The New York booklet is direct on this point: a certified copy is a copy of a public record signed and certified as true by the public official who has custody of the original. It immediately adds the practical rule that a notary public has no authority to issue certified copies in the ordinary sense.
That limitation matters because people often ask notaries to certify passports, diplomas, judgments, or other documents for domestic or foreign use. The booklet specifically warns notaries not to certify the authenticity of legal documents and papers required to be filed with foreign consular officers. The fact that a notary has a seal does not create a general power to certify copies.
Practical note: In New York, the safer answer is simple: if the law requires a true certified copy, the certification normally must come from the official custodian, not from the notary.
Free Practice
Master Certified Copy and 500+ other real exam questions
Knowing the definition is step one. The New York notary exam tests this concept under time pressure — with four realistic answer choices designed to catch you on the exact details that trip candidates up. See how you'd score right now, for free.
Try the Free NY Notary Practice Test