Notarized Copy of Passport — What It Is and How to Get One in the U.S.

A notarized copy of your passport is often required when you need to prove your identity for official purposes but cannot or should not hand over your original document. Whether you’re applying for a visa, completing international transactions, or complying with certain state requirements, understanding how to get a notarized passport copy can save you time and frustration. In this guide, our experts at One Source Process explain what it is, when you might need it, and exactly how to get one — no matter where you are in the United States.

What Is a Notarized Copy of Passport?

A notarized copy of a passport is a photocopy of your passport that has been certified by a licensed notary public as a true and accurate reproduction of the original document. This process ensures that the copy can be legally recognized by agencies, courts, and institutions in the U.S. and abroad.

While some states allow notaries to certify copies of documents, others have restrictions — for example, in California, notaries cannot certify copies of passports, except in specific cases like Power of Attorney documents. Always check your state’s rules, which you can find on your state’s official notary commission website (e.g., National Notary Association State Resources).

When You Might Need a Notarized Passport Copy

There are many situations where providing a notarized copy of your passport is safer and more convenient than sending the original. Common reasons include:

• Applying for foreign visas or residency permits
• Opening a bank account overseas
• Completing real estate or business transactions abroad
• Submitting documents for court or legal proceedings
• Verifying identity for employment or licensing applications

Expert Tip: “Whenever you send important ID documents internationally, use a notarized copy instead of mailing the original — it reduces the risk of loss while still meeting legal requirements.”

In many cases, you may also need additional document authentication, such as Legalization Services for use in countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

How to Get a Notarized Copy of Your Passport

Obtaining a notarized passport copy is a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Here’s how:

Step 1 — Prepare Your Passport and Copies

Make a clear, full-size photocopy of the identification page of your passport. Some authorities also require copies of all pages, so confirm in advance.

Step 2 — Find a Licensed Notary Public

You can locate a notary at banks, law offices, UPS stores, certain libraries, or through mobile and online notary services. Ensure the notary is authorized in your state to notarize passport copies.

Step 3 — Present Your Original Passport

You must bring your original passport for the notary to compare it with the copy. This is essential to confirm its authenticity.

Step 4 — Sign and Receive Your Notarized Copy

The notary will attach a certificate to the copy, sign, and stamp it. You will then have a legally recognized notarized passport copy.

Where to Get a Passport Notarized

You have several options for notarizing your passport copy in the U.S.:

In-Person Options:

• Banks and credit unions
• Law firms and accounting offices
• UPS or FedEx Office locations with notary services
• Local notary publics listed in your county clerk’s office

Remote Options:

• Online notary platforms (check your state laws for eligibility)
• Mobile notaries who can travel to your location

Remember, rules vary by state — for example, Texas allows online notarization for passport copies, but other states may require in-person verification.

Can You Notarize a Passport Copy Yourself?

No. A notarized document must be certified by a state-commissioned notary public. Self-notarization or having a friend “sign” as a notary without proper credentials is illegal and will render the document invalid.

If you’re unsure whether your state permits notarization of passport copies, check your state notary handbook or the U.S. Notary Public Administration guidelines for accurate, government-sourced information.

State-Specific Rules You Should Know

Some states have unique restrictions or procedures:

• California: Notaries generally cannot certify passport copies, except for certain powers of attorney.
• Texas: Allows both in-person and remote notarization for passport copies.
• New York: Permits certification, but the notary must include specific wording required by state law.

If your state restricts this process, you may need to have your passport copy notarized by a notary in another state or have it authenticated through alternative channels.

FAQ

Q1: What is a notarized copy of passport?
It’s a photocopy of your passport verified by a notary public as a true and correct copy of the original.

Q2: Can you notarize a passport?
In most states, yes — but some, like California, have restrictions.

Q3: Where can I get a passport notarized?
At a bank, law office, UPS store, mobile notary, or via online notarization (where allowed).

Q4: How much does it cost?
Typically between $5 and $15 per signature, but mobile and online notary services may charge more.

Q5: Do I need an apostille or legalization after notarization?
If the document is going overseas, yes — depending on the destination country’s requirements.

Getting a notarized copy of your passport doesn’t have to be complicated — the key is knowing your state’s rules and preparing the right documents in advance. At One Source Process, we not only handle passport notarizations but also help with additional document authentication for international use.

Contact us today to get started quickly and securely.