Types of Documents

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):

    • Certified Copy

    Court & Legal

    • Court Record (From District Court Clerk)
    • Divorce Decree (From District Court Clerk)
    • Single Status Document (Official, signed copy from County Clerk)

    Certified Copy

    Vital Records

    • Birth Certificate (From Vital Records)
    • Marriage License (From Vital Records or County Clerk)
    Request Vital Records

    Certified Copy

    Education Records

    • Public School Document
    • Charter School Document
    Must include the signature, name, and capacity of the school official signing the document.
    Official Copy

    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.)

    Properly Notarized Documents

    Notarization Required

    Documents that are properly notarized by a Utah notary may be authenticated. Review proper notarization guidelines before submitting.

    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.

    Notarized

    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.

    Visit the Department of Commerce

    Notarized

    Personal & Legal

    • Adoption papers
    • Power of attorney
    • Deed of assignment
    • Copies of passports, driver’s licenses/IDs, or Social Security cards

    Notarized

    Employment & Business

    • Authorization to conduct business in foreign countries
    • Distributorship agreement
    • References, job certification, and employment letters

    Notarized

    School & Police Records

    • Local police/sheriff office background check
    • Police clearances
    • Private school documents
    • School records (transcripts, report cards, diplomas)
    Copy Certification Rules