What is required for a notary to authenticate a copy of a document?

In order for a notary to authenticate a copy of a document, it is essential that the notary inspects the original document. This step ensures that the copy is a true and accurate representation of the original. By examining the original work, the notary can confirm that there are no alterations or critical information missing in the copy being made, which is necessary to maintain the integrity of the notarization process.

Authentication involves verifying the authenticity of the original document so that the copy can be trusted for its validity in legal, financial, or personal transactions. Without this inspection, the notary would be unable to attest to the accuracy of the copy, making the notarization ineffective and potentially misleading.

Inspecting the original document is standard practice in notarial procedures and ensures that the notary upholds their duty to serve the public by providing reliable and legitimate notarizations.