Here’s What You Should Know About Notary-Attested Photocopies in Florida

Need a Certified Copy?

If you’ve ever been asked to provide a “certified copy” of a document—but you’re not sure where to start—you’re not alone. Many people don’t realize that in Florida, notaries public are authorized to attest to the trueness of photocopies of certain types of documents.

These notarized documents are often referred to as “certified copies,” but under Florida law, they are technically called attested photocopies. And yes—not all documents qualify, and there’s a right way to do it.

Attestation of Photocopies

Here’s everything you need to know before your next notary appointment—especially if you’re located in St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, or Miami-Dade County.

What Is an “Attested Photocopy”?

An attested photocopy is a true copy of an original document, verified and certified by a Florida notary public. This means the notary confirms that the photocopy matches the original, and provides a formal notarial certificate that goes with it.

But here’s the important part: Not all documents can be notarized this way.

What Documents Can Be Attested?

If the document is an original, not filed with a public office, and certified copies are not available from another official source, then a notary can likely help you.

Common examples of documents that can be attested include:

• Florida driver’s license

• Florida vehicle title

• Social Security card

• Diploma or certificate

• Medical record

• U.S. passport

• Bill of sale

• Lease or rental agreement

• Contract

• Personal letter

• Resident alien card

📌 Reminder: The original document must be presented, and the notary must make or supervise the photocopying process. You can’t bring a copy and ask the notary to stamp it—they need to see the original.

What Documents Cannot Be Attested?

If a document is considered a public record, then the law requires you to request a certified copy from the government office that issued it. In these cases, a notary must decline your request.

Public Records Must Be Requested from Government Office

Examples of public records include:

• Birth certificates

• Marriage and death certificates

• Naturalization or citizenship certificates

• Court records

• Filed tax returns

• Recorded property documents

• Transcripts or student records from public institutions

• State-issued licenses (like nursing or real estate licenses)

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether your document is a public record, ask the agency that issued it. If they offer official certified copies, that’s the route you need to take—not a notary.

How the Attesting Process Works

Here’s what you can expect when you request an attested photocopy from a Florida notary:

1. Bring the original document to your appointment.

2. The notary will make or supervise the making of the photocopy.

3. The notary will prepare a notarial certificate confirming that the copy is a true reproduction of the original.

4. The certificate may be:

• Stamped directly on the copy

• Typed or handwritten on the back

• Or attached as a separate page

💲 Maximum Fee: The fee for each attested photocopy is up to $10, per Florida law.

Available in Your Area

We proudly serve clients in the following Florida counties:

• St. Lucie County

• Indian River County

• Martin County

• Palm Beach County

• Broward County

• Miami-Dade County

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the area and need assistance with attested photocopies, we’re here to help with professionalism, accuracy, and care.

Why Use a Notary for Personal Document Copies?

Even when not required, an attested photocopy can provide peace of mind. It confirms that your copy is a true representation of the original—an assurance that can be helpful for legal, financial, medical, or personal matters.

This can be especially valuable for documents like:

• Immigration paperwork

• Travel documentation

• Personal identification copies

• Business contracts

• School or employment records

💬 Have Questions? Let’s Talk.

Still unsure whether your document qualifies? Curious about fees or what to bring?

Reach out today, and we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish. Whether you’re in Port St. Lucie, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or anywhere in between.

📄