COPY CERTIFICATION
Certified Copies by a Massachusetts Notary
Banks, schools and agencies abroad often ask for a "certified copy" or "notarized copy" of a document. Depending on the document, a notary may be able to certify the copy, or you may need a certified copy from the office that issued it. We'll tell you which, and handle the apostille if the copy is going abroad.
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CERTIFIED COPIES
The right kind of copy
From a notary or from the issuing office.
- Notary copy certification when allowed
- Official certified copies retrieved for you
- Apostille for use abroad
- Mobile service across Greater Boston
What a notary can and can't certify
Documents people often need copied
- Passports and national ID cards
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Contracts and business records
- Bank and financial statements
- Medical and employment records
- Birth, marriage and death certificates (official copies from the issuing office)
Bring the original document to your appointment.
How it works
- 1
Tell us the document and the recipient
We confirm which type of certified copy will work.
- 2
Copy certification or retrieval
We certify the copy in person, or order an official certified copy for public records. See Vital Records Retrieval.
- 3
Apostille if needed
For use abroad, we get the right apostille. See Apostille Services.
- 4
Return or ship
We deliver it or ship it with tracking.
Good to know
Passports
Many banks and schools abroad accept a certified passport copy. Some countries have their own rules, so check first.
Diplomas
For diplomas going abroad, we often coordinate directly with the school. See Universities.
Translations
Need it translated too? See Certified Translation.
Original documents stay with you
We certify copies without taking your originals.
What happens at your appointment
Mistakes we help you avoid
- Asking a notary to certify a public record. Birth, marriage and death certificates must come from the city, town or state that issued them.
- Sending a copy that can't be apostilled. Not every kind of certified copy can get an apostille. We make sure yours is in the right form before it goes to the state.
- Missing pages. Recipients abroad often reject copies with pages missing, including the back of a passport ID page or a diploma.
- Assuming every recipient wants the same thing. Some want a notary copy certification, others a notarized statement from you. Ask the recipient first.
Official sources
We link to official sources so you can check the current rules yourself. Requirements change, and the receiving office always has the final word.
Where we meet you
Frequently asked questions
Can you certify a copy of my birth certificate?
No. Birth certificates are public records, so only the issuing city, town or state can certify a copy. We can order one for you.
Can you certify a copy of my passport?
Yes, as long as you bring the original passport.
Can a certified copy get an apostille?
Often, yes, depending on how it was certified. We'll tell you which version works for your country.
Do I need to bring the original?
Yes. We compare the copy against the original.
Can you certify a copy of a driver's license?
Generally, yes, if you bring the original. Some recipients prefer a passport copy, so check.
Can you certify copies of a document in another language?
Yes. We compare the copy to the original. For a translation, see Certified Translation.
Need a certified copy?
Tell us the document and who it's for.