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Certified copy
Certified copy
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Exemplified certified copy of Decree Absolute issued by the Family Court Deputy District Judge – divorce certificate

A certified copy is a copy (often a photocopy) of a primary document that has on it an endorsement or certificate that it is a true copy of the primary document. It does not certify that the primary document is genuine, only that it is a true copy of the primary document.

A certified copy is often used in English-speaking common law countries as a convenient way of providing a copy of documents. It is usually inexpensive to obtain. A certified copy may be required for official government or court purposes and for commercial purposes. It avoids the owner of important documents (especially identity documents) giving up possession of those documents which might mean a risk of their loss or damage.

It has some similarities to a notarized copy, which is a form used in some countries, and particularly in some US states. A notarized copy is signed by a notary public (not to be confused with a notary in a civil law country).

The certified copy is signed by a person nominated by the person or agency asking for it. Typically, the person is referred to as an authorised person. The person who is authorised to sign the certificate will vary between countries. Sometimes a person is authorised by legislation to do so (for example a court clerk, solicitor, or notary public), but this is not always so. In some countries, for example the United Kingdom and South Africa, identity documents can also be certified by authorised post office staff.[1]

A copy of a primary document that is to be used internationally may have to be in the form of a notarized copy rather than a certified copy. A notarized copy may be more expensive to obtain. A copy of a document to be used internationally may also have to comply with special rules - Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents.

If the primary document needs to be translated, an additional certificate is usually required. Typically, the document must be translated professionally and have the professional's certificate of accuracy attached to the translation together with a copy of the primary document. Then, the primary document, the translation, and the certificate of accuracy are photocopied in the form of a certified copy. For example, a Russian birth certificate used in an English-speaking country, a notarized copy will be required.

Australia

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Certification stamp on a photocopy of an academic transcript in Australia

In Australia, certified copies are largely the creation of administrative practice. Some Commonwealth and State legislation do require the use of certified copies or state classes of people who can lawfully certify a copy of a document in some situations.[2][3]

Certified copies have long been used to give a veneer of authenticity to a photocopy of a primary document. In practice, they are very easy to obtain at almost no cost other than the photocopy, and are used in a wide range of situations, especially with identity documents.

In practice, and purely for convenience, a copy may usually be certified by a person who is able to witness a statutory declaration under federal legislation about Statutory Declarations. A person who has been admitted as an Australian lawyer by the Supreme Court of a State or Territory can witness a statutory declaration, whether or not they hold a practising certificate.[4] Other categories of people listed in Schedule 1 of the Regulations may also witness a statutory declaration.[5] Part 1 of schedule 1 states that chiropractors, dentists, legal practitioners, medical practitioners, nurses, optometrists, patent attorneys, pharmacists, physiotherapists, psychologists, trade mark attorneys and Veterinary surgeons may certify copies. Part 2 of the schedule lists various other professions and positions, the members or occupants of which may also certify copies (for example, judges, police officers and members of parliament).

A typical certificate endorsed on the photocopy, often typed or stamped except for the signature:

CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF THE ORIGINAL

I certify that this is a true copy of the original document.

Signed:
Dated:
Authority to sign:
Telephone number:

Certified copies can be quite basic in Australia due to the lack of legislation. More detail is often required by the person or agency requiring it. Sometimes the person or agency will contact the person certifying the copy to limit the possibility of a fraudulent copy.

In some states and territories, police stations and libraries have arrangements to enable documents to be certified or witnessed by a justice of the peace at no cost.

Botswana

[edit]

Photocopies can be certified free at a police station. Certified copies, for example of the "Omang" state identity card, are widely used, and are often required for job applications, etc.

