Posted by Irina Nyu on 2/1/10 3:29pm
Msg #320586

Notarizing the documents

Hello,

My question is
Is a notary public allowed to notarize a copy of a Birth Certificate or Marriage Licence?
I couldn't find any information about this question. When I asked one notary if she could notarize my copy of Birth Certificate, she refused me. I think she was confused with certified copy and simple notarized copy.

Thank you for the help!

Reply by LKT/CA on 2/1/10 3:40pm
Msg #320587

<<<My question is
Is a notary public allowed to notarize a copy of a Birth Certificate or Marriage Licence?>>>

NO, the other notary is correct. Those certificates are vital records. The answer to this IS in the handbook. Get to know the handbook well. http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notary/forms/notary-handbook-2009.pdf

If you need copies of your birth certificate or marriage license, you must order certified ones directly from the source. Here's a suggested place: www.vitalchek.com

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/1/10 3:50pm
Msg #320589

I was about to answer pretty much the same thing and hit the wrong key and it vaporized... (Maybe it's just as well. Your response was nicer, Lisa...)

One other point: we only notarize signatures, not documents, so the statement about it being a "simple notarized copy" vs a certified copy is moot.

And I'd like to re-emphasize what was said above about knowing your handbook well. This is something that a CA notary public should know!

Reply by jba/fl on 2/1/10 3:53pm
Msg #320591

I was wondering if she was a notary or a customer who had been refused.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/1/10 4:02pm
Msg #320594

Actually, me too....

That was in the first sentence of the message that disappeared into cyberspace.

To the original poster, sorry for the tone if that's the case, but hopefully you at least got the answer you were looking for. And if you ARE a notary, *please* go read your manual a few more times.

Reply by Alz on 2/1/10 4:03pm
Msg #320595

The Notary handbook is invaluable, if used.

I personally have three copies. One of which I keep in my briefcase at all times.

Reply by Laura_V on 2/1/10 7:32pm
Msg #320618

Re: The Notary handbook is invaluable, if used.

I totally super ultra extra agree.

But many states have a two page handbook. Honest.

AZ's handbook boggles my mind. Check it out.

Another "shocking but true" post.

Reply by ikando on 2/2/10 7:34pm
Msg #320889

Re: The Notary handbook is invaluable, if used.

Oklahoma has a 2-sided 11 x 14 paper as the "notary handbook," and most of it is the state seal.

I wonder if I could possibly get a copy of the CA notary handbook, or any state that has a more substantive explanation of the requirements and rules used for notaries. I'm trying to get my state representative to get the legislature to reconsider the status of notaries, and having something other states use might help.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/10 8:36pm
Msg #320896

Google <<whatever state>> notary handbook

You can find anything...I have several states' handbooks saved in my favorites - CA is one of them.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/1/10 4:33pm
Msg #320597

Irina, the notary was correct.

It sounds like you are looking for a notarization, right?

In California, notaries are not allowed to certify a copy of anything except for a Power of Attorney or their own journal. That includes birth certificates. There is no such thing as a "notarized copy" as you describe it.


The only thing that a notary can do for you in this case is to notarize a statement from you. For example, you write a letter that says it's a photocopy of the original. The notary can then notarize YOUR signature on the letter. But, that doesn't mean that it is "legal" or that it will be appropriate for your situation. You need to talk to the individual or agency wanting this "notarized copy" of your birth certificate.

If they have any questions, you can refer them to California Government Code sections 8205(a)(4), 8205(b)(1), and 8206(e).

Reply by LKT/CA on 2/1/10 5:15pm
Msg #320602

Re: Irina, the notary was correct.

<<<For example, you write a letter that says it's a photocopy of the original. >>>

For vital records, in California, the original is with the county hall of records. The consumer gets a certified copy of the original. If Irina makes a photocopy of what she has on hand (the certified copy), in essense, she made a copy of a copy. Her letter would have to specifically state that her photocopy is from a copy of a copy of the original.

Reply by LKT/CA on 2/1/10 5:35pm
Msg #320603

To add.....

Without knowing the agency requiring the copy of the vital record - I think their intent is to have a copy of an original and the only way that's accomplished is for Irina to order a certified copy from the source.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/1/10 5:49pm
Msg #320604

I agree....

I think the intent is to have a certified copy as well, and that's what she should do.

Of course, you never really know. Some places will say, "Just get a photocopy notarized or something." And they will accept the photocopy... great, except that we can't notarize that kind of thing.

If they'll take a photocopy, they should just take a photocopy and forger about the notary.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/1/10 5:49pm
Msg #320605

Re: To add a little more ;>)

And they can find a standardized form on the internet to request a copy of a vital record in the state of California. That form DOES need to be notarized.

Here's a link it took me a few seconds to find with all the necessary details (including download of the application): http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/birthdeathmar/Pages/default.aspx

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/1/10 5:52pm
Msg #320607

Re: To add a little more ;>)

That form only needs to be notarized fi they are requesting the copy by mail. If they do it in person, no notary is needed.

Reply by Cari on 2/1/10 7:49pm
Msg #320623

Irina, r u a notary? n/m