Which document cannot be certified by a notary public?

Which document cannot be certified by a notary public?

• A. Personal letters
• B. Birth certificates
• C. Employment verification letters
• D. Business contracts

Answer: (B)

Birth certificates are government-issued vital records. A notary’s role is to witness signatures and certify copies of documents they have personally reviewed, but not to issue or certify official government records. Because the authenticity of a birth certificate must be verified and provided by the issuing government agency, a notary cannot certify it. Other non-government documents, like personal letters, employment verification letters, or business contracts, can be certified copies by a notary when the original is presented, but vital records must come from the issuing authority.

Birth certificates are government-issued vital records. A notary’s role is to witness signatures and certify copies of documents they have personally reviewed, but not to issue or certify official government records. Because the authenticity of a birth certificate must be verified and provided by the issuing government agency, a notary cannot certify it. Other non-government documents, like personal letters, employment verification letters, or business contracts, can be certified copies by a notary when the original is presented, but vital records must come from the issuing authority.