Notary Copy Certification for Apostille Authentication: What You Need to Know
Introduction to Copy Certification.
In some cases, in order to obtain an apostille, you will need to provide a notarized copy of the original document with a notary copy certification.
A notary copy certification is a type of notarization that verifies the authenticity of a copy of an original document. This notarization is often required for documents that are being submitted for apostille authentication, which is a process that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in another country.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what a notary copy certification is, why it’s important for apostille authentication, and how to obtain one.
What is a Notary Copy Certification?
A notary copy certification is a certification that verifies the authenticity of a copy of an original document. It is typically performed by a notary public, who attests that the copy is a true and accurate representation of the original document. This certification is different from a certified copy, which is a copy of a document that has been certified by the government or another authorized entity.
A certified copy is much different than a copy certification in the fact that it is an exact replica of a document, such as a birth certificate, marriage license, or diploma, that is already on file with an official custodian. A certified copy bears the seal or signature of the custodian who attests that the copy is true and correct. A certified copy can be used as proof of the information contained in the original document.
A few examples of Certified Copy documents:
- Vital Records such as Birth, Death, and Marriage certificates
- Divorce Decrees
- Court Orders
- School Transcripts
- Recorded Documents
Why Do You Need a Notary Copy Certification for Apostille Authentication?
Apostille authentication is a certificate, issued by the Idaho Secretary of State, that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in another country. Many countries require an apostille for documents such as driver’s licenses, passports, utility bills, and diplomas, to name a few.
In some cases, to obtain an apostille, you will need to provide a notarized copy of the original document, with a notary copy certification.
You may need copy certifications for many purposes including:
- Traveling to foreign countries, passports and visas
- Buying or Selling real estate, power of attorney
- Doing business overseas, Import and Export of goods
- Education opportunities
- Relocation or living abroad
- Opening bank accounts
- Adoption
What are the requirements for a Copy Certification by the notary?
A copy of a document or other record may need to have an Idaho notary public certify or attest that it is a complete, true, and accurate copy of the original.
There is no need for the notary to demand the presence of any specific person, nor is the notary required to identify anyone in connection with the notarial act of certifying a copy, as the notary is not verifying a signature.
Types of Documents that Require a Notary Copy Certification for Apostille Authentication.
There are a variety of documents that may require a notary copy certification for apostille authentication.
Some examples of what can be copy certified in Idaho are:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Bills or Invoices Photographs
- Driver’s Licenses
- Employee ID Cards
- Passports Diplomas Certificates or Awards
- Personal Documents
- Professional Licenses
- Student ID Cards
Types of Documents that Cannot Be Copy Certified in the State of Idaho by a Notary Public.
It’s important to note that not all documents can be copy certified by a notary public in the state of Idaho. Idaho law specifically prohibits notaries from certifying certain types of documents.
This is not a comprehensive list, but it includes most of the frequently requested documents:
- Adoption Records
- Any record indicating the copy is “void” may not qualify for a certified copy
- Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, or divorce decrees.
- Court Documents: Divorce decrees, court orders, or judgments.
- FBI Fingerprint Cards
- Motor Vehicle Titles
- Recorded Documents
- School transcriptions
What are the types of Certifications?
Certification of Copy and Certification by Document Custodian are two different types of certifications used to verify the authenticity of documents. Here are the key differences between the two.
Certification of Copy:
A “certification of copy” is a certification by a notary public or other authorized individual that a copy of an original document is a true and accurate representation of the original.
It is typically used when a person needs to provide a copy of a document, but the original is required to remain in the owner’s possession. The certified copy can be used in place of the original.
Certification by Document Custodian:
Certification by Document Custodian, on the other hand, is a certification that a document is the original, or that a copy of the original is accurate and complete. This is made by the person who has custody of the original or copy, such as a custodian of records or another designated individual.
While both types serve a similar purpose, they differ in their scope. The copy certification is used by the notary public to certify that the copy of the original document is authentic. While Certification by Document requires the custodian to certify that their copy is a true, exact, complete, and unaltered copy of the original.
It’s important to understand the differences between these two certifications to ensure that you are using the correct type of certification for your needs. If you are unsure which certification to use, it’s best to consult with a legal professional or authorized individual to determine the appropriate course of action.
Copy Certification in Summary
In this blog post, we explored the concept of “notary copy certification,” which is a notarization that verifies the authenticity of a copy of an original document. We talk about how this certification is different from a certified copy and what kinds of documents need it to get an apostille.
Driver’s licenses, passports, and academic transcripts are all examples of documents that may need some form of copy certification. We also explain what a notary copy certification is and what kinds of documents a notary public in the state of Idaho can and cannot copy certify. We also explain the difference between certification of copy and certification by document custodian and why it’s important to use the right type of certification for your needs.
Do you need a Copy Certification for an Apostille Authentication?
Idaho Mobile Notary & Apostille provides mobile notary services for individuals and companies needing copy certification for a wide variety of document types in the Treasure Valley. Call or make an appointment, and we will come to you!
Idaho Mobile Notary is located in the Treasure Valley servicing the counties of Ada, Canyon, Gem, Idaho, Boise, Washington and Payette. Including the cities of Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, Middleton and Kuna. Learn More about Jim Allen, Mobile Notary
We can be reached by calling 208-258-0285 or using the chat box in the lower right of the webiste.
Jim Allen
Mobile Notary Since 2018
🤙🏻 Call/Text: 208-258-0258
📧 Email: jim@idaholsa.com
Frequently Asked Questions about Idaho Notary Copy Certifications:
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| What is a notary copy certification? | A notary copy certification is a type of notarization that verifies the authenticity of a copy of an original document, often required for documents that are being submitted for apostille authentication. |
| Why do you need a notary copy certification for apostille authentication? | Apostille authentication is a process that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in another country. In some cases, to obtain an apostille, you will need to provide a notarized copy of the original document with a notary copy certification. |
| What are the types of documents that require a notary copy certification for apostille authentication? | Some examples of documents that may require a notary copy certification for apostille authentication are driver’s licenses, passports, academic transcripts, and bills or invoices, among others. |
| What are the requirements for a copy certification by the notary? | A copy of a document or other record may need to have an Idaho notary public certify or attest that it is a complete, true, and accurate copy of the original. There is no need for the notary to demand the presence of any specific person, nor is the notary required to identify anyone in connection with the notarial act of certifying a copy, as the notary is not verifying a signature. |
| What are the types of certifications? | Certification of Copy and Certification by Document Custodian are two different types of certifications used to verify the authenticity of documents. Certification of Copy is a certification by a notary public or other authorized individual that a copy of an original document is a true and accurate representation of the original, while Certification by Document Custodian is a certification that a document is the original or that a copy of the original is accurate and complete. |
