Can I Notarize A Request For A Birth Certificate?

Is it OK to notarize a form requesting a birth certificate for an individual from a bureau of vital statistics? — S.T., Ohio

Yes, typically you may notarize a person’s signature on most document types. The current Application for Certified Copies of a birth certificate available from the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics (ODHVS) does not require notarization, but the Affidavit Correction of Birth Record published by the ODHVS does require notarization.

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

Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions. Call 1-888-876-0827, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PST; Saturday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

Related Articles:

Handling Certified Copies Of Public Records And Other Unusual Notary Requests

11 Comments

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Conswaila Diggs

12 Aug 2024

Does NJ require 1 or 2 witnesses for a person who does not have ID but need a notary to notarize a birth certificate request?

National Notary Association

13 Aug 2024

Hello. If you are referring to New Jersey's requirements for using a credible witness to identify a signer during a notarization, New Jersey permits the use of a single credible witness who is personally known to the notarial officer or whom the notarial officer can identify on the basis of a passport, driver’s license, or government-issued, non-driver identification card, which is current or expired not more than three years before the performance of the notarial act (NJSA 52:7-10.8.f[2]).

Joshua Reynolds

14 Aug 2023

I have no id or, any form of documentation but, was born in California how do I get my birth certificate request notarized?

24 Aug 2023

Hello. If you do not have an ID acceptable under California Notary law, you would need to bring 1 credible identifying witness who personally knows both you and the Notary; or 2 credible identifying witnesses who know you personally and can present acceptable forms of ID for themselves to the Notary. Please see this article for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2015/10/notary-challenge-how-handle-credible-witness

gunn.wendy.np@gmail.com

09 May 2023

The Secretary of State has given me the opportunity to be present while they authenticate a birth certificate, do I charge the same thing as I would for a regular document and I know that I will charge for mileage, but they also want me to drop the documents off at FedEx, so do I charge for shipping as well?

12 May 2023

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Lopez

19 Apr 2021

What are the guidelines for the state of Texas?

Hello. Here are the guidelines for copy certification from the TX SOS website: “May I make a certified copy of a birth certificate or a marriage license? – No. Birth certificates and marriage licenses are publicly recordable documents. Recordable documents are recorded with some specific governmental entity, such as the secretary of state’s office, a court of law, a county clerk, or the Bureau of Vital Statistics. A certified copy of a recordable document may be obtained by contacting the recording entity. A notary cannot make certified copies of recordable documents. A notary may, however, make a certified copy of a non-recordable document. A non-recordable document is one that cannot be recorded with any type of governmental entity. For instance, a letter is not recorded with anyone, but there are times the sender of the letter would like to maintain a certified copy of that letter for his or her file”

Raj Kumar

15 Dec 2019

Hey, That makes sense to me. I agree with your words and way of explaining things. Thanks for the useful guide regarding affidavit.

Motunrayo

15 May 2019

I want to apply for my child's birth certificate by mail, I need to sign the notary part before I send the form. How do I get it signed please?

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