Utah Notary Practice Test

What type of document can a notary public NOT copy certify?

1. Marriage certificate

2. Birth certificate

3. Death certificate

4. Business license

The correct answer is: Birth certificate

A notary public is generally restricted from copying and certifying certain vital records, which include birth certificates. This restriction often stems from the fact that vital records are sensitive documents that require special handling and are typically closely regulated by state law to avoid fraudulent use and identity theft. In contrast, marriage certificates, death certificates, and business licenses usually fall within a category that can be copy certified by a notary public, depending on state regulations. Notaries are often allowed to certify copies of these documents as they are seen as more accessible records compared to birth certificates. Therefore, because of the legal protections and restrictions surrounding birth certificates, which are treated more strictly than other types of documents, a notary public cannot copy certify a birth certificate.