Notaries may notarize photocopies of public records.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Yes, but only if certified
• D. Yes, for all records

Answer: (B)

Notaries do not have the authority to certify photocopies of public records. Public records are kept by government offices, and only the issuing agency or a designated official can provide a certified copy that proves it's a true and complete reproduction of the original. A notary’s role is to witness signatures, administer oaths, and, in many cases, certify copies of private documents the signer presents. Therefore, photocopies of public records cannot be notarized as true copies by a notary. If you need an official copy of a public record, request it from the appropriate government office; for private documents, a notary may certify a copy under the applicable rules.