint to the <rn:answer_xref contents="Joint Commission" answer_id="2760" /> as well as your <rn:answer_xref contents="state medical board" answer_id="4216" />. The Joint Commission inspects and sets standards for healthcare facilities in the United States. You may also wish to view information about <rn:answer_xref contents="Medicare and Medicaid" answer_id="1366" />, including how to file a complaint about Medicare/Medicaid providers. You may also wish to view information about the following topics: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Hospital Quality of Care" answer_id="6022" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Nursing Homes" answer_id="107" target="_self" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Doctors" answer_id="103" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Pharmacists" answer_id="108" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Dentists" answer_id="104" /></li> </ul>   2386 12/23/2009 Consumer Issues Complaints Health and Nutrition No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=107 Complaints: Nursing Homes Questions or concerns about nursing homes and their residents can be directed to a state or local long-term care ombudsman. Long-term care ombudsmen are advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities and similar adult care facilities. They work to resolve problems of individual residents and to bring about changes at the local, state and national levels to improve care. To contact a state or local long-term care ombudsman, contact the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4056" contents="Administration on Aging (AOA) Eldercare Locator" /> and ask for the local Ombudsman Program or Area Agency on Aging nearest the nursing home or facility where the resident lives. You may also wish to view information about <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7824" contents="elder abuse" />. Finally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1366" contents="Medicare" /> website can help you <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6033" contents="compare nursing homes in your area" />. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7771" contents="Long-Term Care (LTC)" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7281" contents="Medicare - Paying for Long-term Care" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8187" contents="State Units on Aging (SUAs)" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6616" contents="USA.gov for Seniors" /></li> </ul>   1711 01/11/2010 Consumer Issues Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=108 Complaints: Pharmacists Most complaints about pharmacists fall into these categories, competency matters of all kinds, impairment or chemical abuse and prescription dispensing errors. If you have questions or concerns about pharmacies and pharmacists, you may wish to take one or more of the following steps: <ul> <li>Talk with the pharmacist about your concerns, for in most cases she/he will want to know that you are dissatisfied with the type of service received.</li> <li>Talk with the pharmacy manager about your situation, for they, too, want satisfied patients who will recommend their services.</li> <li>If you are unable to receive satisfaction from the above efforts or if you feel it is inappropriate to take steps one and/or two above, contact the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4217" contents="state pharmacy board" /> in the state where the pharmacist practices to discuss your concerns.</li> </ul> You may also wish to view information about <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1366" contents="Medicare and Medicaid" />, including how to file a complaint about Medicare/Medicaid providers.   51 11/20/2009 Health and Nutrition No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=111 Complaints: Discrimination in a State or Local Government Institution Complaints about discrimination in an institutional setting, such as a hospital, jail or nursing home, should be addressed to your <rn:answer_xref contents="state attorney general" answer_id="7004" /> and the <rn:answer_xref contents="Special Litigation Section" answer_id="2849" /> of the <rn:answer_xref contents="Department of Justice (DOJ)" answer_id="7913" />. Please note: The Special Litigation Section can only investigate institutions run by, or on behalf of, state and local governments. This means that the Section cannot investigate federal institutions or institutions that are strictly private facilities (such as private nursing homes). You may wish to view information about where to direct the following complaints about federal and private facilities: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Filing a Complaint against a Federal Correctional Facility" answer_id="8401" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Nursing Homes" answer_id="107" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Hospitals" answer_id="105" /></li> </ul> You may also wish to view additional information about <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/split/complaints.php#Institution" target="_self">complaints about institutions</a> from the Special Litigation Section, or view answers to <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/split/faq.php" target="_self">frequently asked questions</a>. Finally, as with any potential legal dispute, it may be advisable to contact a <rn:answer_xref contents="licensed attorney" answer_id="5864" />.   174 01/11/2010 Consumer Issues Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=112 Complaints: Discrimination in a Public Facility <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/split/42usc2000b.php" target="_self">Title III of the Civil Rights Act of 1964</a> prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation, such as hotels, restaurants and certain places of entertainment. If you feel you or another person have been discriminated against by an entity covered by Title III, please contact your <rn:answer_xref contents="State Attorney General" answer_id="7004" />. Furthermore, as with any kind of potential legal dispute, it may be in your best interest to consult with a <rn:answer_xref contents="licensed attorney" answer_id="5864" />. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Disability Discrimination" answer_id="75" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Discrimination and/or Harassment" answer_id="78" /></li> </ul>   400 http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=114 Complaints: USCIS or USCIS Employees Complaints against the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1367" contents="U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)" /> or one of its employees are handled by the <a href="http://www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman" target="_self">Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman</a> in the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6362" contents="United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS)" />. To file a complaint, you should first attempt to resolve your concern through other USCIS resources, including a call to the USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1.800.375.5283 (TTY: 1.800.767.1833). A representative can guide you through the necessary steps for filing your complaint. Complaints may be filed in writing using <a href="http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/cisomb_dhsform7001.pdf" target="_self">Form DHS-7001 - Case Problem Submission Worksheet</a> (.PDF document), which is available from the DHS website. When submitting your complaint, it is important that you give as much detail as possible. Be sure to provide the time, date and location of the event and identify any witnesses to the event. If you do not know the names of the officials you are reporting, describe their physical characteristics (height, weight, hair color) and clothing they were wearing (uniform color or insignia, for example). Also provide information on how you wish to be contacted for further details, if necessary. <a href="http://www.dhs.gov/ximgtn/programs/editorial_0497.shtm" target="_self">Additional information</a> is available from the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman directly. If you feel the service you received from a <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices" target="_self">USCIS Field Office</a> did not meet your expectations, comments should be submitted in writing directly to that office. Consumer information on a wide variety of subjects may be found on the <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/" target="_self">Consumer Action website</a>, which provides useful addresses, telephone numbers, and a <a href="http://consumeraction.gov/caw_problems_sample_complaint.shtml" target="_self">sample letter</a> to help consumers with various types of complaints. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6082" contents="Complaints: CBP or CBP Employees" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="5796" contents="Complaints: United States Embassy or Consulate" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6531" contents="Consumer Action Handbook (CAH)" /></li> </ul> Please note: To view and print .PDF documents, you must use the <a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/" target="_self">Adobe Reader software</a>, which is available for download without charge.   7902 11/20/2009 International Immigration and Naturalization http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=115 Immigration: Suspected Undocumented Immigrant The United States <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7957" contents="Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)" />, part of the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6362" contents="United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS)" />, oversees investigations of suspected undocumented immigrants. Undocumented immigrants or suspicious activity may be reported to ICE by calling 1.866.DHS.2ICE (1.866.347.2423). When abroad, reports should be filed with the nearest <rn:answer_xref answer_id="5686" contents="United States Embassy or Consulate" />. Please note: A person who files a report is not required to give his or her name or other personal information. Additionally, any person who files a report will not be contacted after the initial report is filed, nor kept informed of any actions by authorities. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="8103" contents="Immigration: Deportation" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6038" contents="Immigration: Laws" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7968" contents="Immigration: Suspected Marriage Fraud" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7952" contents="DOJ: Immigration Courts" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7947" contents="ICE: Immigration Detention Facilities" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6619" contents="ICE: Office of Detention and Removal (DRO)" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="1367" contents="U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="8067" contents="Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)" /></li> </ul>   28829 Public Safety and Law Laws NPIC Only Information No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=118 Housing Discrimination The <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/housing/housing_coverage.php" target="_self">Fair Housing Act</a> prohibits direct providers of housing from engaging in discrimination. Housing discrimination can be based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status or disability. Housing discrimination refers not only to actions by landlords and real estate companies, but also to actions by municipalities, banks, insurance companies and other entities when discriminatory practices make housing unavailable to certain people. The Fair Housing Act created a method for individuals to file a complaint with the <rn:answer_xref contents="Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)" answer_id="2899" /> if they believe that they are victims of housing discrimination. The Act also authorizes the <rn:answer_xref contents="U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)" answer_id="7913" /> to bring a lawsuit if it believes that a person, entity or group is engaged in unlawful conduct or that a denial of rights granted to a group of people under the Act raises an issue of public importance. If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you may wish to file a complaint with HUD. Their <a href="http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/" target="_self">Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO)</a> administers and enforces federal laws and establishes policies to ensure all Americans have equal access to the housing of their choice. Information on filing a <a href="http://www.hud.gov/complaints/housediscrim.cfm" target="_self">HUD housing discrimination complaint</a> is available, or you may call 1.800.669.9777. When there is reason to believe that a person or entity has engaged in a <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/housing/housing_pattern.php" target="_self">"pattern or practice"</a> of discrimination, the DOJ can investigate and bring a lawsuit. The DOJ's <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/housing/hcehome.php" target="_self">Housing and Civil Enforcement Section</a> is responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act; the <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/housing/housing_ecoa.php" target="_self">Equal Credit Opportunity Act</a>, which prohibits discrimination in lending; <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/housing/housing_title2.php" target="_self">Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964</a>, which prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation, such as hotels; the <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/housing/rluipaexplain.php" target="_self">Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act</a>, which prohibits land use regulations that impose substantial burdens on religious exercise; and the <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/housing/housing_scraexplain.php" target="_self">Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act</a>, which provides civil protections in areas such as housing for military personnel while they are on active duty. For more information from the DOJ, please view their <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/housing/fairhousing/faq.htm" target="_self">fair housing frequently asked questions</a>. You may also wish to contact their <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/housing/fairhousing/tipline.htm" target="_self">Housing Discrimination Tip Line</a> at 1.800.896.7743. Finally, as with any potential legal dispute, it may be advisable to consult with a <rn:answer_xref contents="licensed attorney" answer_id="5864" />. Please note: You must file a complaint with HUD within one year of the incident you believe to be housing discrimination. If you choose to file your own lawsuit in federal or state court, you must do so within two years of the incident. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Public Housing" answer_id="1357" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="HIV/AIDS Housing" answer_id="7837" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Housing Assistance for the Disabled" answer_id="196" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Multifamily Housing" answer_id="3291" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints against Landlords in Federal Housing" answer_id="121" /></li> </ul>   5447 11/29/2009 Family, Home and Community Housing http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=121 Complaints: Landlords in Federal Housing The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="2899" contents="Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)" /> can assist tenants in filing a complaint regarding a landlord who collects federal housing subsidies and fails to provide safe and clean units by calling their <a href="http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/mfh/hc/complaint.cfm" target="_self">Multifamily Housing Complaint Line</a> at 1.800.MULTI.70 (1.800.685.8470). TTY users should call 1.800.432.2209. This hotline offers suggestions for reporting and resolving the problem, provides information about tenants' rights, and, if necessary, refers consumers to the appropriate state or federal agencies for more assistance with their housing complaints. Hours of operation for the hotline are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time. The Multifamily Housing Complaint Line is a service provided by HUD's <a href="http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/mfh/hc/mfhc.cfm" target="_self">Multifamily Housing Clearinghouse (MFHC)</a> that enables residents to report complaints with a property's management concerning matters such as poor maintenance, dangers to health and safety, mismanagement, and fraud. You may wish to view more information on HUD's <a href="http://www.hud.gov/complaints/badlandlord.cfm" target="_self">Bad Landlords in Federal Housing Complaints web page</a>. You may also wish to view information on <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7879" contents="handling disputes with private landlords" />. Finally, if you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you may wish to file a <rn:answer_xref answer_id="118" contents="housing discrimination" /> complaint with HUD.   4797 01/26/2010 Consumer Issues Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=123 Complaints: Insurance Companies When you have a dispute with your insurance company, you should first try to resolve the dispute with the company directly. Insurance companies are regulated at the state level. If you are unable to resolve the dispute with the company, contact your <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4219" contents="State Insurance Regulator" /> to file your complaint.  In addition, if you have already filed a complaint with your state and feel you need further assistance, you may wish to consult with a <rn:answer_xref answer_id="5864" contents="licensed attorney" /> who specializes in insurance disputes for more assistance with this matter. Finally, you may wish to visit the <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/" target="_self">Consumer Action website</a>. The Consumer Action website provides useful addresses, telephone numbers, and samples of complaint letters to help consumers with various types of complaints. You may also wish to view information about <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1366" contents="Medicare and Medicaid" />, including how to file a complaint. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6853" contents="Insurance" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4219" contents="Insurance Regulations" /></li> </ul>   689 01/04/2010 Scams and Fraud Health and Nutrition No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=130 Complaints: Investment Issues To access information about complaints concerning an investment issue, such as problems with a mutual fund, stockbroker or financial advisor, please visit the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) <a href="http://www.sec.gov/complaint.shtml" target="_self">Center for Complaints and Enforcement Tips web page</a>. You can also call the <rn:answer_xref contents="SEC's consumer information and complaints line" answer_id="5873" />. Although you are not required to provide any identifying information, the SEC would prefer your complaint to include: <ul> <li>Your name, mail and e-mail addresses, and telephone number.</li> <li>The name, mail and e-mail addresses, telephone number, and website address of any individual or company you mention in the complaint.</li> <li>Specific details of how, why and when you were defrauded or encountered problems with your investments or your broker or advisor.</li> </ul> You may also wish to view a list of <a href="http://www.sec.gov/divisions/enforce/claims.htm" target="_self">investors claims funds</a> to find out if a class action lawsuit has been filed against a particular company. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Financial Institutions" answer_id="47" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Discrimination in Lending Transactions" answer_id="74" /></li> </ul>   139 12/30/2009 Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Money Consumer Issues Complaints Scams and Fraud http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=148 Complaints: The United States Postal Service (USPS) The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4170" contents="United States Postal Service (USPS)" /> is currently using a method of capturing customer complaints and eliminating the complaint card used at Post Office facilities. This new program permits you to submit complaints in one of three ways: <ol> <li>File a complaint online by visiting the <a href="http://hdusps.esecurecare.net/cgi-bin/hdusps.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php" target="_self">Contact Us > e-mail Us</a> link on their website. (Please select the Topic, Sub-Topic and Comment Type that most closely relates to the complaint you have. This will allow them to route your issue to the appropriate department or group.)</li> <li>Call 1.800.ASK.USPS (1.800.275.8777).</li> <li>Speak to the <a href="http://www.usps.com/postmasterfinder/" target="_self">Station Manager (Postmaster)</a> at a local Post Office.</li> </ol> For more information about postal complaints, you may also view information about the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4164" contents="Postal Inspection Office" /> or visit the <a href="http://www.uspsoig.gov/" target="_self">USPS Inspector General's Office</a> web page.   8467 01/13/2010 Complaints Reference and General Government Postal Service http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=149 Reporting Mail Fraud <a href="https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/" target="_self">United States Postal Inspectors</a> investigate any crime in which the U.S. Mail is used to further a scheme; whether it originated in the mail, by telephone, or on the Internet. The use of the U.S. Mail is what makes it mail fraud. Some <rn:answer_xref contents="sweepstakes" answer_id="7777" /> can also be mail fraud. Postal Inspectors base investigations of mail fraud on the number, pattern, and substance of complaints received from the public. If evidence of a postal violation exists, Postal Inspectors may seek prosecutive or administrative action against the violator. Information is also shared with other agencies when there is a possible violation within their jurisdiction. Please note that if money is lost through a fraudulent scheme conducted through the mail, Inspectors lack the authority to ensure you receive a refund. You can contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in three ways: <ul> <li>Mail correspondence to this address: Criminal Investigations Service Center Attention: Mail Fraud 222 South Riverside Plaza, Ste. 1250 Chicago, IL 60606-6100</li> <li>Call your nearest <a href="http://www.usps.com/ncsc/locators/find-is.html" target="_self">Postal Inspection Service office</a>. You may also locate the nearest office by callling the toll-free number at 1.877.876.2455 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in all time zones.</li> <li>Submit a <a href="https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/MailFraudComplaint.aspx" target="_self">Mail Fraud Complaint Form</a> online if you have a complaint involving fraud and the U.S. Mail. All information you submit will be transmitted over a secure server. Read their <a href="https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/other/privacy.aspx" target="_self">Privacy Policy</a> for more information.</li> </ul> You may also wish to view <a href="http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub300a.pdf" target="_self">Preventing Mail Fraud</a> (.PDF document), a publication from the <rn:answer_xref contents="United States Postal Service (USPS)" answer_id="4170" />. Information about the following topics is also available: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Report Mail Theft, Tampering or the Destruction of Mail or Mailboxes" answer_id="150" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Filing a Complaint against the United States Postal Service (USPS)" answer_id="148" /></li> </ul> Please note: To view and print .PDF documents, you must use the <a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/" target="_self">Adobe Reader software</a>, which is available for download without charge.   5355 01/06/2010 Consumer Issues General Information Complaints Public Safety and Law Laws Reference and General Government Postal Service http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=150 Report Mail Theft, Tampering or the Destruction of Mail or Mailboxes Immediately report mail theft, tampering or destruction of mail or mailboxes to your <rn:answer_xref contents="postmaster" answer_id="1476" />. You will be asked to complete a Postal form so that information is provided about the occurrence. The forms help the Postal Inspection Service determine whether your problem is isolated, or one frequently experienced in your neighborhood. If you feel you have been victimized by mail theft or tampering, contact the <rn:answer_xref contents="United States Postal Service (USPS)" answer_id="4170" /> or speak to a representative at the <rn:answer_xref contents="U.S. Postal Inspection Service" answer_id="4164" />. You may also wish to view information about <rn:answer_xref contents="reporting mail fraud" answer_id="149" /> and <rn:answer_xref contents="identity theft" answer_id="6489" />.   