Can a Florida notary certify a copy of a diploma?
Yes, within limits. Fla. Stat. §117.05(12) lets a notary attest that a photocopy is true, exact, complete, and unaltered — but only when the original isn't a vital record or a public record the custodian can certify directly, which is why public- and private-school diplomas are handled differently.
Fla. Stat. §117.05(12)(a) authorizes a notary to supervise making a copy and attest that it's a true, exact, complete, and unaltered photocopy — but only if the original document is neither a vital record nor a public record for which the custodian can issue a certified copy. A private-school diploma copy is typically eligible for this attestation, often paired with a Custodian's Affidavit of True Copy; a public-school diploma more often routes through the issuing school directly. Either path can then be apostilled if it's headed to a Hague-Convention country.
The true-copy rule and its limit
Under §117.05(12)(a), the notarial certificate must state that the copy is a true, exact, complete, and unaltered photocopy, and must attest that the original is neither a vital record nor a public record with an available certified-copy custodian. That specific statutory wording is required — this isn't a generic "certified true copy" stamp.
Public vs. private school diplomas
A private-school diploma is generally eligible for a notarized true-copy attestation, often attached to a Custodian's Affidavit of True Copy signed under oath. A public-school diploma more often needs to go through the issuing school's own records office rather than a straight notarized copy, since the school itself is the public-record custodian.
Who signs
- You (or, for a Custodian's Affidavit path, the person who has custody of the original diploma) sign
- I supervise the copying, verify identity, and witness the signature
Preparation checklist
- The original diploma to be copied
- One current government-issued photo ID
- Confirm with the receiving institution or country whether they need an apostille (Hague) or full legalization (non-Hague) before scheduling
What EMC does not do
I don't determine whether a specific diploma qualifies for copy attestation versus needing to come through the school directly — I apply §117.05(12)'s rule to what's presented.
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can any Florida notary just stamp a copy of my diploma as certified?
Not with a generic stamp. Fla. Stat. §117.05(12) requires specific certificate wording and only applies when the diploma isn't a vital or public record with its own certified-copy custodian.
Does it matter if my diploma is from a public or private school?
Yes — a private-school diploma is generally eligible for a notarized true-copy attestation; a public-school diploma more often routes through the school's own records office.
Can EMC notarize a diploma copy remotely?
Yes, by RON, when the original can be presented via the audio-video session.
Do I still need an apostille after the copy is notarized?
Only if the destination is a Hague-Convention country. Non-Hague countries need full legalization instead.
Do you handle transcripts and degree verifications too?
Yes — see International Transcript Apostille for diplomas, transcripts, and degree verifications together.