Can a Notary Certify a Copy of Birth Certificate?

Notaries are often asked to “certify a copy” of a birth certificate. This misunderstanding stems from the cruise ship industry, which for years told cruise-goers that a “notarized birth certificate” was acceptable as proof of citizenship. In reality, notaries are not authorized to make certified copies of birth certificates, regardless of where the original birth certificate was issued. First, it […]