2799 01/07/2010 Consumer Issues Complaints Scams and Fraud Reference and General Government Postal Service http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=152 Social Security Administration - Filing a Complaint When filing a complaint with the <rn:answer_xref contents="Social Security Administration (SSA)" answer_id="4154" />, it is very important that you direct your complaint through the appropriate channels. <ul> <li>First, file your complaint in writing with the originating <a href="http://www.ssa.gov/locator/" target="_self">SSA office</a>.</li> <li>If the problem remains unresolved, you may file your complaint, in writing, through the appropriate <a href="http://www.ssa.gov/regions/" target="_self">Regional SSA Office.</a></li> <li>If your problem cannot be resolved through the regional office, contact the <a href="http://www.ssa.gov/oig/" target="_self">SSA Inspector General</a>.</li> </ul>   3783 11/18/2009 Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid Social Security http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=153 Complaints: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) The <rn:answer_xref target="_self" answer_id="3804" contents="Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)" /> is an <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7773" contents="Internal Revenue Service (IRS)" /> program that provides an independent system to ensure that tax problems, which have not been resolved through normal channels, are promptly and fairly handled. Each state and campus has at least one local Taxpayer Advocate, who is independent of the local IRS office and reports directly to the National Taxpayer Advocate. The goals of the TAS are to protect individual and business <a href="http://www.irs.gov/advocate/article/0,,id=98206,00.html" target="_self">taxpayer rights</a> and to reduce taxpayer burden. The <a href="http://www.irs.gov/advocate/" target="_self">TAS web page</a> provides information on how you can file a complaint about an IRS employee, procedure, or determination. Taxpayers who need assistance may contact the TAS by: <ul> <li>Calling the TAS toll-free case intake line at 1.877.777.4778 or TTY/TTD: 1.800.829.4059;</li> <li>Calling or writing their local taxpayer advocate, whose address and phone number are listed in the government listings in their local telephone directory, and by state on the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/advocate/content/0,,id=150972,00.html" target="_self">Contact Your Local Taxpayer Advocate</a> web page;</li> <li>Filing <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f911.pdf" target="_self">Form 911, Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order</a> (.PDF document), with the TAS; or</li> <li>Asking an IRS employee to complete Form 911 on their behalf.</li> </ul> You may also wish to view information on <rn:answer_xref answer_id="155" contents="reporting fraud, waste or abuse within the IRS" />, or information on <a href="http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/agents/article/0,,id=176299,00.html" target="_self">filing a complaint against a tax professional</a>. Additional Information: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/content/0,,id=98196,00.html" target="_self">Appealing an IRS decision</a></li> </ul> Please note: To view and print .PDF documents, you must use the <a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/" target="_self">Adobe Reader software</a>, which is available for download without charge.   204 Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Taxes http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=155 Reporting Fraud, Waste or Abuse within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) The <a href="http://www.ustreas.gov/tigta/" target="_self">Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)</a> was established under the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/" target="_self">Internal Revenue Service (IRS)</a> Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 to provide independent oversight of IRS activities. The TIGTA promotes the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of the internal revenue laws. The TIGTA office is committed to the prevention and detection of fraud, waste, and abuse within the IRS and related entities. If you are aware of fraud, waste, mismanagement, and abuse in the IRS programs and operations, you may report it to the TIGTA's Hotline at 1.800.366.4484. In addition, you may also submit your complaints by <a href="http://www.treas.gov/tigta/contact_report.shtml" target="_self">mail, e-mail, fax, or an online form</a>.   264 12/28/2009 http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=156 Complaints: Trucking Companies Safety Complaints If you have a complaint about safety violations being made by trucking companies or drivers, such as: <ul> <li>Hours of Service Complaints - Drivers allege that they are being asked or forced to drive more hours than permitted by the regulation. Some drivers state that they record false entries in their logbooks to hide excessive driving.</li> <li>Unqualified Driver/Drugs and Alcohol - A person alleges that the drivers who are being used by Motor Carriers are not physically qualified, medically examined and certified, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.</li> <li>Unsafe Equipment - A person alleges that a Motor Carrier's vehicles are in poor condition.</li> <li>Lumping - A driver states that he/she was required to pay people to unload the cargo from his/her truck.</li> <li>Motorists' Complaints - A person who has witnessed unsafe driving of a commercial truck or bus reports the incident.</li> </ul> You may call the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7916" contents="Department of Transportation (DOT)" /> Safety Violation Hotline at 1.888.DOT.SAFT (1.888.368.7238) to report these complaints. The Hotline is run by the <a href="http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/" target="_self">Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)</a>, an agency of the DOT. FMCSA reviews complaints and takes enforcement action if necessary. You may also file a complaint electronically using the <a href="http://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov/" target="_self">Safety Violation Complaint Form</a>. Employee Rights Truckers' rights are protected under the Surface Transportation Act of 1982. This act gives the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4518" contents="Secretary of Labor" /> the authority to investigate complaints registered by truckers, mechanics, freight handlers, and others involved in interstate trucking. If you want to register a complaint, contact the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4079" contents="Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)" />. You may also <a href="http://www.osha.gov/pls/osha7/eComplaintForm.html" target="_self">file a complaint online</a>. For further information, please contact the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4065" contents="Department of Labor (DOL)" />. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7129" contents="Protect Yourself From Moving Fraud" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="70" contents="Complaints: Companies" /></li> </ul>   75 11/20/2009 Consumer Issues Complaints Jobs and Education Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=157 Complaints: Railroad-Related Issues If you have a complaint about a railway issue such as high rates, poor service or safety hazards, contact your <rn:answer_xref contents="State Utility Commission" answer_id="4214" />. These commissions regulate the rates and services of all utilities, including public transportation. The <a href="http://stb.dot.gov/" target="_self">Surface Transportation Board (STB)</a> has a <a href="http://stb.dot.gov/stb/rail/consumer_asst.html" target="_self">Rail Customer and Public Assistance Program</a>, which is operated through the STB Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs and Compliance (OPAGAC). This office takes complaints about railroad-related issues such as blocked crossings, abandonment, idling engines/parked trains, service problems, etc. Anyone with a rail service related concern may contact the OPAGAC by filling out the <a href="http://www.stb.dot.gov/RailCustomerPublicAssistance.nsf/Request?OpenForm" target="_self">Rail Consumer Assistance form</a> with a complete description of their complaint. The OPAGAC may also be reached by e-mail at <a href="mailto:rcpa@stb.dot.gov" target="_self">rcpa@stb.dot.gov</a>, or by using the following contact information: Phone: 1.866.254.1792 Fax: 1.202.245.0461 Surface Transportation Board Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs and Compliance 395 E Street Washington, D.C. 20423 All inquiries received by the OPAGAC  through the Rail Customer and Public Assistance Program are handled directly with the involved railroad, usually within four hours of receipt. Please note: The OPAGAC  handles informal issues between freight railroads and shippers. OPAGAC does not regulate matters concerning commuter or tourist railroads.   20 12/23/2009 Consumer Issues Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=158 Complaints: Air Travel Issues Complaints pertaining to airline services should first be directed to airline officials. Airline service issues include, but are not necessarily limited to, lost luggage, carry-on baggage, ticketing problems, child safety seats, and on-time performance. If the airline fails to satisfy the complaint, the next step is to register a complaint with the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3519" contents="Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)" /> or other applicable agency. Complaints registered with the FAA are included in the agency's consumer reporting system, which serves as the basis for further investigations. The nature of the complaint determines with which agency it should be registered: <ul> <li>Complaints about airline safety issues should be referred to the <a href="http://www.faa.gov/passengers/travel_problems/consumer_hotline/" target="_self">FAA Consumer Hotline</a> at 1.866.TELL.FAA (1.866.835.5322), 24 hours a day, or by mail to: <blockquote>Federal Aviation Administration Consumer Hotline, AOA-20 800 Independence Ave. SW Washington, D.C. 20591</blockquote> </li> <li>Complaints about aviation security issues should be referred to the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4062" contents="Transportation Security Administration (TSA)" /> through its <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/editorial_1029.shtm" target="_self">Contact Center</a> at 1.866.289.9673.</li> <li>Complaints about airline service other than safety or security issues may be registered with the <a href="http://airconsumer.dot.gov/" target="_self">Aviation Consumer Protection Division (ACPD)</a> of the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7916" contents="United States Department of Transportation (DOT)" />. The ACPD may be reached 24 hours a day at 1.202.366.2220 (TTY: 1.202.366.0511), and they usually return calls Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET. In addition, the ACPD also operates a toll-free hotline to assist travelers with disabilities at 1.800.778.4838 (TTY: 1.800.455.9880). Complaints may also be registered <a href="http://airconsumer.dot.gov/escomplaint/es.cfm" target="_self">online</a> or sent by mail to: <blockquote>Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division, C-75 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE Washington, D.C. 20590</blockquote> The ACPD also provides consumer advice concerning <a href="http://airconsumer.dot.gov/cessations.htm" target="_self">airlines that have stopped operating</a>, as well as information on <a href="http://airconsumer.dot.gov/rules/" target="_self">rules and industry guidance</a> on a number of issues.</li> <li>Complaints related to accessibility problems due to a disability, or alleged discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion or ancestry, should be filed with the agency best suited to handle them. The ACPD provides <a href="http://airconsumer.dot.gov/discrimcomplaintscontacts.htm" target="_self">guidance and contact information</a> for this purpose.</li> </ul> Passengers on flights to or from <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6610" contents="Canada" /> have certain rights under the Canadian <a href="http://www.tc.gc.ca/flightrights/" target="_self">Passenger Bill of Rights</a>. The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8131" contents="European Union (EU)" /> has also passed legislation on <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/transport/passengers/air/air_en.htm" target="_self">passenger rights</a>. Consumer information on a wide variety of subjects may be found in the <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/" target="_self">Consumer Action website</a>, which provides useful addresses, telephone numbers, and a <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/caw_problems_sample_complaint.shtml" target="_self">sample letter</a> to help consumers with various types of complaints. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.faa.gov/passengers/" target="_self">FAA: Topics for Travelers</a></li> <li><a href="http://airconsumer.dot.gov/reports/" target="_self">ACPD: Air Travel Consumer Reports</a></li> <li><a href="http://airconsumer.dot.gov/customerservice.htm" target="_self">ACPD: Airline Customer Service Plans</a></li> <li><a href="http://airconsumer.dot.gov/publications/delays.htm" target="_self">ACPD: Coping With Flight Delays</a></li> <li><a href="http://airconsumer.dot.gov/pubs.htm" target="_self">ACPD: Travel Tips and Publications</a></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="160" contents="Complaints: Cruise Line Cancellation Issues" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="161" contents="Complaints: Cruise Line Terminal Security" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="162" contents="Complaints: Cruise Ship Safety" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="165" contents="Complaints: Hotels and Motels" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="166" contents="Complaints: Travel Agencies or Agents" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6531" contents="Consumer Action Handbook (CAH)" /></li> </ul>   2641 01/15/2010 Travel and Recreation Travel http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=159 Aviation: Airport Security Air travel is one of the most essential forms of transportation in the world today. Over 600 million people and their bags are carried by this method every year. The <rn:answer_xref contents="Transportation Security Administration (TSA)" answer_id="4062" /> is the agency charged with ensuring the safety and security of passengers traveling by air in the United States. TSA agents screen every <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/screening/security_checkpoints.shtm" target="_self">passenger</a> and <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/screening/checked_baggage.shtm" target="_self">bag</a> carried by commercial aircraft in the U.S., including international travelers arriving in the country prior to meeting a connecting flight. They operate over 700 airport security checkpoints and nearly 7,000 baggage screening areas each day as a part of this effort, and along with continuously improved screening techniques, <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/" target="_self">use the latest technology</a> and other <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/approach/layered_strategy.shtm" target="_self">layers of security</a> to better meet their goals. The law mandates that the TSA screen air travelers and ensure certain items and people do not board commercial aircraft. Their security officers and inspectors professionally screen over 2 million passengers per day. The agency participates directly in the Technology Research Lab of the <rn:answer_xref contents="United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS)" answer_id="6362" />, developing and using technology to push the bounds of science and remain at the forefront of screening capability. The TSA issued <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/dec25_guidance.shtm" target="_self">guidance for passengers on heightened security measures in place after December 25, 2009</a>. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.tsa.gov/blog/" target="_self">Evolution of Security Blog</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/" target="_self">Secure Flight Program</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/acceptable_documents.shtm" target="_self">Preferred Forms of Identification at Checkpoints</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/waittime.shtm" target="_self">Passenger Security Screening Wait Times</a></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Aviation: Flight Lessons for Foreign Nationals" answer_id="8078" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Aviation: Status of Flights" answer_id="6664" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Aviation: Flight Attendants and Airline Safety" answer_id="7223" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Aviation Security: Civil Aviation Alerts" answer_id="7506" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Aviation Security: Passenger Security Screening" answer_id="7854" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Aviation Security: Permitted and Prohibited Items" answer_id="7517" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Aviation Security: Careers" answer_id="6542" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Air Travel Issues" answer_id="158" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Travel Screening and Watch List Issues" answer_id="7836" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="TSA: Checkpoint Evolution" answer_id="8090" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="TSA: Secure Flight Program" answer_id="8543" /></li> </ul>   47 12/29/2009 Public Safety and Law Public Safety Travel and Recreation Travel http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=160 Complaints: Cruise Line Cancellation Issues The <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)" answer_id="3391" /> offers assistance with resolving problems with carriers, cruise operators, and other industry entities. The FMC cannot order a cruise line to reimburse passengers for cruise cancellations or pay claims for injuries or fatal accidents. However, FMC staff will try to assist individual consumers who have a <a href="http://www.fmc.gov/bureaus/secretary/DisputesinvolvingaCruiseLine.asp" target="_self">dispute involving a cruise line operator</a>. Answers to <a href="http://www.fmc.gov/home/faq/index.asp?F_CATEGORY_ID=16" target="_self">frequently asked questions about the FMC's Passenger Vessel Operator (PVO) Program</a> are available. Complaints should be filed with the FMC by e-mail at <a href="mailto:complaints@fmc.gov" target="_self">complaints@fmc.gov</a>. Consumer information on a wide variety of subjects may be found in the <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/" target="_self">Consumer Action website</a>, which provides useful addresses, telephone numbers, and a <a href="http://consumeraction.gov/caw_problems_sample_complaint.shtml" target="_self">sample letter</a> to help consumers with various types of complaints. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="158" contents="Complaints: Air Travel Issues" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="161" contents="Complaints: Cruise Line Terminal Security" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="162" contents="Complaints: Cruise Ship Safety" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="165" contents="Complaints: Hotels and Motels" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="166" contents="Complaints: Travel Agencies or Agents" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="163" contents="Cruise Lines: Reporting Unsanitary Conditions" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="164" contents="Cruise Lines: Reporting Illegal Dumping" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6531" contents="Consumer Action Handbook (CAH)" /></li> </ul>   7 11/18/2009 Consumer Issues Complaints Travel and Recreation Travel http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=161 Complaints: Cruise Line Terminal Security In accordance with federal regulations, terminal operators and cruise lines share the primary responsibility for shoreside and shipboard security of passengers. The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8094" contents="United States Coast Guard (USCG)" /> examines all security plans and can require improvements in their security measures. Passengers embarking on international voyages may expect to have their baggage searched or passed through screening devices before boarding. The terminal operator and cruise line have strict procedures for passenger identification and visitor control. Passengers who wish to have friends visit the ship prior to sailing should check with the cruise line well in advance. All of these security measures are designed to prevent the introduction of unauthorized weapons and people on the cruise ship. Complaints about security procedures in a cruise terminal or reports of poor security should be directed to a USCG Marine Safety Office (MSO). A referral to the appropriate MSO can be obtained by calling the USCG at 1.800.368.5647. Consumer information on a wide variety of subjects may be found in the <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/" target="_self">Consumer Action website</a>, which provides useful addresses, telephone numbers, and a <a href="http://consumeraction.gov/caw_problems_sample_complaint.shtml" target="_self">sample letter</a> to help consumers with various types of complaints. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/" target="_self">USCG: Marine Safety, Security, and Stewardship (CG-5)</a></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="164" contents="Cruise Lines: Reporting Illegal Dumping" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="163" contents="Cruise Lines: Reporting Unsanitary Conditions" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="158" contents="Complaints: Air Travel Issues" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="160" contents="Complaints: Cruise Line Cancellation Issues" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="162" contents="Complaints: Cruise Ship Safety" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="165" contents="Complaints: Hotels and Motels" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="166" contents="Complaints: Travel Agencies or Agents" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7501" contents="Pollution: Marine Debris" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="3391" contents="Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6531" contents="Consumer Action Handbook (CAH)" /></li> </ul>   10 12/08/2009 Consumer Issues Complaints Public Safety and Law Public Safety Travel and Recreation Travel http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=162 Complaints: Cruise Ship Safety To complain about a safety-related matter that you have observed on a cruise ship, contact the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8094" contents="United States Coast Guard (USCG)" /> Marine Safety Office (MSO) responsible for the control verification examination of the ship. A referral to the appropriate MSO can be obtained by calling the USCG at 1.800.368.5647. The most popular ports for cruise ships are Miami, FL; Juneau, AK; and San Juan, PR. The Coast Guard MSO telephone numbers for these ports are: 1.305.535.8705 (Miami), 1.907.463.2450 (Juneau), and 1.787.729.6800 (San Juan). Consumer information on a wide variety of subjects may be found on the <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/" target="_self">Consumer Action website</a>, which provides useful addresses, telephone numbers, and a <a href="http://consumeraction.gov/caw_problems_sample_complaint.shtml" target="_self">sample letter</a> to help consumers with various types of complaints. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/" target="_self">USCG: Marine Safety, Security, and Stewardship (CG-5)</a></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="163" contents="Cruise Lines: Reporting Unsanitary Conditions" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="164" contents="Cruise Lines: Reporting Illegal Dumping" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="158" contents="Complaints: Air Travel Issues" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="160" contents="Complaints: Cruise Line Cancellation Issues" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="161" contents="Complaints: Cruise Line Terminal Security" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="165" contents="Complaints: Hotels and Motels" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="166" contents="Complaints: Travel Agencies or Agents" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7501" contents="Pollution: Marine Debris" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="3391" contents="Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6531" contents="Consumer Action Handbook (CAH)" /></li> </ul>   Consumer Issues Complaints Travel and Recreation Travel http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=163 Cruise Lines: Reporting Unsanitary Conditions Oversight of sanitary conditions on passenger vessels is the responsibility of the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3788" contents="Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" /> through the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/" target="_self">Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP)</a>. The VSP conducts both scheduled and surprise <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/desc/about_inspections.htm" target="_self">inspections</a> of passenger vessels in U.S. ports. These inspections focus on proper sanitation for drinking water, food storage, food preparation and handling, and general cleanliness. The VSP provides the results of these inspections to the public on individual vessels, and also takes reports of unsanitary conditions on individual vessels. The VSP may be reached by phone or email at: Phone: 1.800.CDC.INFO (1.800.232.4636) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Environmental Health Vessel Sanitation Program 4770 Buford Highway, NE MS-F23 Atlanta, GA 30341 Consumer information on a wide variety of subjects may be found in the <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/" target="_self">Consumer Action website</a>, which provides useful addresses, telephone numbers, and a <a href="http://consumeraction.gov/caw_problems_sample_complaint.shtml" target="_self">sample letter</a> to help consumers with various types of complaints. