Notary Public Underwriters Blog
Attested Copy and Certified Copy: What's the Difference?
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- Published: June 5, 2024
Updated 9/18/26
Notaries often ask, “Attested copies vs. certified copies, what is the difference?” The truth is that these terms can be used interchangeably. An attested (or certified) copy is a copy made from an original document, either by a notary or witnessed by the notary as the copy is being made. The notary then completes a notarial certificate stating that the copy is a true, exact, and unaltered copy of the original.
Please note that this is not an authorized duty in every state, meaning not all notaries can make an attested/certified copy. Please check your state’s notary laws and rules to verify whether this is allowed in your state.
A few things to remember when making an attested copy:
- You should always be presented with the original document. The notary either makes the photocopy or supervises the copy being made.
- Certain recordable documents are not allowed to be attested/certified. For example, U.S. birth certificates are recorded with Vital Statistics in the state where the person was born, therefore any certified/attested copies must come from that office. Death certificates, marriage records, and school transcripts are also recordable and prohibited from being attested. Some states specify which types of documents cannot be attested/certified. It is important to know what those documents are. For example, Texas prohibits its notaries from making certified copies of driver’s licenses, military records, and marriage applications. Be sure to check your state’s notary laws and administrative rules for those prohibitions.
- A Certificate of Certified/Attested Copy must be completed to accompany the photocopy. The certificate should state that the copy was made or supervised by the notary and contain the document custodian’s name and a description of the document being copied.
When a notary makes an attested copy of a document, the notary does not guarantee the authenticity of the original document, its contents, or its effects.
Notaries should follow their state’s laws and administrative rules, confirm that the document is eligible for copy certification, and complete the notarial certificate. These steps help ensure the attested copy is handled accurately and with the integrity the notarial act requires.