What is the difference between a notarized copy, a true copy, and an authenticated/apostiled copy?
A notarization is any act that a notary public of Oregon (laws may vary according to each state) is authorized to perform, and includes taking an acknowledgment, administering an oath or affirmation, witnessing or attesting a signature, certifying or attesting a copy and noting a protest of negotiable instrument. The definition for a true copy may vary with each state’s notary laws. In Oregon, when certifying or attesting a copy of a document or other item, the notarial officer must determin that the proffered copy is a full, true and accurate transcription or reporduction of that which was copied. Your notary may not notarize your document as a true copy unless they make the copy themselves as even the margins and/or borders should match exactly. An authenticated/apostiled document: When a document is to go to a foreign country, it is often necessary to have the notarization or official certification authenticated. Some countries call this an apostille. The Oregon Secretary of State c
