If you’re applying for dual citizenship, handling international paperwork, or submitting identity documents overseas, you may be asked for a “notarized copy” of your passport.

Naturally, the next question becomes: “Can a notary just notarize my passport copy?”

The short answer?

Not exactly.

A Notary Doesn’t “Certify” Your Passport Copy in Indiana

This is where confusion happens.

In Indiana, notaries generally do not certify that a photocopy of a passport is a true copy of the original government-issued document.

Why?

Because notaries are not authorized to independently certify copies of certain official records.

So if someone hands me an original passport and says, “Can you notarize this copy?” the answer is not a simple yes.

What People Usually Actually Need

Often, what’s really needed is a Copy Certification by Document Custodian (sometimes called a custodian affidavit).

Here’s how that works:

• The passport owner makes the copy
• The passport owner swears or affirms that the copy is true and accurate
• The notary notarizes the person’s sworn statement, not the passport itself

That’s an important distinction.

I’m not certifying the passport copy.

I’m notarizing the signer’s statement about the copy.

Why This Comes Up So Often

Common situations include:

• Dual citizenship applications
• International visa paperwork
• Foreign real estate transactions
• Immigration-related documentation
• Overseas educational requirements

Different countries and agencies may have very specific requirements.

Which brings us to . . .

Always Confirm What the Receiving Agency Wants

This is HUGE.

Before booking an appointment, ask:

“Do you need a notarized affidavit from the document custodian, or something else?”

Because:

• Some agencies accept a custodian affidavit
• Some require apostille processing
• Some require certified copies from a different authority
• Some require translation

International paperwork is rarely one-size-fits-all.

What About Apostille?

People often hear “notarized passport copy” and assume that’s the end of the process.

Sometimes it’s just the beginning.

If the document is going overseas, an apostille may be required depending on the destination country.

That’s separate from notarization, but related in many international document workflows.

My Best Advice

If international documents are involved:

✔ Confirm exact requirements first
✔ Don’t rely on assumptions
✔ Ask the receiving agency what wording they need
✔ Verify whether translation or apostille is required

Because doing it twice is no fun 😄

Final Thoughts

Can a passport copy be part of a notarization appointment?

Sometimes, yes.

Can a notary simply certify your passport copy as authentic in Indiana?

Generally, no.

The right solution depends on what the receiving agency actually requires.

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