So as a notary in San Francisco, I cannot "certify" your passport, college degree, birth certificate, etc., etc.
That said, what I can do, is notarize your signature on a statement that says you are in possession of an original document (your passport or college degree, for example) and attach it to a copy of that document. You would also take a brief oath to that effect. Whether or not I see the original document doesn't matter. You're basically certifying your own copy by signing your name under oath and penalty of perjury. It's the best alternative a California notary can offer.
Meanwhile some documents in California can be certified, just not by a notary:
Certified copies of birth, fetal death, death, and marriage records may be made only by the State Registrar, by duly appointed and acting local registrars during their term of office, and by county recorders (CA Health & Safety Code section 103545).Hope this helps!
