I have a pilot requesting that I certify a copy of her U.S. passport. As a Washington State Notary, am I allowed to perform this act? — S. B, Washington
Yes, Notaries can notarize a copy of a US passport. The notarial act performed will be a copy certification. Below we have included your state guidelines.
Definition: “A notary who certifies or attests a copy of a document is verifying that the document in question is an exact copy of another document.”
Standards: “A notarial officer who certifies or attests a copy of a record or an item that was copied shall compare the copy with the original record or item and determine that the copy is a full, true, and accurate transcription or reproduction of the record or item” (RCW 42.45.030[4]).
“When certifying a copy, it's best to make the copy yourself from the original document.”
“You may attach the notary certificate on the document itself or on a separate piece of paper with a reference to the document.”
You can find this information and a notarial certificate for a copy certification on page 18 the Washington State Notary Public Guide.
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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