Notarial Certification of Signatures, Transcripts, and Copies
Certification of signature
Understand that certifying a signature confirms only that the signature was placed in the notary's presence by the identified person; it does not certify the content, truth, or legality of the underlying document. This is the single most tested distinction. Know the identification requirements and the notation the notary must add.
Transcripts and copies
Know the difference between a certified copy (made from an original presented to the notary), a certified transcript (a copy reproducing the content, including of a document in the notary's archive), and a certification of translation. For copies of documents in foreign languages, the notary may require a certified translation. Know the rules on copying documents that are not legible, incomplete, or whose authenticity is doubtful.
Electronic and special documents
Be aware of the rules for certifying electronic signatures and qualified electronic signatures, and the limits on certifying copies of documents that must be presented in original form.
Traps and a rule of thumb
Common traps: assuming signature certification validates the contract; certifying a copy from a copy without the original; certifying a signature of a person who did not appear; and overlooking the notation on the number of pages. Rule of thumb: the notary certifies what he or she perceived - the act of signing, the conformity of the copy with the original - never the legal content.