Section 5.1 - Copy Certifications

According to California statute, a notary public may only certify copies of powers of attorney under Probate Code section 4307, and copies of his or her notary public journal that have been requested by the Secretary of State or are pursuant to a subpoena or court order. (Government Code sections 8205(a)(4), 8205(b)(1) and 8206(e))

A certified copy of a power of attorney that has been certified by a notary public has the same force and effect as the original power of attorney. (Probate Code section 4307)

Certified copies of birth, fetal death, death, and marriage records may be made only by the State Registrar, by duly appointed and acting local registrars during their term of office, and by county recorders. (Health & Safety Code section 103545)

A suggested format for the power of attorney copy certification is shown below. Other formats with similar wording may also be acceptable.

NOTE: It is not acceptable to affix a notary public seal and signature to a document without proper notarial wording.