Which document is specifically prohibited from being certified by a notary?

A birth certificate is specifically prohibited from being certified by a notary because it is an official record that is maintained by a governmental authority, typically a vital records office. Notaries do not have the authority to certify copies of vital records like birth certificates, marriage certificates, or death certificates, as these documents must be issued and certified by the relevant government agency that handles vital records. The purpose of a notary's role is to witness the signing of documents and verify the identities of the signers, rather than to provide a certification service for official government documents. This ensures that vital records retain their integrity and authority as government-issued documents.

In contrast, financial statements, sworn affidavits, and powers of attorney can be notarized, as these documents often require the verification of signatures and the affirmation of the signers' identities, which falls within the notary's responsibilities.