Utah Document Authentication Guide
The Lt. Governor’s Office may authenticate specific public and notarized documents. Please review the categories below to see what is required for your specific document type.
1. Original Public Documents (No Notarization Required)
Original public documents that are certified by State of Utah agencies do not need notarization. Below are common examples (this is not a comprehensive list):
Vital Records
- Birth Certificate (From Vital Records)
- Marriage License (From Vital Records or County Clerk)
Court & Legal
- Court Record (From District Court Clerk)
- Divorce Decree (From District Court Clerk)
- Single Status Document (Official, signed copy from County Clerk)
Education Records
- Public School Document
- Charter School Document
Must include the signature, name, and capacity of the school official signing the document.
State & Vehicle Records
- Vehicle Title (From Utah DMV)
- Cremation/Burial Transit Permit (From Utah Dept. of Health)
- Driver License Record (Certified copy from Driver License Div.)
State Background Checks (BCI)
Must be a certified copy with the signature of an official at the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. Can also include a notarization if requested directly from the BCI.
2. Properly Notarized Documents
Documents that are properly notarized by a Utah notary may be authenticated. Review proper notarization guidelines before submitting.
Corporate Documents
Must be a certified copy from the Department of Commerce and notarized at the Department. Emailed or printed copies will not be accepted.
Personal & Legal
- Adoption papers
- Power of attorney
- Deed of assignment
- Copies of passports, driver’s licenses/IDs, or Social Security cards
Employment & Business
- Authorization to conduct business in foreign countries
- Distributorship agreement
- References, job certification, and employment letters
School & Police Records
- Local police/sheriff office background check
- Police clearances
- Private school documents
- School records (transcripts, report cards, diplomas)
Attention Documents Not Authenticated
The Lt. Governor’s Office cannot authenticate the following items:
- Improperly Notarized: Documents missing notarial language, stamps, or signatures. Un-notarized private documents.
- Remote Notaries: Any documents notarized by a remote notary.
- Out-of-State/Foreign: Public documents issued outside of Utah or originating from a different state (View Roster of Secretaries of State).
- Federal Documents: Must be sent directly to the US State Department.
- FBI Background Checks: Must be handled via FBI Identity History Summary Checks.
- Sovereignty: Any document regarding allegiance to a government or sovereignty.