Certified Copies for Birth, Passport, Diplomas and more...

What can a Notary certify?

A notary can generally only certify your identity (by ID) and your willingness to sign a document, thats all. 

A notary is not the issuer of a passport or a birth certificate. They are also not the authority that holds records of these important documents. So really, a notary cannot certify their accuracy. Foreign or private entities may not consider this when requesting the documents…

Instead, you, the signer, may certify by a sworn statement the validity of the document.  This is a very common strategy our clients have used to satisfy their agencies.

 Ultimately, a notary is unqualified to give legal advice. With tens of thousands of entities, we cannot never really know what a receiving agency desires, especially internationally. It’s best to find clarity with them in advance.  Also take measures to seek qualified legal advice from an attorney if necessary.

San Diego Notary, a jurat certificate form with affirmation statement

Limitations on Notary for Certified Copies

Universities and foreign agencies often request “Certified Copies” of birth certificates, passports, and marriage certificates amongst other official records. As these receiving agencies have their own expectations for “Certification”, it is best to speak with them directly about exactly what they need. Notaries or officials in their jurisdictions may have different powers that California does not allow our notaries to perform. In other countries, a ‘notary’ may often be a high-ranking official, attorney, or judge that provide services or powers that we cannot. As notaries are not the official record holders or authorities for these documents, a notary is not allowed to authenticate these records. We are not attorneys, we are unable to provide legal advice. We also cannot know the procedures for international or domestic agencies. It is best to be in contact with them directly.

A notary is unable to declare the authenticity of a document but they are able to notarize the following documents:

Common document descriptions notarized:

  • Sworn Statements concerning “True and Accurate copy of Passport”
  • Sworn Statements concerning “True and Correct copy of Birth Certificate”
  • Sworn Statements concerning “Marriage License Declaration statement”
  • Declaration of “True Copy of Official College Transcript”
  • Declaration of “Official License”

Ok, we can certify one document.

A notary is able to certify a copy of “Power of Attorney”


This is one of the few notarial acts concerning “Certified Copies” that a California notary public can perform. it is a rigid process that requires a word for word review of the original power of attorney to ensure that it is in fact an exact copy.

 

California Palm Trees against a blue sky

The Best Experience Ever

“We cannot tell the future. We can tell the future who we will be,
and how we will respond to it.”

Notary is not so much about us, so much as it is about you. At some point you will arrive at an important and pivotal moment. It may be difficult, it may be exciting, it may be creative and hopeful.

The signatures and fingerprints within our records have imagined and built the San Diego Skyline. They have created thriving communities worldwide in previously impoverished and hopeless places. They have built families and protected legacies.

We serve as an ambassador for people moving forward confidently in their decisions. We empower and protect their intentions. We are an adventure company as people make history, change the future, and stand tall in what they believe. These are people that are committed and all in.

This work is extremely important to us. We are genuine, proactive, and deliver excellence unto fulfillment. The moment we join together on a transaction, we ensure we provide our very best work for you. Long before we ever we meet, we are preparing, we are proof-checking the paperwork, we are planning an incredible experience without surprises. This means your appointments are swift and protected, We often finish your appointments minutes before they were ever scheduled. Your time and your plans matter to us. You’ve got places to be in this world.

We are not robots, we are real people that deliver a personable and incredible work. We’re on your team as you change your world! You have aligned with your integrity, and now you will leave your mark defining how you will be identified. You’re saying, “This is who I  am”. Learn how we can serve you with your transaction at sdsignings.com 

-Patrick Hall

Schedule your notary appointment >>