La copia simple identifica el protocolo notarial.

Because copia is a feminine noun in Spanish, so it takes the feminine article la.

• la copia
• una copia

The adjective must also agree when needed, but simple has the same form for masculine and feminine singular, so you still say simple.

In Spanish, adjectives often come after the noun, especially when they classify or describe it in a straightforward way.

So:

• copia simple = a simple copy

This is also a fixed legal expression in Spain. In notarial language, copia simple is a standard term, not just any random combination of words.

In Spain, copia simple is a legal/notarial term. It usually means a non-authoritative copy of a notarised document.

It is different from an authorised or official copy, such as copia autorizada.

So simple here does not just mean easy or plain in a general sense; it is part of a specific legal expression.

Identifica is the:

• present indicative
• third person singular
• from the verb identificar = to identify

The subject is la copia simple, so the verb is singular:

• La copia simple identifica...

Literally, it means identifies, but depending on context it could also be understood as shows, indicates, or specifies.

Because identificar normally takes a direct object with no preposition.

So:

• identificar algo
• identificar el documento
• identificar el protocolo notarial

You do not say identifica a el protocolo notarial here, because this is not a person, and the verb simply takes a direct object.

Not exactly in the everyday English sense.

In Spanish legal/notarial language, protocolo notarial refers to the notary’s official record, register, or archive of documents. It is a technical term.

So although protocolo looks like English protocol, here it is better understood as something like:

• the notarial record
• the notary’s register
• the official notarial archive

This is one of those cases where a very similar-looking word does not match perfectly in meaning.

Because notarial is an adjective meaning notarial or relating to a notary.

• notario = notary (the person)
• notarial = notarial (the adjective)

So:

• protocolo notarial = notarial record/register

You need the adjective here because it is describing what kind of protocolo it is.

Because protocolo is a masculine singular noun:

• el protocolo
• un protocolo

So the full noun phrase is:

• el protocolo notarial

The adjective notarial comes after the noun, which is very normal in Spanish.

Yes, quite similar. It follows the standard pattern:

• Subject: La copia simple
• Verb: identifica
• Direct object: el protocolo notarial

So it is a normal subject + verb + object sentence.

Spanish can sometimes move things around for emphasis, but this neutral order is the most straightforward one.

Yes, grammatically you could. But the meaning changes slightly.

• La copia simple points to a specific simple copy, or to the simple copy in context.
• Una copia simple means a simple copy, more indefinite or general.

So the original sentence with la sounds more specific.

Usually not in this expression. Copia simple is the normal and fixed order.

Also, when simple goes before a noun in Spanish, it can sometimes create a different nuance in other contexts, but with this legal term you should stick to:

• copia simple

That is the standard form learners should remember.

In Spain, a typical pronunciation would be roughly:

• ee-den-tee-FEE-ka

A few useful pronunciation notes:

• i sounds like ee
• e sounds like eh
• c before a is a hard k sound, so -ca sounds like ka
• the stress falls on fi: identiFÍca

So the stress pattern is important: iden-ti-FI-ca.