Which document must be in original form for a Notary to certify a copy?

To certify a copy, a Notary Public must have the original document present, as the act of certification involves verifying that the copy is an accurate representation of the original. An original power of attorney is particularly relevant in this context because it is a legal document that grants one person the authority to act on behalf of another in legal or financial matters. The authenticity and integrity of an original power of attorney need to be established before any copies can be validated.

When a Notary Public certifies a copy of an original power of attorney, they confirm that the document is genuine and has not been altered in any way. This verification is crucial because power of attorney documents often have significant legal implications, and ensuring the correct version is in circulation protects all parties involved.

Considering other options, a Last Will and Testament, although important, typically cannot be notarized for copy certification in the same way due to state laws regarding testamentary documents. Similarly, while court orders and certificates of title are also crucial documents, they each have specifications and procedures for handling copies that may not necessitate a Notary's involvement in the same manner as the power of attorney. Therefore, having the original power of attorney is essential for the proper certification process.