Hong Kong SAR

[edit]

The Companies Ordinance, section 775 sets out categories of people who can certify a copy of a document for part 16 (Non-Hong Kong Companies).[6] The categories include notaries public, solicitors, members of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and members of the Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute.[7]

The same categories of people may also certify, for the Ordinance, a translation into English or Chinese from another language.[8]

India

[edit]

In India, under section 2(j)(ii) of The Right to Information Act, 2005, the Public Information Officer (PIO) is mandatorily 'required to provide the appellant "Certified copies of documents or records."' In such a case, the PIO is only certifying that copies of documents or records are true copies of those held on a 'X' page of a 'X' file of the Public Authority, irrespective of their original source.

Sri Lanka

[edit]

In Sri Lanka, certified copy or true copy of an original document can be attested by an attorney, a notary public or a justice of the peace.

United States

[edit]

Certified copies of public records, such as birth and marriage certificates, must be obtained from the office that holds the record.[9]

In most U.S. states and territories, notaries public are authorized to certify copies of any documents that are not public records.[10] For example, they may certify copies of passports, identification cards, driver licenses, statements and contracts.[9] In this case, the notary signs a statement directly certifying that the copy is true.[11] In other states, notaries are not authorized to certify copies, or may certify copies of only a few types of documents such as their own notary journals.[10] In case the notary is not authorized to certify a copy, it is possible to perform an alternative procedure, known as "copy certification by document custodian", where the holder of the document signs a statement affirming that the copy is true, and the notary only certifies that the holder signed and affirmed this statement.[10][11]

To certify that the copy is true, some states require that the notary personally make or supervise the photocopying process, while others allow the notary to visually compare a copy presented by the requester to the original document.

Jurisdiction Documents whose copies may be certified by notaries (other than public records) Photocopy must be made or supervised by the notary
Alabama[12] Notary's journal No
Alaska[13] None N/a
American Samoa[14][15] Any Yes
Arizona[16] Any Yes
Arkansas[17] Any Yes
California[18] Powers of attorney and notary's journal No
Colorado[19] Any No
Connecticut[20] Any Yes
Delaware[21] Any No
District of Columbia[22][23] Any No
Florida[24] Any Yes
Georgia[25] Any Yes
Guam[26] Any No
Hawaii[27][28] Protests and notary's journal No
Idaho[29] Any Yes
Illinois[30] None N/a
Indiana[31] Any Yes
Iowa[32] Any Yes
Kansas[33] Any No
Kentucky[34] Any No
Louisiana[35] Acts passed by the same notary and their attachments No
Maine[36] Any No
Maryland[37] Any No
Massachusetts[38] Any Yes
Michigan[39][40] None N/a
Minnesota[41] Any No
Mississippi[42] None N/a
Missouri[43] Any No
Montana[44] Any No
Nebraska[45] None N/a
Nevada[46][47] Any Yes
New Hampshire[48] Any No
New Jersey[49] Any No
New Mexico[50] Any Yes
New York[51] None N/a
North Carolina[52] None N/a
North Dakota[53] Any No
Northern Mariana Islands[54] Any No
Ohio[55] None N/a
Oklahoma[56] Any No
Oregon[57] Any Yes
Pennsylvania[58] Any No
Puerto Rico[59] Any No
Rhode Island[60] Any Yes
South Carolina[61] None N/a
South Dakota[62] None N/a
Tennessee[63] None N/a
Texas[64] Any No
United States Virgin Islands[65] Any No
Utah[66] Any No
Vermont[67] Any No
Virginia[68] Any Yes
Washington[69] Any No
West Virginia[70] Any No
Wisconsin[71] Any No
Wyoming[72] Any No

Example of copy certification by notary:

State of ________________, County of ________________

I certify that this is a true and correct copy of a record in the possession of _______________________________.
Dated _______________________________

_______________________________
(Notary Public)
(Notarial stamp, including name, title, and commission expiration)

Example of copy certification by document custodian:

I, _______________________________, hereby declare that the attached reproduction of _______________________________ is a true and correct copy of the original document.

_______________________________
(Document custodian)

State of ________________, County of ________________

Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on _______________________________ by _______________________________.

