How to Certify Copy Document

Copy Certification Overview

Copy certification is a notarial act in which a Notary verifies that a photocopy is a complete and accurate reproduction of an original document. Not all states authorize Notaries to perform this service, so it is important to follow the laws of the state where the notarization takes place.

General Process

1. The document owner presents the original document and requests a certified copy.
2. The Notary compares the original to the photocopy to ensure they are identical. In some states, the Notary must personally make or supervise the copying process.
3. The Notary completes a copy certification certificate stating that the copy is a true, accurate, and complete reproduction of the original document.

Important Restrictions

• Not every state permits Notaries to certify copies.
• Many states prohibit certification of:
  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
  • Death certificates
  • Court records
  • Publicly recorded documents
  • Other government-issued records

These records generally must be obtained as certified copies directly from the government agency that maintains them.