Where must a self-authenticating document typically be found?

A self-authenticating document is one that does not require extrinsic evidence of authenticity to be admitted into evidence. For example, documents that fall under certain categories defined by the rules of evidence—such as public records, official publications, and certain commercial documents—are considered self-authenticating.

These documents are typically found in a place of natural custody, meaning they are held where one would expect to find such documents. This setting emphasizes that the location’s nature supports the document's authenticity. For instance, public records are naturally stored in government offices, and official documents are maintained in appropriate governmental or institutional archives.

Other types of repositories, like a public library or a private collection, do not inherently guarantee the authenticity of a document. While a government agency may have self-authenticating documents, the essential feature is not solely about their possession but rather about being in a context that supports their authenticity. Therefore, the strongest answer is that self-authenticating documents must typically be found in a place of natural custody.