_______________________________
(Notary Public)
(Notarial stamp, including name, title, and commission expiration)

Vietnam

[edit]

In Vietnam, a certified copy or true copy of an original document can be attested by a Ward/District or higher People's Committee or Notary Office, not only Vietnamese official documents but also foreign documents.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A certified copy is a duplicate (often a photocopy) of a primary document, such as a or court record, that has been verified and endorsed by an authorized official or entity as a true and accurate reproduction of the original. These copies serve legal purposes where presenting the original is impractical or prohibited, ensuring authenticity for use in official proceedings, transactions, or applications. The certification process and requirements vary by , as detailed in subsequent sections.

Definition and Purpose

Definition

A certified copy is a duplicate, typically a photocopy, of an original primary that has been verified and endorsed by an authorized individual or as a true, complete, and accurate reproduction of the original. This endorsement confirms that the copy matches the original in at the time of verification, without altering or interpreting the document's substance. Importantly, a certified copy does not attest to the authenticity, validity, or truthfulness of the contained in the original itself; it solely verifies the of the reproduction. For instance, if the original is a , the certification assures the copy is identical but does not vouch for the recorded birth event's accuracy. This distinction is crucial in legal contexts, such as submissions to government agencies or courts, where the certified copy serves as reliable evidence of the original's appearance. Certified copies can take various formats, including traditional paper photocopies, scanned digital files, or printed reproductions from electronic originals, depending on the certifying authority's capabilities. The certification typically consists of a signed statement attached to or stamped on the copy, often including the certifier's name, position, date, and sometimes a seal, affirming its accuracy. The practice of creating certified copies traces its origins to traditions in English-speaking jurisdictions, where notaries public—evolving from ancient Roman roles and formalized in medieval —played a key role in authenticating document reproductions for legal proceedings. Over time, it has advanced from labor-intensive manual transcription and early court exemplifications to widespread photocopying in the and contemporary digital endorsements, as seen in electronic patent copies provided by agencies like the USPTO since the early . Certified copies primarily serve to provide verifiable duplicates of original documents for submission to authorities, enabling the preservation of originals from potential damage or loss during administrative, judicial, and commercial transactions. This practice allows individuals and organizations to meet requirements without presenting the primary document, which is particularly valuable for sensitive records like vital statistics or contracts. Key uses of certified copies encompass a range of practical applications, including identity verification through documents such as and birth certificates, submission as court evidence, business registrations, applications, and verification of academic records. In legal proceedings, they function as admissible substitutes for originals, streamlining processes like renewals or name changes. For and , they support compliance with regulatory bodies by confirming the authenticity of supporting materials. In jurisdictions, certified copies hold presumptive or evidentiary value, meaning they are accepted as true and accurate reproductions unless rebutted by contrary , which aids in fulfilling statutory mandates for "true copies" in official submissions. This evidentiary weight derives from rules that treat properly certified duplicates as self-authenticating, reducing the need for additional from custodians. The benefits of certified copies include serving as a cost-effective alternative to originals, minimizing fraud risks via official endorsements that verify accuracy, and facilitating international dealings under frameworks like the Hague Apostille Convention, which simplifies authentication of public documents across member states. By attaching an apostille to a certified copy, users can ensure cross-border recognition without lengthy legalization processes.

