Notary Services
General Notary Work
Affidavits, consent letters, powers of attorney and everyday forms notarized in Brooklyn by a New York notary public.
Notary Services
Notarial Copy Certification
You sign a sworn statement that your copy is true and complete, and we notarize your signature, the accepted method in New York.
About this service
Schools, employers and other organizations sometimes ask for a “certified copy” of a document such as a diploma, transcript, lease or business record. It’s important to know that New York notaries are not authorized to certify a copy of a document directly. Instead, New York uses a method often called copy certification by document custodian.
Here’s how it works. You, as the person who holds the original document, make or bring a photocopy and sign a sworn written statement that it is a true, complete and unaltered copy of the original. After you take an oath or affirmation, the notary notarizes your signature on that statement as a jurat. Please bring both the original document and the copy so you can confirm they match before you sign.
Some documents cannot be handled this way. Certified copies of vital records, such as birth, death and marriage certificates, and of court records must come from the agency or court that issued them, and we cannot certify those. The person or organization receiving your copy decides whether they accept a custodian copy certification, so please check with them before your appointment. If you’re unsure which type of document they need, they are the best people to ask.
What we can help with
- Diplomas, transcripts and other school records
- Leases, business records and personal documents
- Sworn statement signed by the document custodian
- Custodian’s signature notarized as a jurat
- Not available for vital records or court records
How it works
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Step 1: Check with the recipient
Confirm that the person or organization receiving your copy accepts a custodian copy certification.
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Step 2: Bring original and copy
Bring the original document and a clear, complete photocopy to your appointment.
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Step 3: Sign your sworn statement
You take an oath or affirmation and sign a written statement that the copy is true, complete and unaltered.
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Step 4: Signature notarized
The notary completes a jurat for your signature, and the statement stays with your copy.
What to bring
- The original document
- A clear, complete photocopy of the original
- A current, valid government-issued photo ID
- Any instructions from the person or organization receiving the copy
Frequently asked questions
Can a New York notary certify a copy of my document?
Not directly. New York notaries are not authorized to certify copies. Instead, the document’s custodian signs a sworn statement that the copy is true, complete and unaltered, and the notary notarizes that signature.
Can you certify a copy of my birth certificate?
No. Certified copies of birth, death and marriage certificates must be ordered from the agency that issued them. The same applies to court records, which must come from the court.
Will my school or employer accept this?
It depends on the recipient. Each organization decides whether it accepts a custodian copy certification, so please check with them before your appointment.
Do I need to bring the original?
Yes. Please bring the original document along with the copy, so you can confirm the copy is complete and unaltered before you sign your statement.
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We bring the notary to you at home, at work, or in a hospital or care facility in Brooklyn and nearby areas of New York City.
Not sure which service you need?
Call us or send a quick request. We’ll point you in the right direction and get you booked.