AZ Notary Copy Certifications

Question 1

What does an Arizona notary certify when performing a copy certification?

Accepted Answer

That a photocopy is a true, exact, and complete copy of the original document the notary reviewed

Answer

That the contents of the document are truthful and accurate

Answer

That the original document was legally executed and properly signed

Answer

That the document has been recorded with the appropriate government office

Question 2

Which of the following documents may an Arizona notary certify as a true copy?

Accepted Answer

A personal letter written by a private individual

Answer

An Arizona birth certificate issued by the state

Answer

A recorded deed on file with the county recorder

Answer

A federal tax return transcript issued by the IRS

Question 3

Why can an Arizona notary NOT certify a copy of a birth certificate?

Accepted Answer

Because birth certificates are public records, and notaries may only certify copies of non-public documents

Answer

Because birth certificates require a special apostille rather than a notarial certificate

Answer

Because birth certificates are always kept in digital format and cannot be photocopied

Answer

Because copy certifications are only available for legal contracts

Question 4

What must an Arizona notary do before certifying a photocopy of a document?

Accepted Answer

Compare the photocopy directly against the original document to confirm it is a complete and accurate reproduction

Answer

Administer an oath to the document holder affirming the original's authenticity

Answer

Record the original document number in the notary journal before making any copies

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Obtain written authorization from the document's author or issuing authority

Question 5

Which notarial certificate wording is used to complete a copy certification in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

A statement that the notary has compared the attached copy with the original and that the copy is a true and complete reproduction

Answer

An acknowledgment certificate stating the signer appeared and voluntarily executed the document

Answer

A jurat certificate stating the contents are true and the document was signed under oath

Answer

A no specific certificate is required—the notary simply places the seal on the copy

Question 6

A client asks an Arizona notary to certify a copy of a deed that was recorded with the county recorder's office five years ago. The notary should:

Accepted Answer

Decline, because recorded documents are public records that cannot be copy-certified by a notary

Answer

Proceed, because the recording occurred more than one year ago and the record is no longer active

Answer

Proceed, because real estate deeds are private contracts between parties

Answer

Decline only if the deed involves a commercial property