In the state of Illinois, a notary public cannot authenticate original documents or photocopies of them. An attorney must do this; it is called "Certification."The notary is simply stating that the document photocopy is a "true" and complete copy of the original document that was presented. No, birth certificates are never exact copies of the original. The following are basic rules for proper and safe notarization: 1) Keep your notary seal in a safe place; 2) Do not notarize a signature unless the signer. Many states allow notaries to make certified copies of documents as long as the original document is not a publicly recorded document. A notary cannot certify copies of documents or signatures. • All documents must be originals. In Illinois a notary can not notarize a certified copy. " Requirements for document copies.