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="164" contents="Cruise Lines: Reporting Illegal Dumping" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="160" contents="Cruise Lines: Resolving Cancellation Issues" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="161" contents="Complaints: Cruise Line Terminal Security" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="162" contents="Complaints: Cruise Ship Safety" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7501" contents="Marine Debris" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="3391" contents="Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)" /></li> </ul>   15 Consumer Issues Complaints Health and Nutrition No Value Travel and Recreation Travel http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=164 Cruise Lines: Reporting Illegal Dumping As part of its mission to protect the marine environment, the <a href="http://www.uscg.mil/" target="_self">U.S. Coast Guard</a> enforces regulations regarding ocean dumping from vessels. The regulations make it illegal to dump plastic refuse and garbage mixed with plastic into any waters, and restrict dumping of non-plastic trash and other forms of garbage. These regulations apply to all U.S. vessels wherever they operate (except in waters under exclusive jurisdiction of a state), and to foreign vessels operating in U.S. waters out to and including the Exclusive Economic Zone (200 miles offshore). Passengers on cruise ships who observe dumping of plastic at sea should report it to the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8320" contents="U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center" /> by calling 1.800.424.8802 or 1.202.267.2180 (TDD: 1.202.267.4477). Reports may also be <a href="http://www.nrc.uscg.mil/pls/htmldb/f?p=201:1:4091436302337626" target="_self">filed online</a>. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="161" contents="Complaints: Cruise Line Terminal Security" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="162" contents="Complaints: Cruise Ship Safety" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="163" contents="Cruise Lines: Reporting Unsanitary Conditions" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="160" contents="Cruise Lines: Resolving Cancellation Issues" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7501" contents="Marine Debris" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="3391" contents="Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)" /></li> </ul>   11 Consumer Issues Complaints Environment, Energy and Agriculture Environment Travel and Recreation Travel http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=165 Complaints: Hotels and Motels Complaints regarding service or accommodations at a hotel or motel are best resolved by making the issue known to the establishment's manager or customer service line. You should write down all of the information relevant to the matter, including dates, room number, staff names, and anything else which may apply. Regional managers and other senior executives are very interested in learning about the service at their company's hotels, and their names may be obtained by calling the company headquarters. If the matter cannot be resolved directly through the company, you should try contacting the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4057" contents="Better Business Bureau" />, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4213" contents="State Consumer Protection Office" />, and/or the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3927" contents="Federal Trade Commission (FTC)" />. Please note, however, that these three agencies merely take reports and do not always act on individual complaints, but rather on a pattern of complaints. Depending on the severity of the complaint, you might consider consulting with a <rn:answer_xref answer_id="5864" contents="licensed attorney" /> or filing a case in a local small claims court. Consumer information on a wide variety of subjects may be found in the <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/" target="_self">Consumer Action website</a>, which provides useful addresses, telephone numbers, and a <a href="http://consumeraction.gov/caw_problems_sample_complaint.shtml" target="_self">sample letter</a> to help consumers with various types of complaints. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="166" contents="Complaints: Travel Agencies or Agents" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="158" contents="Complaints: Air Travel Issues" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="160" contents="Complaints: Cruise Line Cancellation Issues" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="161" contents="Complaints: Cruise Line Terminal Security" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="162" contents="Complaints: Cruise Ship Safety" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="166" contents="Complaints: Travel Agencies or Agents" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6531" contents="Consumer Action Handbook (CAH)" /></li> </ul>   118 11/18/2009 Consumer Issues Complaints Travel and Recreation Travel http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=166 Complaints: Travel Agencies or Agents Complaints against travel agents and agencies are handled through their membership organizations. The following organizations should be contacted for membership confirmation: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="2261" contents="Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC)" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="3847" contents="American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="2260" contents="National Tour Association (NTA)" /></li> </ul> We recommend that all complaints be made in writing. Consumer information on a wide variety of subjects may be found in the <a href="http://www.consumeraction.gov/" target="_self">Consumer Action website</a>, which provides useful addresses, telephone numbers, and a <a href="http://consumeraction.gov/caw_problems_sample_complaint.shtml" target="_self">sample letter</a> to help consumers with various types of complaints. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="158" contents="Complaints: Air Travel Issues" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="161" contents="Complaints: Cruise Line Terminal Security" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="162" contents="Complaints: Cruise Ship Safety" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="165" contents="Complaints: Hotels and Motels" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6531" contents="Consumer Action Handbook (CAH)" /></li> </ul>   32 11/12/2009 Consumer Issues Complaints Travel and Recreation Travel http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=170 Complaints: Veterinarians If you are concerned about a veterinarian's practice, you should first speak with the veterinarian. You should also talk with the clinic owner or manager about your situation. In many cases they will want to know if you are dissatisfied with the services received. Veterinarians are licensed, certified and regulated through the state where they practice. Therefore, if you feel that your situation is still unresolved after speaking with the clinic owner or manager, you may file a complaint with a <a href="http://www.aavsb.org/DLR/" target="_self">state veterinary regulatory agency</a>. Complaints about veterinary technicians can also be referred to the state veterinary regulatory agency. When filing a complaint with a state veterinary regulatory agency, please detail what events occurred that appeared to involve unethical or unprofessional conduct on the part of the veterinarian. Unprofessional conduct includes, but is not limited to, incompetence, negligence and/or malpractice. Other complaints about veterinarians may include the sanitation and cleanliness of the facilities or the failure to meet minimum standards of practice. The more information available, the more thorough the investigation of the case. Please note that a state veterinary regulatory agency has no jurisdiction over the amount of fees charged for services. If you have a complaint regarding fees, you may wish to contact the <rn:answer_xref contents="Better Business Bureau (BBB)" answer_id="4057" /> or the <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Trade Commission (FTC)" answer_id="3927" target="_self" />. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Pet Insurance" answer_id="8203" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Health and Safety Tips for Pets" answer_id="6945" /></li> </ul>   14 11/17/2009 Consumer Issues Scams and Fraud Complaints http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=190 Accessibility Guidelines for the Disabled The <a href="http://www.ada.gov/" target="_self">Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)</a>, enacted in 1990, is the federal legislation that outlines accessibility guidelines for the disabled. Areas covered by this act include requirements for building design and accessibility, stair and elevator codifications, and regulations regarding floor surfaces. You can visit the ADA website for further information on <a href="http://www.ada.gov/stdspdf.htm" target="_self">ADA standards and codifications</a>, links to federal agencies with ADA responsibilities, and information on <a href="http://www.ada.gov/mediate.htm" target="_self">ADA mediation</a>. For further assistance, you may also contact the <rn:answer_xref contents="Department of Justice (DOJ) ADA Information Line" answer_id="211" />, where you can speak to a representative about the federal guidelines established in the ADA. You may wish to file a <rn:answer_xref contents="complaint on compliance" answer_id="191" /> with the ADA regulations. You may also wish to visit the following resources: <ul> <li>The <a href="http://www.access-board.gov/" target="_self">United States Access Board</a> is an independent federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities and a leading source of information on accessible design. The Board develops and maintains design criteria for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and for electronic and information technology. It also provides technical assistance and training on these requirements and on accessible design and continues to enforce accessibility standards that cover federally funded facilities. You may wish to view <a href="http://www.access-board.gov/gs.htm" target="_self">guidelines and standards</a>, access <a href="http://www.access-board.gov/pubs.htm" target="_self">publications</a>, or you may wish to contact the Board by phone at 1.800.872.2253 or 1.202.272.0080 (TTY: 1.800.993.2822 or 1.202.272.0082).</li> <li>Under <a href="http://section508.gov/" target="_self">Section 508</a> of the Rehabilitation Act, federal agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information that is comparable to the access available to others. Section 508 was enacted by Congress to eliminate barriers in information technology, to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities, and to encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. You may wish to view information on <a href="http://section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=3" target="_self">Section 508 law</a>.</li> <li>The <rn:answer_xref contents="Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)" answer_id="2899" /> offers a web page where you can learn about renting, buying and making your home accessible, and about your Fair Housing rights. For more information, please visit HUD's <a href="http://www.hud.gov/groups/disabilities.cfm" target="_self">people with disabilities web page</a>.</li> </ul> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm" target="_self">Guide to Disability Rights Laws</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.disability.gov/" target="_self">Disability.gov</a></li> </ul>   16 01/04/2010 Public Safety and Law Laws Jobs and Education Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=191 Enforcers of ADA Regulations Compliance with guidelines set by the <a href="http://www.ada.gov/" target="_self">Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)</a> is handled by various federal agencies depending upon the type of compliance issues in question. We recommend visiting the following web pages: <ul> <li>General information about <a href="http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/qanda.cfm" target="_self">filing a job discrimination complaint</a> is available from the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7729" contents="The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)" />. If you have questions about whether your employment rights, or the employment rights of a disabled person that you know have been violated, please contact the nearest <a href="http://www.eeoc.gov/field/" target="_self">EEOC office</a> for assistance or to file a complaint.</li> <li>The <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/" target="_self">Federal Communications Commission (FCC)</a> has information concerning <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/" target="_self">disability issues overseen by the FCC</a>, including ADA guidelines. If you have questions about a possible ADA telecommunications compliance issue, please contact the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="208" contents="FCC National Call Center" /> for assistance or to file a complaint.</li> <li>The <a href="http://www.justice.gov/" target="_self">Department of Justice (DOJ)</a> has an online publication, <a href="http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm" target="_self">"A Guide to Disability Rights Laws,"</a> which contains a general overview of the ADA rules and regulations and information on where to go for questions or complaints. If you have questions about a possible ADA compliance violation, please contact the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="211" contents="DOJ's ADA Information Line" />. The agents on duty can provide you with general information on the ADA guidelines, how to file your complaint, or they can direct you to the appropriate federal agency that oversees the compliance issue with which you have questions.</li> </ul>   669 11/09/2009 Family, Home and Community Social Services Public Safety and Law Laws Reference and General Government Agencies Jobs and Education Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=192 Assistance for the Disabled to Start a Business <a href="http://www.sba.gov/" target="_self">The Small Business Administration (SBA)</a> offers information about how to set up a business plan and where to go for additional support and advice. The SBA also offers a toll-free number you can call for additional information and assistance with business questions: 1.800.U.ASK.SBA (1.800.827.5722).  We recommend you contact your <rn:answer_xref answer_id="333" contents="State Vocational Rehabilitation Office" /> to determine what guidance they provide to assist a disabled person in starting a business. Another good resource is <a href="http://www.business.gov/" target="_self">Business.gov</a>. It provides online access to the information and services provided by the U.S. government for the business community. In addition, a private organization, <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8319" contents="Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)" />, can provide further information on starting a business. SCORE is a nationwide group of retired business executives who donate their services and expertise to people starting or expanding a small business. SCORE provides access to online workshops, counseling and free online business advice. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://community.business.gov/" target="_self">Business.gov's Business Community Website</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Reference_Shelf/News/Blog/business.shtml" target="_self">Business and Economic Blogs</a>  </li> </ul>   2914 12/01/2009 Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Benefits and Grants Businesses and Nonprofits No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=194 Education Assistance for the Disabled There are many educational resources and sources of assistance available to disabled people. However, the first thing you will want to do is to contact your school's financial aid office. The financial aid office can provide specific information on loans, grants, and scholarships, as well as application procedures. When searching for educational assistance for the disabled, we also recommend that you try the following: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.disability.gov/" target="_self">Disability.gov</a> maintains information and links to various federal, state, and non-governmental <a href="http://www.disability.gov/education" target="_self">educational resources for the disabled</a>. You may also wish to view the <a href="http://blog.govdelivery.com/usodep/" target="_self">Disability.gov Blog</a>.</li> <li>Check within your local community. Check with the local school board to see what assistance is available for children with disabilities as many school systems have special programs geared toward assisting the disabled. In addition, check to see what other community resources are available to assist disabled people (both adults and children) with educational needs. Your local phone directory should have contact information for your local school board.</li> <li>We also recommend that you check with your <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/" target="_self">state education department</a>, which can tell you what programs and assistance are available from your state to assist the disabled with their educational needs. In addition, they should be able to answer any questions on state laws regarding educational rights for the disabled.</li> <li>Check with the <rn:answer_xref contents="U.S. Department of Education (ED)" answer_id="205" />. The <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services" answer_id="213" /> is the office that provides information to individuals on what federal educational assistance is available to the disabled and which federal laws provide for educational rights for the disabled.</li> <li>Check with the <a href="http://www.nichcy.org/" target="_self">National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities</a>. They provide a directory of disability-related resources in each state through their <a href="http://www.nichcy.org/Pages/StateSpecificInfo.aspx" target="_self">State Resource Sheets</a>. You may also wish to <a href="http://www.nichcy.org/Pages/ContactUs.aspx" target="_self">contact the center</a> for more information.</li> <li>Also, check with the <a href="http://www.rrfcnetwork.org/" target="_self">Regional Resource Centers Program</a>. They provide service to all states as well as the Pacific jurisdictions, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The six regional program centers assist state education agencies in the systemic improvement of education programs, practices, and policies that affect children and youth with disabilities. </li> <li>Finally, check for assistance from non-governmental organizations, such as nonprofits and charities. Visit your local public library, talk to friends and family, or use various Internet search engines.</li> </ul> If you feel you are being discriminated against because of your disability, you may wish to view answers to <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/qa-disability.html" target="_self">frequently asked questions about disability discrimination</a>, or you may wish to learn more about <rn:answer_xref contents="disability discrimination" answer_id="75" />. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Disabled Assistance" answer_id="202" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Employment Assistance for the Disabled" answer_id="195" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Housing Assistance for the Disabled" answer_id="196" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Medical and Health Assistance for the Disabled" answer_id="197" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="State and Local Services for the Disabled" answer_id="333" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Transportation for the Disabled" answer_id="198" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities" answer_id="6613" /></li> </ul>   444 Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Benefits and Grants Jobs and Education Education http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=195 Employment Assistance for the Disabled There are many employment resources available to disabled people. We recommend the following: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.disability.gov/" target="_self">Disability.gov</a> - The employment portion of this website contains information and links to various federal, state, and non-governmental <a href="http://www.disability.gov/employment" target="_self">employment resources for the disabled</a>.</li> <li><a href="http://www.doleta.gov/disability/" target="_self">Disability Online</a> - The Department of Labor's (DOL) website contains employment information and assistance for the disabled.</li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="228" contents="One Stop Career Centers" /> - These centers provide information and assistance to help individuals, including the disabled, obtain employment. You may wish to <a href="http://www.careeronestop.org/Reemployment/ChangeCareers/FindCareerOneStopCenter.aspx" target="_self">contact your local office</a>.</li> <li>Check with your <rn:answer_xref answer_id="333" contents="State Vocational Rehabilitation Services" />. These offices provide a variety of job services for disabled individuals, including employment counseling, evaluations, training and placement.</li> <li>We also recommend that you contact the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="230" contents="Department of Labor (DOL) Job Accommodation Network (JAN)" />. This free consulting service from the DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy provides information about job accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the employability of people with disabilities.</li> <li>Check for assistance from non-governmental organizations, such as nonprofits and charities. Visit your local public library, talk to friends and family, or use the various Internet search engines. Additional information is available on the <a href="http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/ada18.html" target="_self">ADA disability employment rights web page</a>.</li> </ul> October is <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7912" contents="National Disability Employment Awareness Month" />, designated to help educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment.   145 01/25/2010 Family, Home and Community Social Services Jobs and Education Jobs http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=196 Housing Assistance for the Disabled There are many housing resources and types of assistance available to disabled people. We recommend visiting the following websites: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.disability.gov/" target="_self">Disability.gov</a> - This website maintains information and links to various <a href="http://www.disability.gov/housing/" target="_self">housing resources for the disabled</a>. You may also wish to view the <a href="http://blog.govdelivery.com/usodep/" target="_self">Disability.gov Blog</a>.</li> <li><a href="http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Local.shtml" target="_self">Your local city or county government</a> - They will be able to explain any housing assistance that is available to the disabled in your area. You may also wish to check your local phone directory for agencies in your area that may be able to help.</li> <li><a href="http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html" target="_self">Your local Rural Development Office</a> - This office, a part of the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7263" contents="U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)" />, provides housing assistance for those living in rural areas.</li> </ul> You may also wish to view information on housing assistance programs available through the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="2899" contents="U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development" />. <ul> <li> <a href="http://www.hud.gov/groups/disabilities.cfm" target="_self">People with Disabilities</a> - These HUD programs maintain information on housing resources for the disabled.</li> <li><a href="http://www.hud.gov/localoffices.cfm" target="_self">Your local HUD office</a> - This office will be able to answer questions you may have on the various <a href="http://www.hud.gov/buying/localbuying.cfm" target="_self">programs offered by HUD in your area</a>.</li> <li><a href="http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/pha/contacts/" target="_self">HUD's local Public Housing Agency</a> - This agency provides information on public housing assistance and specific public housing programs such as <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6964" contents="housing choice vouchers" />.