Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

Which document can an Illinois Notary Public certify as a true copy?

1. A birth certificate

2. A photocopy of a power of attorney

3. A driver's license

4. A passport photo

The correct answer is: A photocopy of a power of attorney

An Illinois Notary Public has the authority to certify copies of certain documents, which is crucial for validating the authenticity of a duplicate. Among the given choices, a photocopy of a power of attorney is a document that a notary can certify as a true copy because it is a legal document that may require verification for use in various legal or financial contexts. Certifying a true copy involves the notary confirming that the photocopy is a complete and accurate representation of the original document. This is particularly important for legal instruments like a power of attorney, which may need to be presented to banks or other institutions. While other documents, such as birth certificates, driver's licenses, and passport photos, carry significant personal identification and status, they are often governed by specific laws or regulations regarding their duplication and certifying. For instance, there may be limitations on certifying government-issued identification documents like driver's licenses and passports, as these documents typically have their own validation processes. Thus, the authority of an Illinois Notary Public to certify certain types of documents, particularly legal documents, is paramount.