Notary 101: Certified Copies in Alaska, What Notaries Can and Can't Do
- Danielle Montoya
- Feb 23
- 4 min read
If you've ever needed an official copy of a document, maybe for a job application, a legal matter, or military paperwork, you've probably heard the term "certified copy" thrown around. And if you're like most people, you might assume a notary can handle that for you.
Here's the thing: Alaska has some pretty specific rules about what notaries can and can't do when it comes to certified copies. And honestly? It trips up a lot of folks.
Let's break it down in plain English so you know exactly what to expect before you book an appointment.
What Is a "Certified Copy" Anyway?
A certified copy is basically an official statement that says, "This copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original document."
People need certified copies for all sorts of reasons:
Applying for jobs or security clearances
Enrolling kids in school
Handling legal or financial matters
Military PCS moves and deployments
Real estate transactions
Immigration paperwork
The idea is that whoever's receiving the copy can trust it's legitimate, not altered, not fake, not missing pages.
Sounds simple enough, right? Here's where Alaska gets a little different from other states.
The Alaska Rule: Notaries Cannot Certify Paper Document Copies
This surprises a lot of people, so I want to be really clear about it:
In Alaska, notaries generally do not certify photocopies of paper documents.
Yep, you read that right. If you hand me a paper document and a photocopy and ask me to certify that the copy matches the original, I legally cannot do that. It's not listed in the Alaska notary statutes (AS 44.50.060), so it's outside a notary's scope of authority here.
This is different from some other states where notaries routinely perform copy certifications. Alaska just doesn't work that way.
The One Exception: Electronic Records
Now, there is one exception to this rule, and it's worth knowing about.
In Alaska, a notary may notarize a statement (certificate) that a printed copy of an electronic record is an accurate reproduction of the electronic record.
This is different from a government-issued “certified copy” (like a birth certificate); it’s a notarized statement about a printout from an electronic record.
So if you have a digital document, say, a PDF stored on your computer or in your email, and you need a printed version certified as accurate, that's something a notary can help with in Alaska.
Here's how it works:
You show me the electronic record on a device (laptop, tablet, phone)
You provide a printed copy of that same electronic record
I compare them and, if they match, provide a notarial certificate stating the tangible copy accurately reproduces the electronic record
It's a narrow exception, but it does come up, especially with contracts, agreements, or records that originated digitally.
Vital Records: Always Go to the Source
Here's another big one that comes up constantly:
Notaries cannot certify vital records. Period.
Vital records include:
Birth certificates
Death certificates
Marriage certificates
Divorce records (These are typically court records. If you need a certified copy, contact the court or the issuing agency.)
Even in states where notaries have broader copy certification powers, vital records are almost always off-limits. These documents can only be certified by the issuing agency, the government office that created the original record.
Notaries can’t issue “certified copies” of official records. For divorce records, contact the court or the issuing agency for a certified copy.
In Alaska, that's typically the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics (part of the Department of Health). They're the only ones who can issue an official certified copy of your Alaska vital records.
How to get certified vital records in Alaska:
Online: Visit the Alaska PRIOR system at prior.state.ak.us
By mail: Download an application from the DHSS website
In person: Visit the Vital Statistics office in Juneau or Anchorage
If you need a vital record from another state or country, you'll need to contact that jurisdiction's vital records office directly.
So What CAN a Notary Help With?
Even though copy certification is limited in Alaska, notaries still handle a lot of important tasks. Here's what I can do for you:
Acknowledgments , Confirming you signed a document voluntarily and understand what you're signing. Common for deeds, powers of attorney, and real estate documents.
Jurats , Administering an oath or affirmation and witnessing your signature. Used for affidavits, sworn statements, and many legal documents.
Oaths and Affirmations , Swearing someone in for depositions, affidavits, or other sworn statements.
Witnessing Signatures , Being present when you sign and verifying your identity.
Certifying Tangible Copies of Electronic Records , As explained above, the one copy-related service Alaska notaries can perform.
If you're not sure whether your document needs notarization or a certified copy, just ask. I'm always happy to help you figure out the right path, even if that means pointing you toward another agency.
How to Prepare for Your Notary Appointment
Want your appointment to go smoothly? Here's a quick checklist:
Bring valid, unexpired ID. Alaska accepts:
State-issued driver's license or ID card
U.S. passport or passport card
Military ID (CAC card)
Bring the original document(s). Don't sign anything ahead of time, I need to witness your signature.
If you need an electronic record certified: Have the device with the original electronic file ready, plus a printed copy.
Know what type of notarization you need. Check with whoever's receiving the document. They'll usually specify "acknowledgment," "jurat," or "certified copy."
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Seriously. I'd rather spend a few extra minutes making sure everything's right than have you drive away with incomplete paperwork.
Need a Mobile Notary in Interior Alaska?
I'm Danielle with Arctic Trekking, LLC, and I offer mobile notary services throughout Fort Greely, Delta Junction, and the surrounding communities in Interior Alaska.
Here's what that means for you:
I come to you. Home, office, on post, wherever works.
Flexible scheduling. After-hours and weekend appointments available.
Same-day and emergency notarizations. When possible, I'll make it happen.
24/7 phone support. Questions don't keep business hours, and neither do I.
Whether you're handling a real estate closing, prepping for a PCS move, or just need a document notarized without the hassle of driving across town, I've got you covered.
Ready to book? Give me a call or shoot me a text. Let's get your paperwork sorted.
Disclaimer: I am not an attorney licensed to practice law and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. If you have questions about legal matters, please consult a licensed attorney. Military IDs cannot be copied by law.
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