</li> </ul> Check for assistance from non-governmental organizations, such as nonprofits and charities. Visit your local public library, talk to friends and family, or use the various Internet search engines. You may also wish to view information on <rn:answer_xref answer_id="333" contents="state rehabilitation services for the disabled" />. These offices may be able to assist with home modifications, such as adaptive or special household equipment. Many rehabilitation offices also provide assistance to individuals whose disabilities are so significant that they cannot work, but may benefit from services that will enable them to live and function independently. Independent living services may include housing, counseling and referral, independent living skills, and health maintenance programs. Finally, if you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated due to a disability, you may wish to view information on <rn:answer_xref answer_id="118" contents="housing discrimination" />.   6314 12/01/2009 Family, Home and Community Housing Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Benefits and Grants http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=197 Medical and Health Assistance for the Disabled There are many resources available to assist the disabled with their medical and health needs. you may wish to start by visiting Disability.gov's <a href="http://www.disability.gov/health" target="_self">Health web page</a>. This web page contains information and links to various health resources for the disabled. Also, research within your local community. Contact your <a href="http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Local_Government/Cities.shtml" target="_self">local city or county government</a> to determine what assistance is available in your area to assist the disabled with their medical and health needs. You may wish to contact your <rn:answer_xref contents="state social service agency" answer_id="6614" /> to determine what programs are available to assist the disabled with their medical and health needs. We also recommend that you contact the <rn:answer_xref contents="Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)" answer_id="1366" />. This is the agency that oversees federal health assistance programs. CMS can give you information and guidance on obtaining assistance for a disabled person's medical and health needs. Finally, check for assistance from non-governmental organizations, such as nonprofits and charities. Visit your local public library, talk to friends and family, or use various Internet search engines.   38 01/04/2010 Health and Nutrition No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=198 Transportation for the Disabled There are a variety of resources available to assist the disabled with their transportation needs: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.disability.gov/transportation" target="_self">Disability.Gov's Transportation web page</a> maintains information and links to various transportation resources for the disabled. You may also wish to view the <a href="http://blog.govdelivery.com/usodep/" target="_self">Disability.gov Blog</a>.</li> <li><a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/" target="_self">Project Action</a> offers <a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_faq_accessible_travel_resources" target="_self">travel resources</a> to assist people with disabilities in finding accessible transportation services within the United States and abroad. You may also <a href="http://www.publictransportation.org/systems/" target="_self">search for local transportation</a> that is accessible to the disabled.</li> </ul> The Easter Seals' Project Action is a federally-funded program that provides information on various transportation issues affecting the disabled. They also provide free information on many transportation subjects that affect the disabled, including consumer education, paratransit eligibility, and general information on accessible transportation. For more information, or help with locating transportation assistance for the disabled, please <rn:answer_xref answer_id="335" contents="contact Project Action" />. If you have a question or complaint about compliance with the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="211" contents="Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)" /> regulations, the <a href="http://www.justice.gov/crt/drssec.php">ADA Information Line</a> from the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7913" contents="Department of Justice (DOJ)" /> should be able to help.   1333 12/01/2009 Family, Home and Community Social Services Jobs and Education Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=200 Student Internships Internships provide a student with a monitored or supervised work or service experience where the individual has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what he or she is learning throughout the experience. These learning goals can include academic learning, career development, skill development, and personal development.  You can search for internship opportunities in both the <a href="http://www.students.gov/STUGOVWebApp/Public?topicID=78&operation=topic" target="_self">private sector and the federal government</a>, or you can view information on internship programs offered solely by the <a href="http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI-13.asp" target="_self">federal government</a>. Also, several agencies have links to recreation-related internships, and other paid and non-paid opportunities. You can access a listing of some of the <a href="http://www.recreation.gov/marketing.do?goto=/FAQs/faqrecjobs.html" target="_self">agencies that offer recreation-related employment</a>. You may also wish to view information on <rn:answer_xref contents="government internships" answer_id="7222" />, <rn:answer_xref contents="internship and fellowship opportunities in science" answer_id="7496" /> or <a href="http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Education_Training/Education.shtml" target="_self">additional resources related to education and training</a>.   262 11/11/2009 Jobs Education http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=202 Disabled Assistance In addition to federal and state government programs, there are many organizations, such as nonprofits and charities, that offer assistance to the disabled: <ul> <li>The <a href="http://www.nichcy.org/" target="_self">National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities</a> website, which lists <a href="http://www.nichcy.org/StateAgencies/" target="_self">disability-related resources in each state</a>.</li> <li><a href="http://www.ilusa.com/" target="_self">Independent Living USA</a> contains information about how disabled people can live independently. It includes up-to-date news on issues affecting those with disabilities, a link to Independent Living Centers, links to additional online resources, and more.</li> <li><a href="http://www.disability.gov/" target="_self">Disability.gov</a> is the federal government's website with referrals to agencies and organizations that deal with many different disability-related issues. You may also wish to view the <a href="http://blog.govdelivery.com/usodep/" target="_self">Disability.gov Blog</a>.</li> <li>Service Dogs (Seeing Eye Dogs, Hearing Dogs, etc.) - There are various types of service dogs available to assist people with disabilities such as blindness, loss of motor skills, and those who suffer from seizures. For more information about organizations that provide these animals, contact the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3385" contents="National Health Information Center (NHIC)" />.</li> <li>The <a href="http://www.specialolympics.org/" target="_self">Special Olympics</a> is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. There is no charge to participate in the Special Olympics. For more information, please <a href="http://www.specialolympics.org/contact.aspx" target="_self">contact the Special Olympics</a>.</li> <li>The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="448" contents="American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)" /> is the main professional association for speech pathologists and audiologists. It sets standards for certification and ethical practice and publishes scientific research in the field. ASHA also provides assistance to local speech pathologists and audiologists.</li> <li>Services for the Blind -There are many organizations that offer a variety of services to the blind. These services include working as advocates for the blind, providing assistance in learning/living skills, providing information to the public about the blind, and more. Here are just a few organizations that provide these types of services: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="443" contents="American Council of the Blind" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="444" contents="American Foundation for the Blind" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="445" contents="National Federation of the Blind" /></li> </ul> </li> <li>The <a href="http://www.ncpad.org/" target="_self">National Center on Physical Activity and Disability's (NCPAD)</a> website provides information for disabled individuals about health benefits that can be gained from participating in regular physical activity.</li> </ul> You may also wish to view information on <rn:answer_xref answer_id="75" contents="disabled rights" /> and <rn:answer_xref answer_id="333" contents="state and local services for the disabled" />.   5376 12/01/2009 Family, Home and Community Social Services Health and Nutrition No Value Jobs and Education Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=203 DOS: Office of Authentications The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4391" contents="United States Department of State (DOS)" /> was established in 1789. One of the Department's responsibilities is to authenticate documents using the imprint of its Seal (as noted in <a href="http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=0a06231f627bdd2751c4ac11a2357c45&rgn=div5&view=text&node=22:1.0.1.14.70&idno=22" target="_self">Title 22, Part 131 of the Code of Federal Regulations</a>). The <a href="http://www.state.gov/m/a/auth/" target="_self">Office of Authentications</a> is responsible for signing and issuing certificates to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals on all documents that will be used overseas. The Office of Authentications receives a variety of documents from commercial organizations, private citizens, and officials of the federal and state governments. For fee and other information, you may contact the Office of Authentications by e-mail at <a href="mailto:aoprgsmauth@state.gov">aoprgsmauth@state.gov</a> or by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.202.647.5002 TDD: 1.202.663.3468 Fax: 1.202.663.3636 Department of State Authentications Office 518 23rd Street NW, SA-1 Washington, D.C. 20520 If you are in the Washington, D.C., area, the Office of Authentications provides walk-in service from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET, Monday through Friday (except <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6437" contents="federal holidays" />) at their Columbia Plaza Store Front, located at 518 23rd Street NW. There is a 15 document per day limit on a while-you-wait basis. Directions may be found on the Office of Authentications' website. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted for walk-in service. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="Authentication Requirements" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="210" contents="Authenticating Documents for Use in Non-Hague Countries" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="5883" contents="Authenticating Documents for Use in Hague Countries" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="5730" contents="Authenticating a Federal Document" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="32" contents="Status of an Authentication Request" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="33" contents="Documents Rejected by the DOS Office of Authentications" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> </ul>   31264 01/22/2010 Family, Home and Community Social Services Reference and General Government Agencies NPIC Only Information No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=205 Department of Education (ED) The <a href="http://www.ed.gov/" target="_self">U.S. Department of Education (ED)</a> is the agency of the federal government that establishes policy for the nation's schools and administers and coordinates most federal education assistance. Part of ED's mission is to ensure equal access to education and to promote improvement in the quality of education provided. ED has provided a website, <a href="http://www.edpubs.gov/" target="_self">ED Pubs (Education Publications)</a>, that will help you identify and order ED products. ED provides all publications at no cost to the general public. You may wish to view answers to <a href="http://answers.ed.gov/" target="_self">frequently asked questions</a>, or you may wish to contact ED's Information Resource Center (IRC) by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.800.USA.LEARN (1.800.872.5327) or 1.202.401.2000 TTY: 1.800.437.0833 U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave. SW Washington, D.C. 20202 <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/gen/" target="_self">Additional contact information</a> is also available. Finally, you may also wish to locate information on <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/" target="_self">state departments of education</a>. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.edgovblogs.org/duncan/" target="_self">ED.gov Blog</a>   </li> <li><a href="http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/family/firstday/firstday.htm" target="_self">Your Child's First Day at School</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Back_to_School.shtml" target="_self">USA.gov - Back to School Resources</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Reference_Shelf.shtml" target="_self">USA.gov - Reference Center and General Government Resources</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/013847.html" target="_self">Census Bureau - Back to School: 2009-2010</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.facebook.com/SecretaryArneDuncan" target="_self">ED on Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="http://twitter.com/usedgov" target="_self">ED on Twitter</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/usedgov" target="_self">ED on YouTube</a>  </li> </ul>   22872 12/03/2009 Jobs and Education Education Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=208 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) The <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/" target="_self">Federal Communications Commission (FCC)</a> is an independent government agency directly responsible to <rn:answer_xref contents="Congress" answer_id="1399" />. The FCC is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. Their jurisdiction covers the <rn:answer_xref contents="50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions" answer_id="6172" />. The <rn:answer_xref contents="FCC's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB)" answer_id="3859" /> develops and implements the Commission's consumer policies, including disability access. Their <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumers.html" target="_self">Consumer Center</a> is responsible for responding to consumer inquiries and complaints. If you wish to file a complaint with the FCC, please visit their <a href="http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm" target="_self">complaints web page</a> and select the option that best relates to your complaint. Information on <rn:answer_xref contents="filing a complaint about indecent, profane or obscene broadcasting" answer_id="53" /> is also available. You may wish to contact the FCC by e-mail at <a href="mailto:fccinfo@fcc.gov" target="_self">fccinfo@fcc.gov</a> or by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.888.CALL.FCC (1.888.225.5322) TTY: 1.888.TELL.FCC (1.888.835.5322) Fax: 1.866.418.0232 Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washington, D.C. 20554 <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/contacts.html" target="_self">Additional contact information</a> is also available. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://blog.broadband.gov/" target="_self">Blogband</a> - The FCC's Blog encourages the public to join in the discussion about the <rn:answer_xref contents="National Broadband Plan" answer_id="8606" />.</li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Auctions" answer_id="6450" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Phone Companies" answer_id="54" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Cable or Satellite Television Providers" answer_id="48" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Internet Service Providers" answer_id="6438" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Complaints: Pre-Paid Phone Cards" answer_id="52" /></li> </ul>   39317 01/21/2010 Science and Technology No Value http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=210 Document Authentication: For Non-Hague Countries There are several <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements for authenticating documents" />for use in <a href="http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=conventions.status&cid=41#nonmem" target="_self">Non-Hague countries</a>. Only <a href="http://www.state.gov/m/a/auth/c16920.htm" target="_self">certain documents</a> require authentication. The most important requirement is that the document (and its English translation, if appropriate) be notarized. If at all possible, this should be done in the county where the document was issued. Some states may also require the notary's seal be certified by a Clerk of Court in the county where he/she was commissioned. You should contact your <rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="state Authentications Office" /> to see if this applies to your document. Once the document has been notarized (and, if applicable, the notary's seal has been certified), you must contact the state Authentications Office where the document was issued to find out what the state's procedure is, as the process varies from state to state. You may also wish to ask how long the authentication process takes. After the document has been authenticated at the state level, it must be sent to the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="Office of Authentications" /> at the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4391" contents="United States Department of State (DOS)" />. Document authentication takes approximately five business days to process, from time of receipt. Please note that U.S. Postal mail entering the DOS undergoes a screening process that may delay receipt of the document. Your request must include the following: <ul> <li>The document, with all original seals and signatures (dates and signatures must be in the order outlined above).</li> <li>The required per document processing fee. Payment in the form of a personal/company check or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of State" must be submitted with the document. Please contact the Office of Authentications for current fee information.</li> <li>A cover letter stating your name, address, and phone number, as well as the type of document you are enclosing and the name of the country you plan to use it in.</li> <li>A self-addressed, pre-paid return envelope, or pre-paid Courier Service airbill and envelope.</li> </ul> The DOS recommends the use of a <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3846" contents="private delivery company" />, as they usually offer tracking and signature confirmation. This minimizes the risk of your important and/or time-sensitive documents being lost or delayed in the mail. If you wish, your authenticated document can also be forwarded directly to the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="5541" contents="foreign embassy or consulate" /> of your choice. Your document should be returned by the embassy or consulate in these cases. To have your document forwarded, you must include a request to that effect in your cover letter to the Office of Authentications, and: <ul> <li>Include a cover letter to the embassy or consulate with instructions, if applicable.</li> <li>Include a pre-paid envelope addressed to the embassy or consulate.</li> </ul> Furthermore, you should consult with the embassy or consulate in advance regarding additional requirements, fees and methods of payment, if any. If you are in the Washington, D.C., area, the Office of Authentications provides walk-in service from 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., Monday through Friday (except <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6437" contents="federal holidays" />) at their Columbia Plaza store-front, located at 518 23rd Street NW. There is a 15 document per day limit on a while-you-wait basis. Directions may be found on the Office of Authentications' website. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted for walk-in service. <a href="http://travel.state.gov/law/info/judicial/judicial_701.html" target="_self">Additional information</a> is available on the DOS website. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="5883" contents="Document Authentication: For Hague Countries" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="5730" contents="Document Authentication: Federal Document" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="32" contents="Document Authentication: Status Request" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="33" contents="Document Authentication: Rejection by the DOS Office of Authentications" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="2218" contents="Vital Records: VitalChek Network" /></li> </ul>   7304 11/12/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Vital Records http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=211 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) The <a href="http://www.ada.gov/" target="_self">Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)</a> gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA also mandates the establishment of TDD/telephone relay services. The <rn:answer_xref contents="U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)" answer_id="7913" /> provides information about the ADA through a toll-free information line. This service permits businesses, state and local governments, and individuals to call and ask questions about general or specific ADA requirements including questions about the <a href="http://www.ada.gov/stdspdf.htm" target="_self">ADA Standards for Accessible Design</a>. Specialists are available to provide ADA information and answers to technical questions on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. ET, or on Thursday from 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. ET. You can obtain ADA information by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.800.514.0301 (TTY: 1.800.514.0383) Fax: 1.202.307.1198 U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section - NYAV 950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20530  For More Information: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ada.gov/publicat.htm" target="_self">ADA regulations, technical assistance materials and publications</a> are available in standard print as well as in large print, audiotape, Braille, or computer disk for people with disabilities. Call the ADA information line 24 hours a day to order through the automated system.</li> <li><a href="http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/press/shortdisabilityrights09.htm" target="_self">Guide to Rights for the Disabled</a>, a free publication available from the <rn:answer_xref contents="U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)" answer_id="7913" /> and the <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC)" answer_id="7175" />, is a simplified summary of the ADA and all the acts that protect access to voting, education, housing, and even communications devices for people with disabilities.