Certification Process

General Steps

The creation of a certified copy follows a common procedural framework designed to verify the accuracy and authenticity of the relative to the original , though specifics vary by (see "By Jurisdiction" section). This process ensures that the copy can be relied upon for legal, administrative, or evidentiary purposes across various contexts. A clear, legible photocopy or digital scan of the original is produced—either by the seeking or by the certifier—capturing all essential details such as text, signatures, seals, and any annotations without or omission, in accordance with local requirements. High-quality is critical to maintain fidelity, often using standard for physical copies or high-resolution scanning for electronic versions. Next, the individual seeking presents both the original document and the copy to an authorized certifier, who visually compares them side-by-side to confirm that the reproduction is identical and complete in every respect. This verification step, performed by the certifier, establishes the copy's reliability as a true representation of the original. The certifier then attaches or inscribes a formal statement on the copy, typically worded as "I certify that this is a true and accurate copy of the original document," accompanied by their , the date of certification, and a declaration of their official capacity or authority. For added assurance of authenticity, the certifier may affix an official seal or stamp to the statement. In cases involving digital formats, the certification may incorporate electronic signatures that comply with established standards such as eIDAS in the European Union, which provides a legal framework for secure electronic identification and trust services to validate the copy's integrity. These digital methods ensure tamper-evident protection and legal equivalence to traditional certifications where applicable. The process generally incurs nominal fees, often ranging from $5 to $20 USD equivalent depending on the certifier and , though some services may be provided at no cost for specific public documents.

Authorized Certifiers

Authorized certifiers for copies of documents are typically professionals or officials empowered to verify that a reproduction accurately matches the original. Common types include notaries public, who are licensed to authenticate copies in many s; lawyers or solicitors, authorized through their professional bodies; justices of the peace, appointed to perform such duties; police officers, limited to certain official documents; and government clerks or court officials, who handle . Other professionals of , such as accountants, doctors, or bank managers, may also certify in specific contexts where their impartiality and expertise are recognized. Qualifications for authorized certifiers emphasize impartiality, relevant training, and official appointment or licensure. Certifiers must generally undergo background checks, demonstrate of verification procedures, and often secure or to ensure accountability; for instance, notaries public are commissioned by state or national authorities after passing examinations and meeting ethical standards. They are required to personally inspect the original document and the copy, attesting to their identical nature without alteration. Regulatory bodies oversee their conduct to maintain public trust in the certification process. Limitations on authorized certifiers prevent bias and ensure reliability. Certifiers cannot endorse documents they created, signed, or have a personal or financial interest in, as this constitutes a ; for example, family members or close associates are typically disqualified to avoid perceived partiality. Many jurisdictions restrict certification to non-vital or non-public , prohibiting from certifying copies of passports, birth certificates, or official vital , which must instead be obtained from issuing authorities. Additionally, certifiers are bound by document-specific rules, such as supervising the copying process in some cases, and face penalties for unauthorized acts. For cross-border use, certifications must align with the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention standards, where documents from contracting parties require an apostille from a designated to confirm the certifier's legitimacy, thereby simplifying international recognition without further . Certifications by non-designated individuals may necessitate additional , such as embassy verification, increasing complexity. While there is overlap, authorized certifiers differ from notaries in scope: certifiers primarily verify the accuracy of copies against originals, whereas notaries additionally authenticate signatures, administer oaths, and witness document executions, though not all notaries are empowered to certify copies.

By Jurisdiction

In , the certification of copies for identity and official documents is governed by the Statutory Declarations Regulations 2023 (Schedule 1), which prescribes approved witnesses capable of verifying documents for legal and administrative purposes. This federal framework ensures a standardized approach across jurisdictions, allowing certifications to support statutory declarations and related processes without a separate standalone for copies alone. Authorized certifiers include a wide range of professionals and public officials, such as lawyers, doctors, pharmacists, police officers, justices of the peace, and certain government employees with at least five years of service, like staff or personnel. The process requires the certifier to physically or digitally sight the original document alongside the copy, then sign a statement affirming it as a "certified true copy," including their name, qualification, contact details, and the date; for multi-page documents, this must cover all pages. No fees apply for certifications by many public services, such as at police stations or by justices of the peace, promoting accessibility. A distinctive feature of the Australian system is the availability of low-cost certification at offices. Since updates under the Digital ID Act 2024, digital certification has been enabled via myID (formerly myGovID), allowing approved certifiers to verify electronic documents on digital devices for e-services. Common applications include certifying passports and driver's licenses for banking verification, employment applications, or government benefits.

