Certification of Documents by A Notary Public

On occasions I've been asked to certify documents.  I just wanted to take this opportunity to clear things up so people can have a better understanding of what a Notary Public can and can NOT certify.  In the State of California, a Notary Public can certify copies of Power of Attorney document or otherwise known as a POA and Notary Journal entries ONLY.  Everything else can not be certified by a Notary Public.  Example of such documents which can NOT be certified are:

• Marriage Certificates
• Birth Certificates
• Death Certificates
• Divorce Certificates

If the custodian of a document needs to certify copies of certain documents; he can certify to the fact that he is attaching a true, correct and complete copies of that original document.  After which he must sign the form where he is making the certification, then he can have the signature notarized by a Notary Public.  But the custodian is the one who must select which type of notarization they want (Acknowledgement or Jurat).  A Notary Public can not make that determination.  The above mentioned vital records can NOT be certified, no exceptions.  Copies of the vital records can only be obtain from the originator, usually through the county clerk.

If you have any questions or concern and need further clarifications please feel free to contact me anytime, I am here to serve you.  My notary service is located in San Jose bordering the city of Milpitas, I also cover Fremont.  Although these are my main coverage area I am not limited to these cities.  Please see my coverage area.