</li> <li>July 26 is the <a href="http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/013739.html" target="_self">anniversary of the ADA</a>. </li> </ul> Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Social Security Disability Benefits" answer_id="7267" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Disabled Assistance" answer_id="202" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="State and Local Services for the Disabled" answer_id="333" /></li> </ul>   17834 01/29/2010 Consumer Issues General Information Family, Home and Community Housing Social Services Jobs and Education Jobs Education Workplace Issues Public Safety and Law Laws http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=213 Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) The <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/" target="_self">Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)</a> at the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="205" contents="U.S. Department of Education (ED)" /> supports programs that assist in educating children with special needs and provides for the rehabilitation of youth and adults with disabilities. You may contact OSERS by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.202.245.7468 U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services 400 Maryland Ave. SW Washington, D.C. 20202-7100 Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/" target="_self">Office for Special Education Programs (OSEP)</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/rsa/" target="_self">Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/" target="_self">National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)</a> </li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8075" contents="Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities" /></li> </ul>   97 12/01/2009 Jobs and Education Education Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=214 Document Authentication: State of Alaska Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Alaska, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://ltgov.state.ak.us/" target="_self">Office of the Lieutenant Governor</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.907.465.3509; Fax: 1.907.465.5400</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Lieutenant Governor Authentications Department 240 Main Street, Room 301 Juneau, AK 99801</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://ltgov.state.ak.us/notary/authentications.php" target="_self">Forms and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   7 11/25/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=215 Document Authentication: State of Alabama Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Alabama, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.al.us/" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.334.242.5325</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State Document Authentication 11 South Union Street, Suite 200 Montgomery, AL 36104</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.al.us/adminservices/authentications.aspx" target="_self">Forms and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentication Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   18 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=216 Document Authentication: State of Arkansas Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Arkansas, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sosweb.state.ar.us/corp_ucc.html" target="_self">Office of Business and Commercial Services (UCC)</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.888.233.0325 or 1.501.682.3409 (in Little Rock)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of Business and Commercial Services 1401 West Capitol Suite 250 Little Rock, AR 72201</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td valign="top" align="left" colspan="2"><a href="http://www.sosweb.state.ar.us/corp_ucc_authentication_docs.html" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   6 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=217 Document Authentication: Territory of American Samoa Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in American Samoa, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://americansamoa.gov/" target="_self">Office of the Governor</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.684.633.4116</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Governor Executive Office Building Third Floor, Utulei Pago Pago, AS 96799</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%">Please contact the Office of the Governor for assistance. Assistance is also available from the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="Office of Authentications" /> at the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4391" contents="United States Department of State (DOS)" />, which may be reached at 1.202.647.5002 (TDD: 1.202.663.3468).</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Time Difference:</th> <td width="75%">UTC -11 (6 hours behind Washington, D.C.)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   9 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=218 Document Authentication: State of Arizona Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Arizona, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.azsos.gov/business_services/" target="_self">Office of Business Services</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.800.458.5842 or 1.602.542.6187; Fax: 1.602.542.7386</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of Business Services Apostille Department 1700 West Washington Street, 7th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85037</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.azsos.gov/business_services/notary/apostille.htm" target="_self">Forms and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentication Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   8 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=219 Document Authentication: State of California Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in California, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notary/" target="_self">Notary Public Section</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.916.653.3595</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State Notary Public Section 1500 11th Street, 2nd Floor Sacramento, CA 95814</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notary/authentication.htm" target="_self">Procedures, fees and additional offices</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentication Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   1288 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=220 Document Authentication: State of Colorado Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Colorado, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/notary/notary_home.htm" target="_self">Notary Section</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.303.894.2200, Ext. 6409</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Department of State Notary Section 1700 Broadway, Suite 300 Denver, CO 80290</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/notary/apostille.htm" target="_blan">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   10 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=221 Document Authentication: State of Connecticut Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Connecticut, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.ct.gov/sots/cwp/view.asp?a=3177&q=392126&sotsnav=|&sotsnav_gid=1844" target="_self">Commercial Recording Division</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.860.509.6002; Fax: 1.860.509.6069</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State Commercial Recording Division 30 Trinity Street Hartford, CT 06106</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.ct.gov/sots/cwp/view.asp?a=3177&q=392130&sotsnav=|&sotsnav_gid=1844" target="_self">Forms and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   6 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=222 Document Authentication: District of Columbia Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in District of Columbia, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://os.dc.gov/os/cwp/view,a,1207,q,522462.asp" target="_self">Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.202.727.3117; Fax: 1.202.727.8457</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications 441 4th Street NW, Room 810S Washington, D.C. 20001</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://os.dc.gov/os/cwp/view,a,1207,q,522462.asp#document" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   20 12/30/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=223 Document Authentication: State of Delaware Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Delaware, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://corp.delaware.gov/" target="_self">Division of Corporations</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.302.739.3073, Ext. 0; Fax: 1.302.739.3812</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Division of Corporations 401 Federal Street, Suite 4 Dover, DE 19901</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://corp.delaware.gov/apost_info.shtml" target="_self">Certifications, Apostilles and Authentication of Documents</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   9 11/25/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=224 Document Authentication: State of Florida Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Florida, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th style="HEIGHT: 16px" width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sunbiz.org/" target="_self">Division of Corporations</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th style="HEIGHT: 80px" rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.850.245.6945</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Division of Corporations Clifton Building, Apostille Section 2661 Executive Center Circle Tallahassee, FL 32301</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://notaries.dos.state.fl.us/notproc7.html" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   460 12/30/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=225 Document Authentication: State of Georgia Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Georgia, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.gsccca.org/" target="_self">Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCA)</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.800.304.5175 or 1.404.327.6023</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority Notary Division 1875 Century Boulevard, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30345</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.gsccca.org/projects/apost.asp" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   16 11/25/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=226 Authentication Office: Guam Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Guam, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.guamltgovernor.org/" target="_self">Office of the Lieutenant Governor</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.671.475.9380; Fax: 1.671.477.2007</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Lieutenant Governor P.O. Box 2950 Hagåtna, GU 96932</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%">Please contact the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for assistance. Assistance is also available from the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="Office of Authentications" /> at the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4391" contents="United States Department of State (DOS)" />, which may be reached at 1.202.647.5002 (TDD: 1.202.663.3468).</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Time Difference:</th> <td width="75%">UTC +10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, D.C.)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   5 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=227 Document Authentication: State of Hawaii Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Hawaii, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://hawaii.gov/ltgov/" target="_self">Office of the Lieutenant Governor</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.808.586.0255</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Lieutenant Governor State Capitol, 5th Floor Honolulu, HI 96813</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://hawaii.gov/ltgov/office/apostilles/" target="_self">Forms and fees</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Time Difference:</th> <td width="75%">UTC -10 (6 hours behind of Washington, D.C.)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   6 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=228 CareerOneStop <a href="http://www.careeronestop.org/" target="_self">CareerOneStop</a> is a compilation of national websites that help businesses, job seekers, students, and workforce professionals find employment and career resources. CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. <rn:answer_xref contents="Department of Labor (DOL)" answer_id="4065" />, includes two core products: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.careerinfonet.org/" target="_self">America's Career InfoNet</a> - provides national, state and local career information and labor market data using unique career tools, career reports, videos, a career resource library, and other web-based tools.</li> <li><a href="http://www.servicelocator.org/" target="_self">America's Service Locator</a> - maps customers to a range of local services including workforce centers, unemployment benefits, job training, education opportunities, and other workforce services.</li> </ul> For more information, please contact the <a href="http://www.careeronestop.org/usersupport/contact.asp" target="_self">customer service center</a> for the above websites. If you have recently lost your job, you may wish to visit the CareerOneStop <a href="http://www.careeronestop.org/reemployment/" target="_self">worker reemployment web page</a> to search for employment, training and financial assistance to help you in your job transition.   7601 11/20/2009 Jobs and Education Jobs http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=230 Job Accommodation Network The <a href="http://www.jan.wvu.edu/" target="_self">Job Accommodation Network (JAN)</a> is a service of the <a href="http://www.dol.gov/odep/" target="_self">Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)</a> of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). JAN's mission is to facilitate the employment and retention of workers with disabilities by providing employers, employment providers, people with disabilities, their family members and other interested parties with information on job accommodations, self-employment and small business opportunities and related subjects. JAN also provides information about the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="211" contents="Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)" />. You may wish to contact JAN by <a href="http://www.jan.wvu.edu/JANonDemand.htm" target="_self">e-mail</a> or by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.800.ADA.WORK (1.800.232.9675) or 1.800.526.7234  TTY: 1.877.781.9403 Fax: 1.304.293.5407 PO Box 6080 Morgantown, WV 26506 You may also wish to view <a href="http://www.jan.wvu.edu/links/contact.htm" target="_self">additional contact information</a>. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="195" contents="Employment Assistance for the Disabled" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="75" contents="Disability Discrimination" /></li> </ul>   114 01/04/2010 Reference and General Government Agencies Jobs and Education Jobs http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=231 Document Authentication: State of Iowa Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Iowa, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.ia.us/" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.515.281.5204; Fax: 1.515.242.5953</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State 321 E. 12th Street, 1st Floor Des Moines, IA 50319</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.ia.us/business/corpfee.html" target="_self">Fee Schedule</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   7 11/25/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=232 Document Authentication: State of Idaho Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Idaho, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://sos.idaho.gov/notary/npindex.htm" target="_self">Notary Department</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.208.332.2810</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State Notary Department PO Box 83720 450 North 4th Street Boise, ID 83720</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://sos.idaho.gov/notary/apostill.htm" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentication Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   6 11/30/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=233 Document Authentication: State of Illinois Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Illinois, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index/" target="_self">Department of Index</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.217.558.2972</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Department of Index 111 E. Monroe Street Springfield, IL 62756</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index/divisions.html#notary" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   18 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=234 Document Authentication: State of Indiana Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Indiana, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.in.gov/sos/business/" target="_self">Business Services Division</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.317.232.2677</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State Authentication Department 302 W. Washington Street, Suite E-018 Indianapolis, IN 46204</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.in.gov/sos/business/apostille/" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   9 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=235 Document Authentication: State of Kansas Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Kansas, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.kssos.org/business/business.html" target="_self">Business Services Filing Center</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.785.296.4564</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State Business Services Filing Center 120 SW 10th Avenue, 1st Floor Topeka, KS 66612</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.kssos.org/business/notary_public/certifications.html" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   7 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=236 Document Authentication: Commonwealth of Kentucky Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Kentucky, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://sos.ky.gov/" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.502.564.7330; Fax: 1.502.564.4075</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State Apostilles Branch 700 Capital Avenue, Suite 156 Frankfort, KY 40601</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://sos.ky.gov/adminservices/apostilles.htm" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   6 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=237 Document Authentication: State of Louisiana Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Louisiana, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/tabid/67/default.aspx" target="_self">Commissions Divison</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.225.922.0330</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the State Secretary of State Commissions Division 8585 Archives Ave., First Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70809</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/tabid/134/default.aspx" target="_blan">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   12 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=239 Document Authentication: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Massachusetts, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/" target="_self">Public Records Division</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.617.727.2832</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Commissions Section 1 Ashburton Place, Suite 1719 Boston, MA 02108</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/precom/comidx.htm" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   36 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=241 Document Authentication: State of Maryland Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Maryland, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.md.us/" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.410.974.5521</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State 16 Francis Street, 1st Floor Annapolis MD 21401</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.md.us/Certifications/FAQ.aspx" target="_self">Frequently Asked Questions on Certifications</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentications Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   11 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=243 Document Authentication: State of Maine Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Maine, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/" target="_self">Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.207.624.7736</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions 111 Sewall Street, 4th Floor Augusta, ME 04333</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/notary/apostilles.html" target="_self">Forms, fees and procedures</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   5 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=245 Document Authentication: State of Michigan Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Michigan, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1638_8731---,00.html" target="_self">Office of the Great Seal</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.888.SOS.MICH (1.888.767.6424)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Michigan Department of State Office of the Great Seal 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 48918</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1638_8734---,00.html" target="_self">Procedures, fees and regional offices</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   357 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=246 Document Authentication: State of Minnesota Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Minnesota, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.mn.us/" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.877.551.6767 or 1.651.296.2803; TTY: 1.800.627.3529; Fax: 1.651.297.7067</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Certifications Office of the Secretary of State 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55103-2141</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=984" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul><li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   14 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=248 Document Authentication: State of Missouri Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Missouri, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.mo.gov/business/commissions/" target="_self">Commissions Division</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.866.223.6535 or 1.573.751.2783; Fax: 1.573.751.8199</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State Commissions Division 600 West Main, Suite 322 Jefferson City, MO 65101</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.mo.gov/business/commissions/certify.asp" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   7 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=250 Document Authentication: State of Mississippi Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Mississippi, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.ms.us/" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.601.359.1615; Fax: 1.601.359.1499</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State Notaries Public 700 North Street Jackson, MS 39202</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.ms.us/busserv/notaries/notaries%20and%20apostilles.asp" target="_self">Fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   6 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=255 Document Authentication: State of Montana Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Montana, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://sos.mt.gov/" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.406.444.1877</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State Notary/Certification Section 1301 Sixth Avenue Helena, MT 59601</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://sos.mt.gov/notary/certifications/" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   10 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=256 Document Authentication: State of North Carolina Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in North Carolina, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.secretary.state.nc.us/authen/" target="_self">North Carolina Office of Authentication</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.919.807.2140</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">North Carolina Office of Authentication 2 South Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27601-2903</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.secretary.state.nc.us/authen/aposinfo.aspx" target="_self">Procedures and fees for Apostilles</a> <a href="http://www.secretary.state.nc.us/authen/authinfo.aspx" target="_self">Procedures and fees for Authentications</a> <a href="http://www.secretary.state.nc.us/authen/authfaq.aspx" target="_self">Frequently Asked Questions</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   17 12/30/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=257 Document Authentication: State of North Dakota Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in North Dakota, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.nd.gov/sos/" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.800.352.0867 or 1.701.328.2900; TTY: 1.800.366.6888; Fax: 1.701.328.2992</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State 600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 108 Bismarck, ND 58505-0500</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%">Please contact the Office of the Secretary of State for assistance.