Certified Copies
Overview
A certified copy is a notarized duplicate of an original document that verifies its authenticity and accuracy. Many institutions, such as banks, government agencies, and legal offices, require certified copies rather than originals for official transactions.
At Angie’s Mobile Notary, I offer accurate and legally recognized certified copy notarization services, ensuring your documents comply with Massachusetts' legal requirements.
What's Included
- Certified copies of personal identification: Passports, driver’s licenses, state-issued IDs (where permitted by law).
- Certified copies of vital records: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates (when legally allowed).
- Certified copies of financial records: Tax returns, investment account statements, property deeds, mortgage documents, and banking records.
- Certified copies of legal documents: Contracts, affidavits, power of attorney forms, wills, estate documents, and notarized statements.
- Certified copies of business documents: Articles of incorporation, business licenses, partnership agreements, corporate resolutions, and tax filings.
- Certified copies of academic records: Diplomas, transcripts, professional certifications, and degree verification documents.
- Certified copies of immigration documents: Green cards, visa applications, and other documents required for immigration processes.
- Certified copies of court documents: Judgments, settlements, and orders from legal proceedings.
- Custom certified copies: Any document requiring a legally recognized duplicate for official use.
What to Expect
- Verification of the original document: I will thoroughly examine the original document to ensure its authenticity before creating a certified copy.
- Notarization of the certified copy statement: A formal notarization will be provided, certifying that the copy is an accurate and true reproduction of the original document.
- Clear documentation of the certification: A formal statement will accompany the certified copy, ensuring its acceptance by relevant institutions and authorities.
- Confidential and secure handling: Your sensitive personal, legal, and business documents will be treated with the utmost professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion.
- Mobile service for added convenience: I offer mobile notarization, bringing certified copy services directly to your home, office, or preferred location.
- Compliance with Massachusetts notary regulations: The entire certification process will adhere to Massachusetts’ legal requirements, ensuring full compliance and validity.
Service Area
Providing professional mobile notarization services throughout Massachusetts, ensuring convenience and accessibility wherever you are.
Service Areas Include
- Greater Boston Area
- Worcester and Central Massachusetts
- Springfield and Western Massachusetts
- Cape Cod and the Islands
- North Shore and South Shore
- Lowell, Lawrence, and Merrimack Valley
Schedule an appointment today!
Requirements
- Original document required: Certified copies must be made from an original document, not from a photocopy.
- Valid government-issued photo ID: The person requesting the certified copy must provide a valid government-issued photo ID to verify their identity.
- Understanding of certification limitations: Certain documents, such as birth certificates or death certificates, may require certified copies issued directly by the official record-keeping authority, rather than a notary.
- Fully completed document (if applicable): Any document requiring notarization must be fully completed before it can be certified.
- Recipient requirements: If the certified copy needs to meet specific requirements for a recipient or institution (e.g., a specific format), please confirm these details prior to the appointment.
Payment for services
- Fees will be confirmed ahead of time, and multiple payment options will be available.
FAQs about Certified Copies in MA
In Massachusetts, the following types of documents can be certified as true copies by a notary:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates (copies of official records)
- Passports and identification cards (for verification purposes)
- Legal documents (e.g., contracts, court orders, powers of attorney)
- Educational records (diplomas, transcripts, degrees)
- Financial documents (bank statements, tax returns, business records)
The notary verifies that the copy matches the original document exactly. Let me know if you need help with certifying true copies!
Yes, I can provide certified copies of notarized documents for court filings in Massachusetts. These certified copies are authenticated and can be used for legal purposes, such as filing with courts or other institutions. Let me know if you need certified copies of your notarized documents!
To verify the authenticity of original documents for certification, I follow these steps:
- Examine the Original Document – I check that the document is complete, legible, and unaltered.
- Verify Signatures and Seals – I ensure that any official signatures or seals on the document are valid and properly placed.
