If your birth certificate was issued in the UK, legally it cannot be photocopied as it is subject to crown copyright. Technically what is commonly known as a birth certificate is actually a certified copy of an extract from the Register.
A notary is not permitted to certify a photocopy of a UK birth certificate and the Foreign Development Commonwealth Office will refuse to attach an apostille.
Usually a new ‘original copy’ will need to be ordered, which can be done on the government website for a modest charge.
The notary may then certify the ‘original copy’ issued by the General Registry Office. An existing birth certificate may be notarised, but it will be permanently altered by the notarisation process.
It is best to obtain a fresh ‘original copy’ in advance of your meeting with a notary and email that to the notary along with any other documents needed and instructions from your foreign lawyer. Your notary can then prepare the notarial certificate in advance of your meeting.
