Can a notary public in Ohio take and certify copies of birth, marriage, or death certificates?

In Ohio, notaries public are specifically prohibited from taking and certifying copies of vital records such as birth, marriage, or death certificates. This prohibition is in place because these documents are considered official records that have specific regulations governing their distribution and replication, typically controlled by the state or local health departments. Only authorized personnel, such as certain government officials or agencies, can provide copies of these vital records.

This restriction exists to maintain the integrity of sensitive personal information contained in these documents and to ensure that they are accurately represented. Notarizing a copy of such essential documents would not only be outside the scope of a notary's authority but could also lead to misrepresentation or misuse of these important records. Therefore, the statement that notaries should not notarize copies of birth, marriage, or death certificates is accurate and reflects legal and ethical standards in the practice of notarial duties in Ohio.