Can a Florida Notary Certify a Copy of a Birth Certificate?
- Pedro Bone
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
You've just landed a fantastic new job, or perhaps you're applying for a passport for that long-awaited vacation. The checklist of required documents is in your hand, and there it is: "a certified copy of your birth certificate." Your first thought might be, "Great, I'll just take my original to a local notary in Orlando and get a copy certified. That's quick and easy, right?" It’s a logical thought, but in the state of Florida, the answer is a firm no. This is one of the most common points of confusion in the world of notarizations. While notaries are here to help with a vast array of documents, Florida law places specific restrictions on certifying copies of vital records, and a birth certificate is at the top of that list. Let's break down why this is the case and point you in the right direction.
💡 Key Takeaways
Direct Answer: A Florida notary public cannot legally certify a copy of a birth certificate.
The Reason: Birth certificates are classified as "vital records." Under Florida law, only the official custodian of the record—the Florida Department of Health—can issue a certified copy.
Where to Go: To get an official certified copy, you must go directly to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or a local county health department.
The Purpose of the Law: This regulation exists to prevent fraud and ensure the authenticity of vital documents for legal, identification, and official purposes.
What Notaries CAN Do: Florida notaries can certify copies of many other personal documents, as long as they are not public or vital records.
The "Why" Explained: Florida Law and Vital Records
So, why can't a Florida notary just stamp and sign a copy of your birth certificate? The answer lies in state law and the special category your birth certificate falls into.
According to Florida Statute § 117.05(12)(a), a notary public is prohibited from notarizing a copy of a document if a certified copy can be obtained from another official source. Birth certificates, along with death certificates and marriage licenses, are considered "vital records." These documents are officially issued and held by a government entity, which acts as the official custodian.
In Florida, the official custodian for birth certificates is the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics. Only this bureau (or its designated county-level offices) has the legal authority to issue a "certified copy" that will be accepted for official purposes. This rule is in place to protect the integrity of these crucial documents and prevent fraud. A notary's seal on a photocopy simply doesn't carry the same legal weight as a certified copy from the official source.
The Right Way: How to Get a Certified Copy of Your Florida Birth Certificate
Now that you know where not to go, let's focus on the correct process. Getting an official copy is straightforward. You have a few options:
Order Online or by Mail from the State: The most direct method is to request a copy from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. You can typically do this through their official website or by mailing in an application. This is a secure and reliable way to get your document.
Visit Your Local County Health Department: For faster service, many county health department offices across Florida offer in-person services. According to the Florida Department of Health, this can often be the quickest way to walk out with your certified copy in hand. You will need to present a valid photo ID and fill out an application.
Use an Approved Third-Party Service: Some authorized third-party vendors are contracted with the state to process requests. While convenient, they often charge additional processing fees.
❗ Important Note: To order a birth certificate, you must be the person named on the certificate (if you're 18 or older), the parent, guardian, or a legal representative. You will be required to provide a valid, government-issued photo ID.
What Documents CAN a Florida Notary Help You With?
While we can't certify a copy of your birth certificate, our Orlando notary services are essential for a wide range of other documents! A Florida notary is authorized to perform a "copy certification," also known as attesting to a copy, for documents that are not public or vital records.
A notary can certify a copy of documents such as:
Personal letters or contracts
Powers of Attorney (that have not been recorded in public records)
Diplomas or school transcripts (in some cases)
Leases and other personal agreements
For this type of notarization, you must bring the original document to the notary. The notary will then personally make or supervise the making of the photocopy to ensure it is a true, exact, and unaltered copy before notarizing it.
Navigating the rules for document certification can be tricky, but understanding the distinction between vital records and other documents is key. While your local Orlando notary is your trusted partner for many notarial acts, obtaining a certified copy of a birth certificate is a task reserved exclusively for the Florida Department of Health.
Need a certified copy? Know where to go. Florida notaries have limitations on copy certification. For all your other notarization needs, from contracts to powers of attorney, we are here to help you with professional and reliable service. Contact us today!
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