Posted by kmontyCA on 4/26/11 4:25pm
Msg #381373

Notarizing a copy of a document

I was contacted by a couple who are adopting a baby from the UKraine. I've volunteered to notarize everything they need to get this done. They asked me today if I can notarized a copy of their Doctor's medical license. I know I can't do that, but I'd like to be able to tell them how to get this done. Anyone have experience with this? I'm in California.

Reply by James Dawson on 4/26/11 4:36pm
Msg #381379

No experience but I'm sure the doctor's lic is posted in his office, for a fee I'm also sure the Doctor will provide a copy....also try this site

http://www.healthguideusa.org/medical_license_lookup.htm

Reply by kmontyCA on 4/26/11 4:59pm
Msg #381383

The UKraine is requiring a notarized copy of his licence.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 4/26/11 5:11pm
Msg #381385

You could ask the doctor to write some kind of statement that what he is providing is a true copy of his license and then you could notarize his signature on that statement. (Maybe the adopting parents could offer to produce something for the doctor so all (s)he has to do it sign it and have it notarized. Short of that, you'd probably have to have him request an original copy from whomever issued his license, (which I don't see happening).

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 4/26/11 5:12pm
Msg #381386

What the requester needs to understand is that in CA the notary is only authorized to certify copies of POA's and journal entries. - and honestly? I think it's up to the doctor to arrange to provide a certified copy of his license.

MHO

Reply by Roger_OH on 4/26/11 6:33pm
Msg #381395

Copy Certification by Document Custodian statement?

Can't you just use one of these, where the signer attests that the document is a true copy? I use them all the time for adoption document copies here.

NNA has the forms available, complete with thumbprint.

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/26/11 7:43pm
Msg #381402

When using this method, check with SOS

to see if they will authenticate a document like this. Some states will not. Since this is going to the Ukraine, it may be a requirement to have an apostille...if the country is a member of the Hague Convention and recognizes an apostille.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 4/27/11 6:59am
Msg #381425

a document custodian affidavit is best to use....

allows the owner of the doc to sign the affidavit which you would then notarize, w/out touching his credentials.....

Reply by jba/fl on 4/26/11 7:25pm
Msg #381401

Adoptions may require that your commission does not expire

1 year after the notarization takes place, ie, you notarize 7-11-11 and your commission cannot expire before 7-11-12. Really read that peperwork. This has been discussed here previously also. Use orange search button, also.

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/26/11 7:43pm
Msg #381403

Great topic, by the way. n/m

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 4/26/11 7:58pm
Msg #381404

It's times like this that I am so thankful we can issue

attested photocopies in Florida. This, to me, is just such a basic notarial duty that I can't fathom it being prohibited. It boggles my mind that so many states are not allowing notaries to issue certified/attested copies.

Of course, in this particular circumstance our handbook lists "professional licenses issued by the State of Florida" as one of the documents that can NOT be attested by a notary. I guess it depends on the type of license and whether the license is an original or a copy. If it is an original document - of which there is only one original - then a notary in Florida can theoretically issue an attested copy.

I issue attested copies of driver licenses and POAs all the time. I probably have at least one copy attestation on each page of my journal. Being able to do this for things like driver licenses, social security cards, passports, etc., are just very practical. It is such a convenience to the general public, as long as they find a notary who knows how to do it properly.

Reply by kmontyCA on 4/26/11 10:23pm
Msg #381415

Thanks for your help everyone. We did a Proof of Home Ownership today at the county assessors office today. They have to fax it to the UKraine first for approval, then send it to get an apostille. They'll probably have to do the same with the doctor's license. I'll check out the copy certification by document custodian statement and with the SOS. Thanks again!