Certifying or Attesting a Copy

Notaries may certify that a copy of a document is a true and accurate copy of the original. This is one of the six notarial acts under RULONA.

What Is Copy Certification?

Copy certification is the notary's attestation that a copy of a document is a true, accurate reproduction of the original.

Key Characteristics

Exception to Personal Appearance: The document owner doesn't need to appear. The custodian (person with the original) presents both documents.

What CAN Be Copy Certified

What CANNOT Be Copy Certified

Key Rule: If a government agency can certify the document, the notary should not.

Copy Certification Procedure

Step 1: Document Custodian Appears

• Person with original appears (not necessarily owner)

Step 2: Examine Original

• Verify it's an original document
• Check for alterations or tampering

Step 3: Compare to Copy

• Carefully compare original to copy
• Verify they are identical

Step 4: Complete Certificate

Sample Certificate:

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of _____________

I certify that this is a true and accurate copy of a document presented to me by the document's custodian.

Date: _______________ [Signature] [SEAL]

Certifying Electronic Record Copies

Under Act 97 of 2020, Pennsylvania notaries may also:

• Certify that a tangible copy of an electronic record is a true and correct copy
• This allows paper printouts of electronic documents to be certified

On the Exam

• Personal appearance of owner: NOT required
• Vital records: CANNOT be certified
• Public records: CANNOT be certified
• Original required: Yes, must be presented
• Compare documents: Notary must verify match