A photocopy or fax may be notarized, but only if it bears an original signature. That is, the copy must have been signed with pen and ink.Note: Documents titled as the "Original Filing" are the registrations that were submitted when the business was first filed with our office. The notary is simply stating that the document photocopy is a "true" and complete copy of the original document that was presented. A Certified Copy typically includes an additional page with a certification stamp and signature stating that the document(s) are true and complete copies. If the client brings the copy to you, inspect the copy closely and compare it to the original to assure the copy is a true copy. Many states allow notaries to make certified copies of documents as long as the original document is not a publicly recorded document. When MDH has received the proper documents and the fee, it replaces the original birth record with the new information. A notary performs a notary copy certification when they verify that a copy of an original document is a true, correct, and complete copy. Be aware that some records are not available from court administration.
