When certifying a copy of a document, what must a notary confirm about the copies?

When certifying a copy of a document, a notary must confirm that the copies are true, exact, and unaltered versions of the original document. This ensures that the integrity of the original document is maintained and that the copies reflect the same information without any modifications or omissions. By verifying that the copies are accurate, the notary provides assurance to anyone relying on the copies that they can trust the authenticity of the information.

The other options do not align with the core requirement for certifying copies. For instance, confirming that they are original documents would be incorrect since the notary is certifying copies, not originals. Likewise, while some certified copies may come from public records, it is not a requirement for all types of documents, and thus, it does not meet the criteria for certification. Lastly, verifying that the copies have been signed by the original author is also irrelevant to the process of certifying a copy; the focus is on the accurate representation of the document itself rather than the signature of the creator. Therefore, confirming that the copies are true, exact, and unaltered is the critical factor that defines the notary's responsibility in this context.