Can a New York notary certify a copy of a birth certificate?

No. Birth certificates are vital records maintained by New York City or the NYSDOH. Certified copies must come from the issuing agency, not a notary. We can certify copies of private documents only.

Can a notary certify a copy of a foreign document?

A notary can certify that the copy accurately reproduces the original document as presented. They are not attesting to the authenticity of the original foreign document itself. For documents requiring authentication for international use, an apostille may be required from the New York Secretary of State.

Do I need to bring the original document?

Yes. The notary must compare the original to the copy in order to certify it. No original, no certification.

Notary Services

Certified Copy Notarization in New York

A certified copy is a copy of an original document that a notary attests to as being a true, accurate, and complete copy of the original. Note that New York Notary Publics may not certify copies of documents that are on file with a government agency — those require certification from the issuing agency. We can certify copies of private documents.

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What we do

How we handle certified copies

Our notaries compare the original document to the copy in front of them and execute a notarial certificate confirming the copy is accurate. We can certify copies of contracts, diplomas, personal correspondence, powers of attorney, and other private documents at our Huntington office or via mobile visit.

Availability

In-office service is available within 15 minutes. Mobile appointments can typically be arranged same-day.

Pricing

In-office notarization is $2 per stamp. Mobile travel starts at $97 for Nassau and western Suffolk County. Printing is available at $0.47 per page.

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FAQ

Questions about certified copies notarization

Can a New York notary certify a copy of a birth certificate?: No. Birth certificates are vital records maintained by New York City or the NYSDOH. Certified copies must come from the issuing agency, not a notary. We can certify copies of private documents only.
Can a notary certify a copy of a foreign document?: A notary can certify that the copy accurately reproduces the original document as presented. They are not attesting to the authenticity of the original foreign document itself. For documents requiring authentication for international use, an apostille may be required from the New York Secretary of State.
Do I need to bring the original document?: Yes. The notary must compare the original to the copy in order to certify it. No original, no certification.

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