Certified Copy Services by Notary of Lewis Center
Need a “certified copy” for school, court, banking, or international use? In Ohio, notaries don’t certify public records — but we do help with Copy Certification by Document Custodian. You swear your copy matches the original, and we notarize your statement. We can also coordinate an Apostille when the copy will be used abroad.
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What is a “Certified Copy” in Ohio?
In Ohio, notaries are not authorized to certify copies of public records such as birth, marriage, or death certificates, or court-issued documents. Only the issuing office can produce an official certified copy.
What we can do: perform a Copy Certification by Document Custodian. The document owner signs a sworn affidavit that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original. We notarize that affidavit to give your copy legal credibility.
Tip: For vital records, request an official certified copy from the issuing agency. For personal or business documents, custodian certification is often accepted.
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How Notary of Lewis Center Handles It
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Review – We confirm whether custodian certification is appropriate or if you must obtain an official certified copy.
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Prepare – We provide the affidavit and guidance on acceptable IDs and originals.
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Notarize – You sign the affidavit in our presence (in-office, mobile, IPEN, or RON).
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Optional Apostille – If your copy will be used abroad, we can manage the Apostille process.
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Delivery – Receive documents in-office, by courier, or secure scan-back.​
Common Documents for Custodian Certification
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Diplomas, transcripts, training certificates
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Financial statements, bank letters
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Utility bills, proof-of-address
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Company records (bylaws, minutes, resolutions)
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Powers of Attorney copies (when requested)
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Passports or IDs (check destination rules)
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Valid visa status documents for passport renewals
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Paystubs and bank statements
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Credit reports for loan applications outside the U.S.
Note: Certain agencies or foreign authorities may still require official certified copies directly from the issuing office. We’ll advise you on the correct path before notarization.
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What You Need to Bring
Required
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Original document(s)
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Government-issued photo ID (current, valid)
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All signers present (if applicable)
Helpful
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Destination country (for Apostille needs)
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Written instructions from recipient
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Translation (if required abroad)​
Pricing & Options
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In-Office: Flat notary fee per custodian affidavit. Discounts available for multiple documents.
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Mobile / On-Site: Travel fee + notary fee. Evening and weekend appointments available.
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Remote Online Notary (RON): Complete your Copy Certification by Document Custodian online, securely and conveniently, without leaving your home.
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With Apostille: Bundle pricing for notarization + Apostille handling (standard, priority, expedited).
Request a quote — turnaround depends on destination requirements and courier options.
Certified Copy FAQs
Q. Can a notary in Ohio certify a copy of my birth certificate?
No. Only the issuing vital records office can create an official certified copy. We’ll advise how to obtain it and whether a custodian certification is acceptable.
Q. What is “Copy Certification by Document Custodian”?
The document owner swears the copy is true and accurate; we notarize that sworn statement. This is widely accepted for personal and business documents.
Q. Will a custodian-certified copy work for use outside the U.S.?
Often yes, but many countries require an Apostille as well. Tell us the destination and we’ll guide you.
Q. Can this be done online?
Yes. We offer IPEN and Remote Online Notarization (RON) where permitted. Some documents may still require in-person review.
Service Area
Based in Lewis Center, serving Central Ohio: Columbus, Powell, Dublin, Westerville, Delaware, Sunbury, New Albany, and surrounding communities. Remote online notary services available statewide where permitted
Ready to Get Started?
Book an appointment online or message us with your document details. We’ll confirm the correct pathway (issuer-certified vs. custodian-certified), handle the notarization, and coordinate Apostille if needed.
Disclaimer: We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. For legal questions, please consult a licensed attorney.