Your Cookies are Disabled! NationalNotary.org sets cookies on your computer to help improve performance and provide a more engaging user experience. By using this site, you accept the terms of our cookie policy. Learn more.

Hotline Tip: Performing A Copy Certification By Document Custodian

Because some states prohibit Notaries from certifying copies of documents, a useful alternative is the practice of copy certification by document custodian. In this procedure, the person who possesses both the original document and a copy signs a written declaration noting that the copy is identical to the original. The document holder then takes an oath or affirmation before the Notary.

The custodian's signature is then notarized on the written declaration using jurat wording. In essence, a copy certification by document custodian is an affidavit signed and sworn to by the custodian with a jurat as the notarization.

View All: Hotline Tips

4 Comments

Add your comment

KONSTANTINA

27 Mar 2025

CA notaries are prohibited from suggesting which notarial act a signer will use . The article suggests that a jurat should be used in the case of certification by document custodian. In this case is a CA notary allowed to suggest jurat insted of presenting both options of notarial acts to the custodian/signer? Thank you

National Notary Association

28 Mar 2025

Hello. While a Notary can perform a jurat if requested by a customer for a document, no, it is not appropriate for the Notary to advise a signer what type of notarial act should be used. Please see here for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2014/04/how-to-certify-copy-document

Yongyi Situ

24 Apr 2024

Would this be permissible if there has been a request to notarize an utility bill? Would a jurat certificate be used?

National Notary Association

06 May 2024

Hello. To help us answer your question, can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Leave a Comment

Required *

All comments are reviewed and if approved, will display.

Close