New York State Notary Practice Exam

Which document certifies the truthfulness of a copy of a public record?

1. Certified copy

2. Contract

3. Escrow

4. Authentication

The correct answer is: Certified copy

The correct answer is that a certified copy is the document that certifies the truthfulness of a copy of a public record. A certified copy is an official replication of a public record, such as a birth certificate, marriage license, or court order, which has been verified for accuracy by a relevant authority — typically a government office. This certification includes a signature, seal, or both, attesting that the copy is a true and accurate representation of the original document. Contracts, while legal documents, do not serve to certify the truthfulness of public records. Instead, they outline agreements between parties. Escrow involves holding onto assets or documents by a third party until certain conditions are satisfied, which is unrelated to the certification of public records. Authentication usually refers to the process of verifying the legitimacy of a document or signature, but it does not specifically refer to the act of certifying a copy of a public record. Thus, a certified copy is the proper term and document for confirming the truthfulness of such copies.