My fiancé asked me to certify a copy of his birth certificate in order for him to complete his annulment paperwork. Am I able to do this as a Texas Notary? –D.B., Houston, TX
A Notary is not authorized to certify a copy of a birth certificate, because it is a vital record. A birth certificate can only be authenticated by the issuing agency, and a requester can usually receive a certified copy. If the birth certificate originated from the state of Texas, the requester would need to consult with the Bureau of Vital Statistics to obtain a certified copy. However, if it originated from another country, the signer would need to visit the Embassy for further assistance.