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   6 11/30/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=258 Document Authentication: State of Nebraska Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Nebraska, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.ne.us/business/" target="_self">Business Services Department</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.402.471.2558; Fax: 1.402.471.4429</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the State Secretary of State Business Services Department Notary Division 1445 K Street, Suite 1301 Lincoln, NE 68508</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.ne.us/business/notary/not_auth.html" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   5 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=259 Document Authentication: State of New Hampshire Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in New Hampshire, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.nh.gov/" target="_self">Office of the State Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.603.271.3242; Fax: 1.603.271.6316</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State 107 North Main Street Concord, NH 03301</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.nh.gov/certific.htm" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   6 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=260 Document Authentication: State of New Jersey Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in New Jersey, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/dcr/programs/notary.html" target="_self">New Jersey Department of the Treasury</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.609.292.9292</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">New Jersey Department of the Treasury Division of Revenue Notary Public Unit PO Box 452 Trenton, NJ 08646</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/dcr/programs/apostilles.htm" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   127 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=261 Document Authentication: State of New Mexico Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in New Mexico, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.nm.us/sos-business.html" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.800.477.3632</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State Operations Division 325 Don Gaspar Avenue, Suite 300 Santa Fe, NM 87503</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.nm.us/sos-Apostille.html" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   6 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=262 Document Authentication: State of Nevada Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Nevada, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://nvsos.gov/index.aspx?page=124" target="_self">Nevada Secretary of State's Business Center</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.775.684.5708; Fax: 1.775.684.5725</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of State Secretary of State Business Center 101 North Carson Street, Suite 3 Carson City, NV 89701</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://nvsos.gov/index.aspx?page=162" target="_self">Procedures, forms and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentication Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   43 01/19/2010 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=265 Document Authentication: State of New York Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in New York, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td valign="top" colspan="2" align="left"><a href="http://www.dos.state.ny.us/" target="_self">New York Department of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="3" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <th width="37%">Albany office</th> <th width="37%">New York City office (Manhattan)</th> </tr> <tr> <td width="37%">1.518.474.8642</td> <td width="37%">1.212.417.5684</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="37%">New York Department of State Miscellaneous/State Records Bureau 99 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12231</td> <td width="37%">New York Department of State Certification Unit 123 William Street, 19th Floor New York, NY 10038</td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td valign="top" colspan="2" align="left"><a href="http://www.dos.state.ny.us/corps/apostille.html" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   351 01/11/2010 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=295 Document Authentication: State of Ohio Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Ohio, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.oh.us/" target="_self">Office of State Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.877.767.6446 or 1.614.728.9200</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of State Secretary of State Records and Client Services 180 East Broad Street, Suite 103 Columbus, OH 43215</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/authentication.aspx" target="_self">Apostilles and Authentications</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   136 11/30/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=298 Document Authentication: State of Oklahoma Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Oklahoma, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.ok.us/" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.405.521.4211</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of Secretary of State Business Filing Department, Certifications 2300 North Lincoln Boulevard, Room 101 Oklahoma City, OK 73105</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%">Please contact the Office of the Secretary of State for assistance.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   20 12/30/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=300 Document Authentication: State of Oregon Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Oregon, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.filinginoregon.com/" target="_self">Corporation Division</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.503.986.2593</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the State Secretary of State Corporation Division Notary Public Section 255 Capitol Street NE, Suite 151 Salem, OR 97310-1327</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.filinginoregon.com/notary/howtoauth.htm" target="_self">Forms, fees and procedures</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   5 11/30/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=303 Document Authentication: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Pennsylvania, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bcel/" target="_self">Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.717.787.5280</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation 210 North Office Building Harrisburg, PA 17120</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.dos.state.pa.us/notaries/cwp/view.asp?a=1250&q=446155" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   29 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=313 Document Authentication: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Puerto Rico, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://estado.gobierno.pr/" target="_self">Puerto Rico Department of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.787.722.2121</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Departamento de Estado Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico Calle San Francisco y San José Viejo San Juan, PR 00902</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://estado.gobierno.pr/certificaciones.htm" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Time Difference:</th> <td width="75%">UTC -4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, D.C.)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Please note: The official language of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is Spanish, therefore all Commonwealth of Puerto Rico government websites, including those referenced here, are in this language. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   31 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=314 Document Authentication: State of Rhode Island Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" />before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" />or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Rhode Island, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://sos.ri.gov/business/" target="_self">Corporations Division</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.401.222.3040</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State Corporations Division 148 W River Street Providence, RI 02904-2615</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://sos.ri.gov/business/apostilles/" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   9 01/11/2010 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=315 Document Authentication: State of South Carolina Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in South Carolina, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.scsos.com/" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.803.734.2119 or 1.803.734.2512</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Authentication Office 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525 Columbia, SC 29201</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.scsos.com/forms/miscellaneous/06authenticationinstructions.pdf" target="_self">Instructions and fees</a> (.PDF document)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul> Please note: To view and print .PDF documents, you must use the <a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/" target="_self">Adobe Reader software</a>, which is available for download without charge.   10 11/30/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=316 Document Authentication: State of South Dakota Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in South Dakota, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sdsos.gov/" target="_self">Office of the State Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.605.773.3537</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the State Secretary of State 500 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 204 Pierre, SD 57501-5070</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sdsos.gov/adminservices/apostilles.shtm" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   6 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=317 Document Authentication: State of Tennessee Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Tennessee, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.tennessee.gov/sos/bus_svc/" target="_self">Division of Business Services</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.615.741.3699; Fax: 1.615.741.7310</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Tennessee Department of State Division of Business Services NTS Unit 312 Eighth Avenue North, 6th Floor Nashville, TN 37243</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.tennessee.gov/sos/forms/apos.pdf" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a> (.PDF document)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul> Please note: To view and print .PDF documents, you must use the <a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/" target="_self">Adobe Reader software</a>, which is available for download without charge.   47 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=318 Document Authentication: State of Texas Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Texas, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="19%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td valign="top" align="left" colspan="3">The type of document to be authenticated determines which office performs the authentication. The <a href="http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/" target="_self">Corporations Section</a> authenticates business organization documents, the <a href="http://www.sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/" target="_self">Statutory Documents Section</a> authenticates <rn:answer_xref contents="vital record documents" answer_id="1381" />, and the Notaries Public Unit authenticates all other notarized documents.</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="19%" rowspan="3">Contact Information:</th> <th width="27%">Corporations Section</th> <th width="27%">Statutory Documents Section</th> <th width="27%">Notaries Public Unit</th> </tr> <tr> <td width="27%">1.512.463.5578</td> <td width="27%">1.512.463.5705</td> <td width="27%">1.512.463.5705</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="27%">Office of the Secretary of State Corporations Section 1019 Brazos Street, Suite B-13 Austin, TX 78701</td> <td width="27%">Office of the Secretary of State Statutory Documents Section 1019 Brazos Street, Suite B-13 Austin, TX 78701</td> <td width="27%">Office of the Secretary of State Notaries Public Unit 1019 Brazos Street, Suite B-13 Austin, TX 78701</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="19%" rowspan="2">Other Information:</th> <td valign="top" align="left" colspan="3"><a href="http://www.sos.state.tx.us/authinfo.shtml" target="_self">Requirements and fees</a> <a href="http://www.sos.state.tx.us/authfaqs.shtml" target="_self">Frequently Asked Questions</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   1791 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=319 Document Authentication: State of Utah Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Utah, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://authentications.utah.gov/" target="_self">Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Notary Office</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">800.995.VOTE (1.800.995.8683) or 1.801.538.1041; Fax: 1.801.538.1133</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Lieutenant Governor Utah State Capitol 350 N State Street, Suite 220 Salt Lake City, UT 84114</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://authentications.utah.gov/process.html" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentication Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   6 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=320 Document Authentication: Commonwealth of Virginia Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Virginia, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.804.786.2441</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Director of Authentications Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth 1111 East Broad Street, 4th Floor Richmond, VA 23219</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/OfficialDocuments/Authentications/authentications.cfm" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   73 12/30/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=321 Document Authentication: Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in the U.S. Virgin Islands, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td valign="top" align="left" colspan="2"><a href="http://ltg.gov.vi/" target="_self">Office of the Lieutenant Governor</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="3">Contact Information:</th> <th width="37%">St. Croix</th> <th width="40%">St. Thomas</th> </tr> <tr> <td width="37%">1.340.773.6449; Fax: 1.340.773.0330</td> <td width="37%">1.340.774.2991; Fax: 1.340.774.6953</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="37%">Office of the Lieutenant Governor 1105 King Street, Suite 101 Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI 00820</td> <td width="37%">Office of the Lieutenant Governor #18 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td valign="top" align="left" colspan="2">Please contact the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for assistance. Assistance is also available from the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="Office of Authentications" /> at the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4391" contents="United States Department of State (DOS)" />, which may be reached at 1.202.647.5002 (TDD: 1.202.663.3468).</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Time Difference:</th> <td valign="top" align="left" colspan="2">UTC -4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, D.C.)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentications Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   5 11/30/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=322 Document Authentication: State of Vermont Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Vermont, please contact: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" border="0"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://vermont-archives.org/notary/" target="_self">Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA)</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%" rowspan="2">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.802.828.3287</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Vermont State Archives and Records Administration 1078 U.S. Route 2 - Middlesex Montpelier, VT 05633-7701</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://vermont-archives.org/notary/guide/notary5.htm" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" target="_self" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" target="_self" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" target="_self" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" target="_self" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentication Offices" answer_id="327" target="_self" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" target="_self" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" target="_self" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" target="_self" /></li> </ul>   6 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=323 Document Authentication: State of Washington Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Washington, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/" target="_self">Washington Secretary of State, Corporations Division</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.360.725.0344 or 1.360.725.0345</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Corporations Division Apostille and Certificate Program 801 Capitol Way South PO Box 40228 Olympia, WA 98504</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.wa.gov/corps/apostilles/" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentication Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   124 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=324 Document Authentication: State of Wisconsin Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6046" contents="requirements that must be met" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4221" contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Wisconsin, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.wi.us/" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.608.266.5503</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State Certification Desk 30 West Mifflin Street, 10th Floor Madison, WI 53703</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.state.wi.us/apos_process_policy.htm" target="_self">Forms, fees and procedures</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="1381" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7036" contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="7403" contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="203" contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="327" contents="State Authentication Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="4236" contents="State Vital Records Offices" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6724" contents="State Agencies and Services" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref answer_id="6172" contents="State and Territorial Governments" /></li> </ul>   10 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=325 Document Authentication: State of West Virginia Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in West Virginia, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.wv.gov/" target="_self">Office of the State Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.304.558.6000</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the State Secretary of State Building 1, Suite 157-K 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East Charleston, WV 25305-0770</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://www.sos.wv.gov/business-licensing/authentications/" target="_self">Procedures and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentication Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   16 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=326 Document Authentication: State of Wyoming Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose. This process consists of a series of steps the document must undergo in a specific order and the <rn:answer_xref contents="requirements that must be met" answer_id="6046" /> before it can be considered authenticated. Depending on where it will be used, a document will receive either an apostille or a certification. Generally, the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of the State Secretary of State" answer_id="4221" /> or one of its agencies is responsible for authentications at the state level. These agencies can also provide fee and procedure information, which can vary from state to state. To request the authentication of a document in Wyoming, please contact: <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%"> <tbody valign="top" align="left"> <tr> <th width="25%">Authentication Agency:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://soswy.state.wy.us/" target="_self">Office of the Secretary of State</a></td> </tr> <tr> <th rowspan="2" width="25%">Contact Information:</th> <td width="75%">1.307.777.5346; Fax: 1.307.777.7640</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="75%">Office of the Secretary of State 200 West 24th Street Cheyenne, WY 82002-0020</td> </tr> <tr> <th width="25%">Other Information:</th> <td width="75%"><a href="http://soswy.state.wy.us/AdminServices/AuthenticationOverview.aspx" target="_self">Forms and fees</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="DOS: Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Authentication Offices" answer_id="327" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   6 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=327 State Authentication Offices Authentication is the process of establishing the origin and authenticity of a legal document so that it may be used for a specific purpose, typically abroad. To be considered authenticated, a document must go through a specific sequence of steps and also <rn:answer_xref contents="meet certain requirements" answer_id="6046" />. Depending on the country in which it will be used, the document receives either an apostille or a certification as part of the authentication process. At its simplest, the government office that issued it must first authenticate the legal document. Next, the document must be authenticated by the state in which the person making the request resides. Some states may have additional requirements that must be met, or steps that must be taken, before the state will authenticate a document. As a result, the state authentication office must be contacted before a document is submitted. This is particularly important in cases where the document was issued in one state, and the person requesting its authentication resides in another. Once the state has authenticated the document, it must be submitted to the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of Authentications" answer_id="203" /> at the <rn:answer_xref contents="United States Department of State (DOS)" answer_id="4391" />, which also authenticates the document. The document can only be used abroad after the DOS has authenticated it. State Authentication Offices: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" width="75%" align="center" border="0"> <tbody align="left"> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Alabama" answer_id="215" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Kentucky" answer_id="236" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="North Dakota" answer_id="257" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Alaska" answer_id="214" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Louisiana" answer_id="237" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Ohio" answer_id="295" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Arizona" answer_id="218" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Maine" answer_id="243" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Oklahoma" answer_id="298" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Arkansas" answer_id="216" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Maryland" answer_id="241" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Oregon" answer_id="300" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="California" answer_id="219" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Massachusetts" answer_id="239" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Pennsylvania" answer_id="303" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Colorado" answer_id="220" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Michigan" answer_id="245" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Rhode Island" answer_id="314" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Connecticut" answer_id="221" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Minnesota" answer_id="246" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="South Carolina" answer_id="315" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Delaware" answer_id="223" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Mississippi" answer_id="250" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="South Dakota" answer_id="316" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="District of Columbia" answer_id="222" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Missouri" answer_id="248" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Tennessee" answer_id="317" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Florida" answer_id="224" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Montana" answer_id="255" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Texas" answer_id="318" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Georgia" answer_id="225" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Nebraska" answer_id="258" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Utah" answer_id="319" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Hawaii" answer_id="227" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Nevada" answer_id="262" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Vermont" answer_id="322" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Idaho" answer_id="232" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="New Hampshire" answer_id="259" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Virginia" answer_id="320" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Illinois" answer_id="233" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="New Jersey" answer_id="260" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Washington" answer_id="323" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Indiana" answer_id="234" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="New Mexico" answer_id="261" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="West Virginia" answer_id="325" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Iowa" answer_id="231" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="New York" answer_id="265" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Wisconsin" answer_id="324" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Kansas" answer_id="235" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="North Carolina" answer_id="256" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Wyoming" answer_id="326" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Territorial Authentication Offices: <table style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica" cellspacing="0" width="75%" align="center" border="0"> <tbody align="left"> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="American Samoa" answer_id="217" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Northern Mariana Islands" answer_id="8121" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="U.S. Virgin Islands" answer_id="321" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Guam" answer_id="226" /></td> <td width="30%"><rn:answer_xref contents="Puerto Rico" answer_id="313" /></td> <td width="30%"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> If the State Authentications Office you are seeking is not listed here, please contact the DOS Office of Authentications for guidance. