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Hotline Tip: Using A Document Custodian

NNA Hotline Tips For NotariesIn states that do not allow Notaries to certify copies, a possible alternative is copy certification by document custodian. To perform this type of certification, the person who possesses the document writes a declaration, similar to an affidavit, stating that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original document. The Notary then administers an oath to the document custodian — who swears or affirms that the declaration is true — then attaches jurat language, such as “subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me…”, to the declaration.

As is the case with regular copy certifications, Notaries may not perform this type of act on vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates or marriage licenses; or on documents whose original is not in the custody of the bearer, such as a college transcript. The agency that holds the original is the only entity that can certify those copies. Another note of caution is that some receiving agencies might not treat a copy certification by document custodian as equivalent to a regular copy certification, so the document holder should check with the agency to make sure it will be accepted.

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2 Comments

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linda williams

05 Feb 2015

I'd like to know if the California Copy Certification by Document Custodian is one of the documents that has had the new working added to it like the All-Purpose Acknowledgement and Jurat, etc.?

National Notary Association

09 Feb 2015

Hello, You would need the new wording for any jurat certificate used for a copy certification by document custodian performed in California.

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