A certified copy be used to obtain identification for a person named on the certificate, whereas a certified informational copy CANNOT be used. Persons who are not eligible to receive a certified copy can receive a certified informational copy. Both types of documents are certified copies of the original document on file with our office. Depending on the exact year of event, some Certified Informational Copies will have signatures and Social Security numbers removed. For more information, please refer to the application of the vital record you are seeking, or view our page, Authorized Copy vs. Informational Copy.