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued in the U.S." answer_id="1381" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Vital Records: Documents Issued Abroad" answer_id="7036" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="Document Authentication: Abroad" answer_id="7403" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Vital Records Offices" answer_id="4236" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State Agencies and Services" answer_id="6724" /></li> <li><rn:answer_xref contents="State and Territorial Governments" answer_id="6172" /></li> </ul>   15185 12/08/2009 Family, Home and Community General Information Reference and General Government Agencies Family, Home and Community Vital Records http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=333 State and Local Services for the Disabled Every state has an agency that oversees assistance for the disabled. Often, these agencies are referred to as <a href="http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/TypeQuery.exe?902" target="_self">vocational rehabilitation offices</a>. They may be based out of state education departments or state social service departments. And they will often have local offices at the county level. State vocational rehabilitation offices offer a wealth of resources for people with disabilities. One of their goals is to prepare people with disabilities for jobs where they can have economic self-sufficiency and personal independence. They can provide guidance, referrals and counseling to disabled people requiring career, financial and/or legal assistance. This includes offering assistance with obtaining employment, transportation (including obtaining a driver's license and/or vehicle), making accessibility modifications to their homes, and more. For more information, please select your state's vocational rehabilitation office below. <table style="FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" width="90%" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.rehab.state.al.us/" target="_self">Alabama</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://ovr.ky.gov/" target="_self">Kentucky</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/disabilities/" target="_self">North Dakota</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.labor.state.ak.us/dvr/" target="_self">Alaska</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.dss.state.la.us/departments/lrs/Vocational_Rehabilitation.html" target="_self">Louisiana</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.rsc.state.oh.us/" target="_self">Ohio</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="https://egov.azdes.gov/CMSInternet/main.aspx?menu=32&id=1984" target="_self">Arizona</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.maine.gov/rehab/" target="_self">Maine</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.okrehab.org/" target="_self">Oklahoma</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.arsinfo.org/" target="_self">Arkansas</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.dors.state.md.us/dors" target="_self">Maryland</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/vr/" target="_self">Oregon</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.rehab.cahwnet.gov/" target="_self">California</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2agencylanding&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Departments+and+Divisions&L3=Massachusetts+Rehabilitation+Commission&sid=Eeohhs2" target="_self">Massachusetts</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/vocational_rehabilitation/10356" target="_self">Pennsylvania</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/dvr/" target="_self">Colorado</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd/0,1607,7-122-25392---,00.html" target="_self">Michigan</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.ors.state.ri.us/" target="_self">Rhode Island</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.ct.gov/dss/site/" target="_self">Connecticut</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.deed.state.mn.us/rehab/" target="_self">Minnesota</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.scvrd.net/" target="_self">South Carolina</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.delawareworks.com/dvr/" target="_self">Delaware</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.mdrs.state.ms.us/" target="_self">Mississippi</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://dhs.sd.gov/" target="_self">South Dakota</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://dhs.dc.gov/dhs/site/" target="_self">District of Columbia</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://dese.mo.gov/vr/" target="_self">Missouri</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.tennessee.gov/humanserv/rehab/vrs.html" target="_self">Tennessee</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.rehabworks.org/" target="_self">Florida</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://vocrehab.mt.gov/" target="_self">Montana</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.dars.state.tx.us/" target="_self">Texas</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.vocrehabga.org/" target="_self">Georgia</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.vocrehab.state.ne.us/" target="_self">Nebraska</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.hsdspd.state.ut.us/" target="_self">Utah</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://hawaiivr.org/" target="_self">Hawaii</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://detr.state.nv.us/rehab/reh_vorh.htm" target="_self">Nevada</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://dcf.vermont.gov/disability_services" target="_self">Vermont</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.vr.idaho.gov/" target="_self">Idaho</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.ed.state.nh.us/education/doe/organization/adultlearning/VR/VR.htm" target="_self">New Hampshire</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.vadrs.org/" target="_self">Virginia</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29736" target="_self">Illinois</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/dvrs/DVRIndex.html" target="_self">New Jersey</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.dshs.wa.gov/" target="_self">Washington</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2636.htm" target="_self">Indiana</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.dvrgetsjobs.com/" target="_self">New Mexico</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.wv.gov/health/disability-resources/" target="_self">West Virginia</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.ivrs.iowa.gov/" target="_self">Iowa</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/" target="_self">New York</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dvr/" target="_self">Wisconsin</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://www.srskansas.org/rehab/" target="_self">Kansas</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://dvr.dhhs.state.nc.us/" target="_self">North Carolina</a></td> <td valign="top" width="30%" align="left"><a href="http://wyomingworkforce.org/vr/" target="_self">Wyoming</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   10839 01/18/2010 Health and Nutrition No Value Jobs and Education Workplace Issues Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=335 Project ACTION <a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/" target="_self">Project Accessible Community Transportation In Our Nation (Project ACTION)</a> is funded through a cooperative agreement between the Easter Seals and the <a href="http://www.fta.dot.gov/" target="_self">Federal Transit Administration (FTA)</a> within the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7916" contents="U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)" />. Project ACTION promotes cooperation between the transportation industry and the disabled community to increase mobility for people with disabilities under the <a href="http://www.ada.gov/" target="_self">Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)</a> and beyond. They offer various resources, as well as training and technical assistance. You may wish to view answers to <a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_faq&s_esLocation=faq_" target="_self">frequently asked questions</a>, or you may wish to contact them by <a href="http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_contactus" target="_self">e-mail</a> or by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.800.659.6428 or 1.202.347.3066 TDD: 1.202.347.7385 Fax: 1.202.737.7914 Project ACTION 1425 K Street NW, Suite 200  Washington, D.C. 20005 Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="191" contents="Enforcers of ADA Regulations" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="198" contents="Transportation for the Disabled" /></li> </ul>   27 12/17/2009 Family, Home and Community Social Services Health and Nutrition No Value Jobs and Education Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=336 Validity of E-mail from the FBI and/or the CIA The <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)" answer_id="8273" /> and <rn:answer_xref contents="Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)" answer_id="6398" /> warn the public to avoid falling victim to a mass e-mail scheme involving unsolicited e-mails supposedly sent by the FBI and/or CIA. These scam e-mails tell the recipients that their Internet use has been monitored by the FBI and/or the CIA and that they have accessed illegal websites. The e-mails then direct recipients to open an attachment and answer questions. The e-mails appear to have been sent from e-mail addresses such as <a href="mailto:mail@fbi.gov" target="_self">mail@fbi.gov</a>, <a href="mailto:post@fbi.gov" target="_self">post@fbi.gov</a>, <a href="mailto:admin@fbi.gov" target="_self">admin@fbi.gov</a> and <a href="mailto:admin@cia.gov" target="_self">admin@cia.gov</a>. There may be other similarly styled addresses. These e-mails did not come from the FBI and/or the CIA. Recipients of this or similar solicitations should know that the FBI and CIA do not engage in the practice of sending unsolicited e-mails to the public in this manner. The FBI also continues to receive reports of fraudulent schemes misrepresenting FBI agents, officials, and/or FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III. The fraudulent e-mails give the appearance of legitimacy due to the usage of pictures of the FBI Director, seal, letterhead, and/or banners. The e-mails may also claim to come from the FBI domestic or overseas offices. If you have received any of these e-mails, please notify the <a href="http://www.ic3.gov/" target="_self">Internet Crime Complaint Center</a>.   1923 01/13/2010 Consumer Issues Scams and Fraud http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=443 The American Council of the Blind The <a href="http://www.acb.org/" target="_self">American Council of the Blind (ACB)</a> strives to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people. Some of the major accomplishments of the ACB include: <ul> <li>Advocating for improved education and rehabilitation services for blind children and adults</li> <li>Advocating for improved healthcare for blind and visually impaired individuals</li> <li>Litigation to preserve and expand employment of blind people as fast-food service operators through the Randolph-Sheppard Act</li> <li>Reauthorization and expansion of the Targeted Jobs Tax Credit legislation, which grants tax benefits to employers who hire people with disabilities</li> <li>Training of airlines personnel on how to serve blind passengers, and implementation of <a href="http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm#anchor63814/" target="_self">Air Carriers Access Act</a>.</li> </ul> You can contact the ACB National Office by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.800.424.8666 or 1.202.467.5081 Fax: 1.703.465.5085 American Council of the Blind  2200 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 650 Arlington, VA 22201   146 12/22/2009 Family, Home and Community Social Services Health and Nutrition No Value Jobs and Education Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=444 The American Foundation for the Blind The <a href="http://www.afb.org/" target="_self">American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)</a> is a national nonprofit that works to "expand possibilities" for people with <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8069" contents="vision loss" target="_self" />. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. In addition to its New York City headquarters and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., the AFB maintains offices in Atlanta; Dallas; Huntington, WV; and San Francisco. AFB also houses the <a href="http://www.afb.org/ead/eadmain.asp" target="_self">Helen Keller Archives</a>. You may wish to contact the AFB by e-mail at <a href="mailto:afbinfo@afb.net">afbinfo@afb.net</a>, or by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.800.AFB.LINE (1.800.232.5463) or 1.212.502.7600 Fax: 1.212.502.7777 American Foundation for the Blind 11 Penn Plaza, Suite 300 New York, NY 10001 <a href="http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=42&TopicID=191" target="_self">Additional contact information</a> is also available. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6389" contents="Federal Tax Materials and Assistance for the Disabled" target="_self" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6843" contents="National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped" target="_self" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="445" contents="The National Federation for the Blind" target="_self" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="443" contents="The American Council of the Blind" target="_self" /></li> </ul>   37 01/25/2010 Health and Nutrition No Value Jobs and Education Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=445 The National Federation of the Blind The <a href="http://www.nfb.org/" target="_self">National Federation of the Blind (NFB)</a> is the largest organization of the blind in America. The NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. The ultimate purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is the complete integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. For more information on programs for the blind, or other matters concerning blindness or the blind, <a href="http://www.nfb.org/nfb/State_and_Local_Organizations.asp?SnID=384001282" target="_self">contact the local chapter in your area</a>. You may also contact their headquarters by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.410.659.9314 Fax: 1.410.685.5653 National Federation of the Blind 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, MD 21230   41 01/04/2010 Reference and General Government Agencies Health and Nutrition No Value Jobs and Education Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=446 The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) The <a href="http://odphp.osophs.dhhs.gov/" target="_self">Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP)</a> puts health professionals and consumers who have health questions in touch with those organizations that are best able to provide answers. Created by <rn:answer_xref contents="Congress" answer_id="1399" /> in 1976, the ODPHP plays a vital role in developing and coordinating a wide range of national disease prevention and health promotion strategies. You may wish to contact the ODPHP by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.240.453.8280 Fax: 1.240.453.8282 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion 1101 Wootton Parkway Suite LL100 Rockville, MD 20852 Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/blog/" target="_self">Be Active Your Way Blog</a></li> </ul>   8 12/17/2009 Health and Nutrition No Value Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=448 The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) The <a href="http://www.asha.org/" target="_self">American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)</a> is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 135,000 members and affiliates who are speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the United States and internationally. The mission of the ASHA is to promote the interests of and provide services for professionals in audiology, speech-language pathology, and speech and hearing science, and to advocate for people with communication disabilities. You may wish to contact the ASHA by e-mail at <a href="mailto:actioncenter@asha.org" target="_self">actioncenter@asha.org</a>, or by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.800.498.2071 (Members) Phone: 1.800.638.8255 (Non-Members) TTY: 1.301.296.5650 Fax: 1.301.296.8580 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association 2200 Research Boulevard Rockville, MD 20850-3289 Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.asha.org/about/governance/exec-updates/062209.htm" target="_self">ASHA's Social Media Tools</a></li> </ul>   15 01/18/2010 Family, Home and Community Social Services Health and Nutrition No Value Jobs and Education Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=452 Filing for Bankruptcy Before filing for bankruptcy, we recommend that you review the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6159" contents="changes to the bankruptcy law" />. If you have questions about filing for bankruptcy, we recommend consulting with a <rn:answer_xref answer_id="5864" contents="licensed attorney" />. A bankruptcy case is commenced by the filing of a petition. You must also file a statement of your assets and liabilities, and schedules listing your creditors. If you choose to file a bankruptcy petition without the assistance of an attorney, you can obtain the required <a href="http://www.uscourts.gov/bkforms/" target="_self">bankruptcy forms</a> online. There is a range of filing fees for bankruptcy cases, depending on the chapter of the bankruptcy code under which you file. For information on the different chapters of the bankruptcy code, please visit the Federal Judiciary's section on <a href="http://www.uscourts.gov/bankruptcycourts/bankruptcybasics.html" target="_self">Bankruptcy Basics</a>. Bankruptcy cases cannot be filed in state court. Bankruptcy cases are handled only on a federal level through one of the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8434" contents="U.S. bankruptcy courts" />. For further information about bankruptcies, or a bankruptcy case, you will need to contact the bankruptcy court that will handle the bankruptcy. Bankruptcy case information can also be found online through the <a href="http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/" target="_self">Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER)</a> system. Please note there is a user fee for accessing information through the PACER system. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6757" contents="Corporate Bankruptcy" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7756" contents="United States Trustee Program" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7370" contents="Consolidating Debt" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7464" contents="Mortgage Foreclosure" /></li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8489" contents="Help for People Having Trouble Paying Their Taxes" /></li> </ul>   36041 01/25/2010 Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Money Consumer Issues General Information Public Safety and Law Laws http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=478 Per Diem Rates Certain provisions of the <a href="http://www.gsa.gov/federaltravelregulation/" target="_self">Federal Travel Regulation (FTR)</a> governing the authorization of actual subsistence expenses for official travel (both temporary duty and relocation) are temporarily waived in the following counties and other areas impacted by the recent severe storms and flooding in the state of North Dakota: Adams, Barnes, Benson, Billings, Burleigh, Cass, Cavalier, Dickey, Dunn, Emmons, Foster, Grand Forks, Grant, Hettinger, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, McKenzie, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Nelson, Oliver, Pembina, Ramsey, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Sioux, Stark, Stutsman, Walsh, Williams and the Standing Rock and Spirit Lake Indian Reservations. These changes went into effect on the date of the <a href="http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=11269" target="_self">Presidential Emergency Declaration</a>, March 24, 2009, affecting the above-referenced counties in North Dakota. <hr /> Per diem is the allowance for lodging (excluding taxes, meals and incidental expenses) for federal government employees and contractors. The <a href="http://www.gsa.gov/" target="_self">General Services Administration (GSA)</a> establishes per diem rates for destinations within the Continental United States (CONUS). The CONUS lodging per diem rates are based upon an annual survey of the local lodging industry in each of the approximately 400 locations throughout the country. All rates are evaluated to ensure that they are fair and equitable in the GSA and <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7051" contents="Office of Management and Budget (OMB)" /> approval process. For information, please visit GSA's <a href="http://www.gsa.gov/perdiem/" target="_self">domestic per diem rates web page</a>. The 2010 CONUS per diem rates are now available on the GSA per diem web page. You may wish to view the <a href="http://www.gsa.gov/graphics/ogp/FTR_Per_Diem_Bulletin_10-1.pdf" target="_self">Federal Register bulletin announcing the new rates</a> (.PDF document). To search for the per diem rates in your area, please visit USA.gov's <a href="http://usasearch.gov/search?v%3aproject=firstgov-perdiem&v%3aframe=form&frontpage=1&" target="_self">Per Diem Explorer</a>. Enter your city and state to obtain local rates. The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7911" contents="Department of Defense (DOD)" /> establishes the non-contiguous U.S. per diem rates for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and other non-foreign locations. To view these rates, please visit the DOD's <a href="http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/" target="_self">Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee's web page</a>. In addition, the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4391" contents="Department of State (DOS)" /> establishes the foreign rates, such as those for Russia, Aruba, the Bahamas and Europe. Maximum rates of <a href="http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=184&menu_id=78" target="_self">per diem allowances for travel in foreign areas</a> apply to U.S. government employees, eligible dependents, and contractors for daily expenses while on official business. Please note: To view and print .PDF documents, you must use the <a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/" target="_self">Adobe Reader software</a>, which is available for download without charge.   