Notarial ActsQuestion 40 of 100
May a California notary certify a copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate?
a.Yes, for a fee
b.No; those are public vital records that only the issuing agency can certify
c.Yes, with two witnesses
d.Yes, if the original is present
Explanation
Notaries may not certify copies of vital records—only the official custodian (such as the county recorder or vital records office) may do so. A notary's copy-certification power is limited to a power of attorney and the notary's own journal.
Law Reference: CA Government Code §8205Practice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- In a proof of execution by a subscribing witness, how is the subscribing witness identified to the notary?
- For which type of document may a proof of execution by a subscribing witness NOT be used in California?
- Which document may a California notary lawfully certify a copy of?
- When a signer executes a document with a mark (such as an X) instead of a signature, what does California require?
- How may a credible witness be used in an acknowledgment?
- What should a notary do when presented with a document that has blank spaces to be filled in later?
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass Editorial Team · Verified against California Notary Public Exam (Secretary of State) · How we review