Botswana

In Botswana, certification of document copies is available at police stations, offering a service for identity and qualification documents such as national identity cards (Omang), passports, birth certificates, and academic credentials. This approach ensures accessibility for the public, particularly in rural and urban areas, without the need for specialized professionals or complex procedures. Police officers serve as the authorized certifiers for these documents, conducting the process by comparing the photocopy to the original presented by the applicant. Upon verification, the officer applies an official stamp and signature to the copy, attesting to its authenticity as a true reproduction. This service incurs no additional fees and is designed for efficiency, often completed on the spot to support immediate needs like job applications or visa submissions. The system highlights Botswana's commitment to public convenience within a developing , where such certifications facilitate everyday administrative tasks without typically requiring notaries for domestic purposes. Common applications include certifying academic certificates for verification or national IDs for travel arrangements, making it an essential tool for citizens navigating bureaucratic requirements.

Hong Kong SAR

In Hong Kong, certified copies of documents, including company records, are verified by authorized professionals to ensure authenticity for legal and administrative purposes. For the registration of non- companies, the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), section 775, defines a certified copy as one verified as a true reproduction of the original by an authorized person. This provision specifically applies to filings with the Companies Registry for non- companies. For -incorporated companies, certified copies of filed documents such as incorporation certificates and annual returns can be obtained directly from the Companies Registry. General certification of documents follows similar standards, often required for overseas submissions like apostille or . Authorized certifiers in include notaries public practising in the , solicitors, certified public accountants (practising), consular officers, and professional company secretaries, with the latter encompassing members of the Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute recognized under section 775(2)(b)(vi). The certification process involves the certifier attesting that they have inspected the original document and confirming the copy's accuracy, typically affixing a professional seal or stamp along with their signature and contact details to validate compliance. Hong Kong's system emphasizes integration with digital platforms through the Companies Registry's e-Registry, enabling electronic access and ordering of certified copies of filed documents like incorporation certificates and annual returns directly from official records. Common applications include verifying share registers and director appointments, which support , mergers, and compliance with foreign regulatory requirements.

India

In India, the provision of certified copies of public records is governed by the , under section 2(j), which defines the "right to information" as including the right to take certified copies of documents or records held by or under the control of any public authority. This framework empowers citizens to access government-held information, promoting transparency and accountability in public administration. Authorized certifiers for public records are Public Information Officers (PIOs) designated within government departments and public authorities as per section 5 of the . For non-public documents, private notaries public appointed under the Notaries Act, 1952, can verify and certify copies as true reproductions of originals. The certification process begins with the requester filing an application to the concerned PIO, clearly specifying the documents required as certified copies, accompanied by a nominal application fee of Rs. 10. The PIO must respond within 30 days, verifying the authenticity of the records before issuing a "true copy" endorsed with an official stamp and signature; additional charges of Rs. 2 per page apply for photocopies or extracts. If the request is denied, an appeals mechanism exists under sections 19 and 18 of the RTI Act, allowing a first appeal to a senior officer within 30 days and a second appeal or complaint to the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission within 90 days. Online RTI portals, such as the central rtionline.gov.in platform, facilitate digital applications, payments, and tracking to expedite the process. This system is commonly used to obtain certified copies of land records from revenue departments or government orders and notifications, which serve as secondary in legal disputes and proceedings.

