Can a FL Notary certify a photocopy of a document? — A.S., Florida
Yes. In Florida, Notaries are authorized to attest to the accuracy of photocopies of certain documents.
Although commonly known as “certified” photocopies, state law refers to these documents as “attested” photocopies. A notary public may attest to a copy of a document if the following criteria, found in Section 117.05(12) of the Florida Statutes, are satisfied:
- The document being photocopied must be an original document.
- The document cannot be a vital or public record. (Certified copies of vital public records are available from another public official.)
- The Notary Public must supervise the making of the photocopy, if the Notary doesn’t make the photocopy him- or herself.
Other states have different rules for Notaries certifying copies.
Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors
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