5457 01/26/2010 Jobs and Education Jobs Workplace Issues http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=479 Doing Business with the General Services Administration (GSA) Under the <a href="http://www.gsa.gov/schedules/" target="_self">Schedules Program</a> within the <rn:answer_xref contents="General Services Administration (GSA)" answer_id="8071" />, GSA establishes long-term government-wide contracts that allow customers to acquire a vast array of supplies and services directly from commercial suppliers. To become a GSA Schedule contractor, a vendor must first submit an offer in response to the applicable GSA Schedule solicitation. The first step in getting started is to identify the GSA Schedule solicitation that covers your supplies or services. This step may be accomplished by any of the following methods: <ul> <li>Review the <a href="http://www.gsa.gov/schedulesolicitations/" target="_self">GSA Schedule Solicitations</a>. Click on the appropriate Solicitation Number to be linked directly to the solicitation files in <a href="https://www.fbo.gov/" target="_self">FedBizOpps</a>. Download the solicitation and follow the instructions in the document. <ul> <li>Note: The GSA Schedule Solicitations page also identifies those schedules that accept offers using <a href="http://eoffer.gsa.gov/" target="_self">eOffer</a>, which allows vendors to prepare and submit their offers electronically.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Search the <a href="http://www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov/" target="_self">Schedules e-Library</a> by keyword to identify supplies or services covered by GSA Schedules. Click on any Schedule number under the "Source" column to view descriptions of the generic categories of supplies or services. <ul> <li>Click on the box, "Vendors: Click here to view the current solicitation on FedBizOpps." Download the solicitation and follow the instructions in the document. </li> </ul> </li> <li>Visit <a href="https://www.fbo.gov/" target="_self">FedBizOpps</a> to obtain a copy of the GSA Schedule solicitation. Follow the instructions in the solicitation document.</li> </ul>   3944 12/30/2009 Businesses and Nonprofits No Value Jobs and Education Jobs http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=480 Reentering the Workforce after Prison The <a href="http://reentry.gov/" target="_self">Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative (PRI)</a> is a program supported by the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7913" contents="Department of Justice (DOJ)" />, <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/" target="_self">Office of Justice Programs (OJP)</a> and its federal partners: the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="205" contents="Department of Education (ED)" />, <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6906" contents="Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)" />, <rn:answer_xref answer_id="2899" contents="Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)" /> and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4065" contents="Department of Labor (DOL)" />. PRI is designed to help strengthen urban communities and assist ex-prisoners reentering the community through an employment-based program that incorporates housing, mentoring, job training, and other services. It was also designed to draw on the strengths of <a href="http://www.dol.gov/cfbci/" target="_self">faith-based and community-based organizations</a>, and rely on them as a primary partner for social service delivery to ex-prisoners by providing a direct link into the communities to which they are returning. At the national level, many federal and corporate partners participate in the Partnership for Prisoner Re-Entry to provide guidance and support for the initiative. Additional information is available on the DOL's <a href="http://www.doleta.gov/pri/" target="_self">PRI web page</a>. You may also wish to access the <a href="http://www.reentryresources.ncjrs.gov/" target="_self">Re-Entry Resource Map website</a>, which provides information on resources at the federal, state, and local levels that are relevant to the field of re-entry. The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="228" contents="CareerOneStop" /> website offers links to <a href="http://www.acinet.org/crl/library.aspx?LVL2=69&LVL3=n&LVL1=39&CATID=474&id=14&nodeid=&PostVal=3" target="_self">state ex-offender assistance programs</a>. Being an ex-offender does not prevent you from obtaining federal employment. The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="3917" contents="Office of Personnel Management (OPM)" target="_self" />, or the hiring agency, considers your criminal conduct in determining your suitability, but there are no general prohibitions against hiring you. A number of relevant factors are considered, such as the duties of the positions you have applied for, the nature and timing of the misconduct, and any evidence of rehabilitation. Please note that there are some regulations that will prohibit you from working in certain positions if you have a specific conviction. It is important for you to provide all the required information about your criminal record when you apply for federal employment. For more information, please call OPM at 1.202.606.1800 (TTY: 1.202.606.2532). The <a href="http://www.unicor.gov/about/about_fpi_programs/inmate_transition/ippfbprogram.cfm" target="_self">UNICOR Federal Bonding program</a> is designed to provide theft insurance to employers who hire ex-federal offenders. The Inmate Transition branch of the Federal Bureau of Prisons/UNICOR administers the program. Bonding coverage up to $5,000 is available to employers that hire ex-federal offenders. On April 9, 2008, the <a href="http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.110hr1593" target="_self">Second Chance Act of 2007</a> was signed into law. The Second Chance Act is aimed at helping transform lives and building safer communities by helping prisoners who are returning to society break cycles of crime and start new lives. The legislation formally authorizes key elements of the Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative. Additionally, the Second Chance Act enhances drug treatment, mentoring, and transitional services for ex-offenders through partnerships with local corrections agencies and faith-based and community organizations.   2054 01/28/2010 http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=515 Complaints: Federal or State Government Agencies If you wish to file a complaint against a federal or state government agency, please contact the agency directly. You may wish to view <a href="http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/" target="_self">contact information for federal agencies</a>, <a href="http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/State_and_Territories.shtml" target="_self">state or territorial government home pages</a> or <a href="http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/State_and_Territories/Agencies_by_Topic.shtml" target="_self">state agencies by topic</a>. If you have been unable to resolve an issue with a federal government agency, contact the office of the <rn:answer_xref contents="Inspector General (IG)" answer_id="7639" /> of that agency. IGs examine the actions of government agencies and military organizations and perform inspections and investigations. You may report misconduct or criminal activity by an agency directly to that agency's IG. You can also contact your congressional representative's constituent services office in your district. Often, the constituent services division of a congressional office is able to intercede on their constituents' behalf. A Senator or Representative may be able to assist you by making an inquiry with the agency about your case or asking the agency to review or expedite a decision. Complete details can be found on his or her website, usually in the "Services" section. To locate a <a href="http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm" target="_self">Senator's contact information</a> or website, please visit <a href="http://www.senate.gov/" target="_self">Senate.gov</a>. In the upper right-hand corner, select your state from the drop down box. To locate a <a href="https://writerep.house.gov/" target="_self">Representative's contact information</a> or website, please visit <a href="http://www.house.gov/" target="_self">House.gov</a>. In the upper left-hand corner, enter your ZIP code to bring up a list of local Representatives. You can also obtain contact information for the Senate and House by calling the United States Capitol Switchboard at 1.202.224.3121.   4363 12/09/2009 Consumer Issues Complaints Reference and General Government Agencies http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1252 Census Bureau Individual Birth Records The United States <a href="http://www.census.gov/" target="_self">Census Bureau</a> does not keep copies or records of individual birth records. Census does, however, provide an Age Search Service in which they will search the confidential records from the federal population censuses of 1910 to 2000 and issue an official transcript of the results. These transcripts, which may contain information on a person's age, sex, race, state or country of birth, and relationship to the householder, can then be used as evidence to qualify for <rn:answer_xref contents="Social Security and other retirement benefits" answer_id="7275" />, in making <rn:answer_xref contents="passport" answer_id="5647" /> applications, to prove relationship in settling estates, in <rn:answer_xref contents="genealogy research" answer_id="45" />, etc., or to satisfy other situations where a birth or other certificate may be needed but is not available. To access information on Age Search transcripts including necessary forms, please visit the <a href="http://www.census.gov/genealogy/www/data/agesearch/" target="_self">Census Bureau Age Search website</a>. This website also contains fee information for this service. If you have further questions, please contact the Census Bureau's National Processing Center at 1.812.218.3046.   3115 01/26/2010 Statistics http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1261 College Tuition and Student Loans The financial aid office of the institution you plan to attend or are currently attending is often the best resource for information about paying tuition bills for higher education. By contacting the financial aid office you will be able to find out what federal, state, and private loans, grants, or scholarships you can apply for. <a href="http://studentaid.ed.gov/" target="_self">Federal Student Aid</a> is an office of the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="205" contents="U.S. Department of Education (ED)" />, and it plays a central and essential role in America's postsecondary education community. Federal Student Aid's <a href="https://studentaid2.ed.gov/getmoney/fin_aid_wizard/" target="_self">Financial Aid Wizard</a> can plan out your entire financial package online. In seven steps the wizard will calculate everything you need for the schools you are interested in. The Federal Student Aid Information Center can be reached by phone at 1.800.4FED.AID (1.800.433.3243). The federal <a href="http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/" target="_self">Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA)</a> is the first step in the financial aid application process. <a href="http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/06/06242009.html" target="_self">Changes in the FAFSA form were announced in June 2009.</a> Starting in 2010, the form will be simplified and applicants will only be presented with questions relevant to them based upon previous answers. People using the online form will also be able to use information that the IRS already has. For more information, please visit the following websites: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ed.gov/finaid/info/apply/simplification.html" target="_self">New FAFSA Fact Sheet</a> - explains the simplifications of the new FAFSA form.</li> <li><a href="http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/faqs.jsp" target="_self">Frequently Asked Questions</a> - answers the most commonly asked questions about FAFSA.</li> <li><a href="http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/" target="_self">FAFSA4caster</a> - teaches high school juniors about the financial aid process. When you are ready to apply for aid, you can easily transition from FAFSA4caster to FAFSA on the web.</li> </ul> There are many other sources of financial aid, some of which are listed below: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7522" contents="Federal Pell Grants" /> are a form of financial aid that helps students pursue an undergraduate degree and do not have to be repaid.</li> <li> <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7454" contents="Scholarships" /> provide free funds to individuals who, for example, demonstrate high academic achievement, outstanding athletic abilities or are musically talented and have the desire to further their education.</li> <li>A <a href="http://www.ed.gov/programs/fws/" target="_self">Federal Work-Study</a> program provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.  </li> <li>The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7592" contents="Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL)" /> is a public-private partnership created by Congress to deliver and administer guaranteed education loans for students and their parents.</li> <li><a href="http://www.educationusa.info/" target="_self">EducationUSA</a> provides information on finding and applying to accredited colleges or universities in addition to finding financial aid.</li> <li>The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6481" contents="Sallie Mae Corporation" /> provides federal and private student loans, including consolidation loans, for undergraduate and graduate students and their parents.</li> <li>The <rn:answer_xref answer_id="7038" contents="American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI)" /> is a federal assistance program that seeks to strengthen innovation and education in the U.S. by improving mathematics, science and foreign language studies.</li> <li><a href="http://www.gibill.va.gov/" target="_self">Educational benefits for veterans</a> includes general information about the GI bill and application procedures. It is available from the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="8281" contents="Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)" />.</li> <li>State Grant Agencies and State Education Agencies can help you find financial assistance for college. <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/" target="_self">Contact your state Department of Education</a> to locate contact information for these agencies.</li> <li><a href="http://www.students.gov/" target="_self">Students.gov</a> is the student gateway to the U.S. Government. It provides answers to questions on education, career, government and more. </li> <li><a href="http://www.govbenefits.gov/" target="_self">GovBenefits.gov</a> is the official government benefits website, encompassing more than 400 federal and 600 state programs funded by various agencies. This site allows you to complete a confidential questionnaire and receive a list of programs that may apply to your situation.</li> <li><a href="http://www.disability.gov/" target="_self">Disability.gov</a> is the official portal to information and resources for people with disabilities.</li> </ul> To do the math for college costs, savings, and loans you can use the <a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/add-it-up/401.html" target="_self">college financial calculators</a>. The information you enter is secure and completely confidential. For additional resources on general financial aid information, please visit:  <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ed.gov/students/college/aid/edpicks.jhtml" target="_self">Editor's Picks - Explore Financial Aid</a></li> <li><a href="http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/attachments/siteresources/At_a_Glance.pdf" target="_self">Federal Student Aid at a Glance</a> (.PDF document)</li> <li><a href="http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/lsa/index.html" target="_self">Looking for Student Aid</a>  </li> <li><a href="http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/index.html" target="_self">Financial Aid Resource Publications</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/students/topic/" target="_self">Tax Information for Students</a></li> </ul> Please note: To view and print .PDF documents, you must use the <a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/" target="_self">Adobe Reader software</a>, which is available for download without charge.   83564 02/01/2010 Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Benefits and Grants Jobs and Education Education More Topics Current Events http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1262 Tuition Assistance: Job Retraining and Vocational Education There are several resources you may want to consult to determine what assistance may be available to pay for vocational or technical training. However, the best thing to do is to contact your school's financial aid office. The financial aid office can provide specific information on loans, grants, and <rn:answer_xref contents="scholarships" answer_id="7454" />, as well as application procedures. You may wish to contact your local employment office, which is listed in your local phone book. This office can provide information on training programs that are available and general information on costs and payment options. Next, contact your <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/" target="_self">state department of education</a>. That department can provide information about any state-sponsored programs that may be available and referrals to other possible local sources of funding. Finally, contact the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of Vocational and Adult Education" answer_id="5828" /> through the <rn:answer_xref contents="U.S. Department of Education" answer_id="205" />. This office can provide information about federally-funded vocational and adult education programs in which you may be eligible to participate. Veterans If you are a veteran, you may also want to contact the <rn:answer_xref contents="Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)" answer_id="8281" />, which offers many programs designed to assist veterans. Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Educational Opportunities for Unemployed Workers" answer_id="8550" /></li> </ul>   17279 12/30/2009 Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Benefits and Grants Jobs and Education Jobs Education http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1263 Financial Assistance to Study Overseas For U.S. students who want to learn more about <rn:answer_xref contents="receiving financial aid" answer_id="1261" /> to <rn:answer_xref contents="study abroad" answer_id="6824" />, the <rn:answer_xref contents="U.S. Department of State (DOS)" answer_id="4391" /> offers some ideas and links to helpful <a href="http://exchanges.state.gov/student.html" target="_self">Study Abroad Resources</a> from the <rn:answer_xref contents="Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)" answer_id="2263" />. You may wish to contact the ECA by phone or mail at: Phone: 1.202-632-6445 Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Department of State  2200 C Street NW  Washington, D.C. 20522 You might also want to visit <a href="http://www.educationusa.info/" target="_self">EducationUSA</a> to learn more about what financial assistance is available for studying overseas. Additionally, valuable links that can <a href="http://www.students.gov/" target="_self">help students find financial aid</a> to study abroad are available. Remember, when trying to determine what assistance may be available to pay for college, it is best to contact the school's financial aid office. The financial aid office can provide specific information on loans, grants, and <rn:answer_xref contents="scholarships" answer_id="7454" />, as well as application procedures. You may want to also consult the guidance counselor at your school; he or she should be able to provide more information about study abroad programs.   35 12/03/2009 Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Benefits and Grants Jobs and Education Education http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1268 Statistics: Elections There are four different organizations that may provide information on election statistics: <ol> <li>The <a href="http://clerk.house.gov/" target="_self">House of Representatives' Office of the Clerk</a> collects and publishes the <a href="http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/election.html" target="_self">official vote counts for federal elections</a> from the official sources among the various <rn:answer_xref contents="states and territories" answer_id="6172" />.</li> <li>The <a href="http://www.fec.gov/" target="_self">Federal Election Commission (FEC)</a> provides data on campaign finance for both <a href="http://www.fec.gov/DisclosureSearch/mapApp.do" target="_self">Presidential Elections</a> and <a href="http://www.fec.gov/DisclosureSearch/mapHSApp.do" target="_self">House and Senate Elections</a>. You may call the FEC at 1.800.424.9530 for general election information or to request publications.</li> <li>The <a href="http://www.eac.gov/" target="_self">Election Assistance Commission (EAC)</a> provides data on <a href="http://www.eac.gov/clearinghouse/voter-turnout-and-statistics/" target="_self">voter turnout and statistics</a>.</li> <li>For local or state elections, you may wish to contact your <rn:answer_xref contents="state election office" answer_id="8317" /> for information. </li> </ol> Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.fedstats.gov/" target="_self">FedStats.gov</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.data.gov/" target="_self">Data.gov</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Reference_Shelf/Data.shtml" target="_self">Data and Statistics Resources from USA.gov</a></li> </ul>   -544 11/05/2009 Reference and General Government Statistics http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1272 Rebuilding after a Natural Disaster There are several agencies you may want to contact to find out what assistance may be available if you are a victim of a natural disaster. Start by contacting the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4434" contents="Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)" />, which provides assistance for people whose homes were damaged or destroyed by a disaster and assistance for people who lost their jobs as a result of a disaster.  You can also contact your <a href="http://www.fema.gov/about/contact/statedr.shtm" target="_self">State Emergency Management Office</a>, which provides assistance through state programs and local resources and emergency medical services for disaster victims. Contact your local chapter of the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="4125" contents="American Red Cross" />, which can provide direct assistance, such as food, shelter, and clothing, and help in contacting family members who are affected by a natural disaster. You will also want to check with the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="2899" contents="Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)" /> and the <rn:answer_xref answer_id="6362" contents="Department of Homeland Security (DHS)" />. They have <a href="http://www.hud.gov/news/release.cfm?content=pr09-017.cfm" target="_self">recently offered additional support</a> to those affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita as well as those affected in the 2008 hurricane season. Additional Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=diap&topic=landing" target="_self">Disaster Assistance Program</a> - Get information on available assistance for drought, fire, flood, storm, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, volcanic eruption, crop disease, livestock disease, and pest infestation.</li> <li><a href="http://www.disasterassistance.gov/" target="_self">DisasterAssistance.Gov</a> - This website provides information to serve the public's requirement for assistance, and the government's requirement to provide disaster information and services.</li> <li><a href="http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/resources.shtm" target="_self">FEMA Rebuilding Resources</a> - The FEMA rebuilding resources web page offers information on repairing your flooded home, removing mold from your home, information and guidance on building safer and more.</li> <li><a href="http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/" target="_self">U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)</a> - The SBA provides low interest disaster loans to a variety of people and organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster.</li> </ul>   7452 11/23/2009 Family, Home and Community Housing Benefits, Grants, Money and Taxes Benefits and Grants Environment, Energy and Agriculture Natural Disasters http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1277 Obtaining a Job in a Federal Building All federal employment matters are handled through the <rn:answer_xref contents="Office of Personnel Management (OPM)" answer_id="3917" />. You cannot apply for federal jobs at federal buildings. To learn about federal job openings, including openings at a particular location, contact the OPM. The OPM will handle your application, not an office within a particular federal building. Information on federal employment is available from the <a href="http://www.usajobs.gov/" target="_self">Federal Employment Information System</a>, 24 hours per day at 1.703.724.1850 or 1.978.461.8404 (TDD). Additional Resources: <ul> <li> <rn:answer_xref contents="Federal Government Employment" answer_id="1291" /></li> <li><a href="http://www.usajobs.gov/" target="_self">Federal Job Openings Database - USAJOBS</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/employ/govtjob/fedjob.htm" target="_self">How to Get a Job in the Federal Government</a> </li> </ul>   4857 01/25/2010 Jobs and Education Jobs http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1279 Statistics: Federal Data <a href="http://www.fedstats.gov/" target="_self">FedStats.gov</a> compiles statistical data from over 100 federal agencies and provides information on federal agencies' reporting expenditures of at least $500,000 per year in one or more statistical activities.