Dumb question: "certified copy" around here?

[tealegirle.livejournal.com]

How do I get a certified copy of something around here? I know it's not the same as notarized but don't know where to get one. . .

Comments

[misterthorn.livejournal.com]

Usually the agency that issued the original document has to issue and certify the copy in order for it "count" as a certified copy.

[mamajoan.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it depends on what it is. For a birth certificate, for example, you would go to City Hall, go to the clerk's office, give the name/birthdate, pay a fee (I believe it's $10), and receive a copy of the birth certificate that has been stamped with the official city seal. That is a "certified copy." For other documents, the process is probably similar, though the place you have to go (and the fee) may vary.

[enveri.livejournal.com]

Banks will sometimes certify things, depending on what it is.

[rufinia.livejournal.com]

No, they won't. Certified copy mean "certified as true and accurate by the issuing authority." Unless the bank was the issuing authority, they cannot certify any copy. They can notorize, which is a completely different thing.

[londo.livejournal.com]

I am not a lawyer, but I am a Notary Public. If you'll allow me to quote the Executive Order (http://www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/prenot/notidx.htm) regarding notaries public:

"Copy certification" shall mean a notarial act in which a notary public:
(a) is presented with a document;
(b) copies or supervises the copying of the document using a photographic or electronic copying process;
(c) compares the document to the copy; and
(d) determines that the copy is accurate and complete.

[enveri.livejournal.com]

I have been told to go to a bank to 'certify' letters before that required some sort of ID verification. You present photo ID, the bank does whatever they do to say 'Yep, this is Joe Blow' and the letter is sent.

It was what we were instructed to advise clients when I worked for a large 3rd Party Medical Insurance provider.

I do know what a notary is, thank you.