- Confirm the Document's Origin – For official records (e.g., birth certificates, legal documents), I ensure the document is an official copy from the issuing authority.
- Compare with the Copy – I carefully compare the original document to the copy to confirm they are an exact match.
This process ensures that the certified copy is a true and accurate representation of the original. Let me know if you need assistance with certification!
Yes, certified copies of notarized documents are generally accepted by most government agencies in Massachusetts, provided the documents meet the specific requirements of the agency. These certified copies are often used for court filings, financial institutions, licensing agencies, and other legal or administrative purposes. It's always a good idea to confirm with the specific agency to ensure they accept the certified copy and to verify if any additional steps are required. Let me know if you need help with certification!
To obtain certified copies of vital records (e.g., birth certificates) in Massachusetts, follow these steps:
- Request the Certified Copy – You can request a certified copy from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics or the local city or town clerk where the event occurred.
- Provide Required Information – You'll need to provide specific details such as the name of the individual, date of birth, and place of birth, along with your relationship to the individual in the case of requesting others' records.
- Submit the Request – Submit the request online, by mail, or in person, depending on the issuing office's policy.
- Provide Identification – In some cases, you'll need to provide a valid government-issued ID to verify your identity when requesting the records.
- Pay the Fee – There is typically a fee for obtaining certified copies of vital records. The cost may vary depending on the type of record and the method of request.
Let me know if you need help navigating the process or with any further questions!
Yes, I can assist with certifying copies of foreign documents for international use. The process typically involves:
- Verifying the Original Document – I review the original foreign document to ensure it is authentic and complete.
- Certifying the Copy – I make a true and accurate copy of the original and provide a certification that the copy matches the original.
- Apostille or Authentication (if needed) – If the document is being used internationally, I can assist with obtaining an apostille or authentication through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Let me know if you need help certifying foreign documents for international use!
Yes, there are specific requirements for certifying copies of business contracts in Massachusetts:
- Notary's Role – A notary public can certify that a copy of the business contract is a true and accurate reproduction of the original document. The notary will compare the original document to the copy to ensure they match exactly.
- Verification of Original Document – The notary must examine the original contract to confirm its authenticity before certifying the copy.
- Proper Notarization – The notary must verify that the original document has been signed appropriately (e.g., by authorized parties) and may require the original signers to be present.
- Requesting Party – The individual or entity requesting the certified copy must be able to prove their interest or authority in the business contract (e.g., as a party to the contract or authorized representative).
These steps ensure that the certified copy is valid for business or legal purposes. Let me know if you need assistance with certifying copies!
To ensure that certified copies are tamper-proof and secure, I take the following steps:
- Original Document Verification – I thoroughly examine the original document to confirm its authenticity and ensure it has not been altered before certifying the copy.
- Exact Copy Comparison – I carefully compare the original document with the copy to ensure that they are identical in content, without any discrepancies.
- Tamper-Evident Seals and Stamps – I use a notary seal or embossed stamp on the certified copy, which makes it evident if tampered with.
- Record Keeping – I maintain detailed records of the notarization process, including the original document and any copies made, to ensure the integrity of the certification process.
- Secure Handling – All documents, both original and copies, are handled securely during the notarization process to prevent unauthorized access or alterations.
These practices help ensure that certified copies remain secure and tamper-proof. Let me know if you need assistance with certified copies!
Yes, I can provide certified copies of documents in languages other than English, Portuguese and Spanish as long as the original document is valid and the notary can confirm the authenticity of the copy. However, if the document is in a language not commonly understood, I may recommend working with a certified translator for accurate and legal translation, especially for official documents required by government agencies or legal entities. Let me know if you need assistance with certifying documents in other languages!
When requesting multiple certified copies at once, fees are generally calculated per document or per page. For my services, I provide transparent pricing based on the number of documents and whether any expedited services are required. I recommend reaching out to me with the specifics of your request so I can offer an accurate quote based on your needs. Let me know how I can assist you!