Sri Lanka

In , the certification of document copies follows traditions, emphasizing the verification of true copies by qualified legal professionals to ensure their reliability for official, personal, and administrative purposes. This system prioritizes involvement, distinguishing it from more centralized public mechanisms in other jurisdictions. Authorized certifiers include attorneys-at-law, notaries public appointed by ministerial warrant, and justices of the peace, who are empowered to authenticate and certify copies after verifying the original. Attorneys-at-law may certify affidavits and related documents, often requiring subsequent endorsement by the Registrar of the Supreme Court, while notaries handle deeds and instruments under strict procedural rules, and justices of the peace focus on affidavits, statutory declarations, and general document certification. The process requires the certifier to physically examine the original in the presence of the applicant, confirm its authenticity, and endorse the copy with a signed statement attesting to its accuracy, along with the date and, where applicable, a seal or stamp. For notarial certifications, additional steps include identity verification using national IDs, passports, or licenses, and for deeds, the use of durable materials like or blue sheets with consecutive numbering. There is no fixed statutory fee schedule, but charges are nominal, typically ranging from Rs. 1.50 to Rs. 10.50 for basic attestations, guided by professional schedules. A distinctive feature of Sri Lanka's system is its integration with the land registry and civil administration: notaries must conduct prior searches in land records before certifying documents involving immovable property to prevent , and civil vital records are linked to the Registrar General's Department for issuance and verification. Following amendments in 2022, enhancements to digital , such as the expanded Electronic Transactions Act enabling broader use of digital signatures, support e-attestation pilots in urban areas like for select administrative documents as of March 2025, though in-person certification remains standard. Common applications include certifying birth and death certificates—often issued as true copies directly via the Registrar General's eBMD online portal for domestic use—and property deeds for proceedings or transactions, where notarial endorsement ensures compliance with registry requirements.

United States

In the , the certification of document copies is decentralized and varies significantly by state, with no uniform federal standard governing the process. Instead, each state establishes its own rules under local or government codes, leading to diverse requirements for authorization, procedures, and limitations. For instance, in , public are authorized only to certify copies of powers of attorney and their own journals pursuant to Government Code §8205, while other documents must be certified by the issuing agency or custodian. Authorized certifiers typically include notaries public in states that permit the act, where they must personally witness the copying process or verify the original document's authenticity before attaching a . For such as vital statistics (e.g., birth, , or certificates), is handled exclusively by designated custodians like state vital records offices or county clerks to ensure security and prevent . Notaries are generally prohibited from certifying copies of vital records in most jurisdictions to maintain official control over these sensitive documents. The certification process involves the notary or custodian creating or reviewing a photocopy of the original, then affixing a statement attesting to its accuracy, such as "I certify that this is a true and correct copy of the original document," followed by the certifier's , seal, and date. Fees for notary-performed certifications range from $5 to $15 per document, depending on state maximums for notarial acts, though public record custodians may charge additional processing fees. Some states, such as and , outright prohibit notaries from performing copy certifications as an official act, requiring reliance on issuing authorities instead. For federal documents like Social Security cards or numbers, certification must be done directly by the (SSA), which does not accept notarized copies. Unique to the U.S. system are ongoing adaptations to digital processes; for example, a California law update (effective 2025) allows "disinterested custodians" to certify tangible (printed) copies of electronic records, expanding options for hybrid document handling amid growing remote online notarization adoption in 45 states. Common uses include verifying contracts or passports for banking and financial transactions, where banks require certified copies to confirm identity or corporate status, as well as obtaining from clerks for legal or administrative purposes.

Vietnam

In Vietnam, the certification of copies from originals is a state-controlled process governed by Decree No. 23/2015/ND-CP, which implements provisions of the 2015 (Law No. 91/2015/QH13) for authenticating civil transactions and documents. This procedure applies to both domestic and foreign documents, ensuring their legal validity for official use, such as in administrative, judicial, or business matters. Certification is administered primarily by Ward/Commune-level Committees for local documents or District-level Justice Offices and licensed Offices for broader applications, emphasizing centralized governmental oversight to maintain document integrity. Authorized certifiers include officials such as presidents or vice-presidents of People's Committees at the ward or commune level, heads or heads of Justice Offices, and licensed notaries, who are mandated to handle official documents to prevent . The process requires the requester to submit the original document along with the copy to be certified; the certifier then compares the two, attests to their accuracy by inscribing a of , signs it, and affixes an official red seal—a distinctive Vietnamese practice symbolizing governmental validation and tamper-proofing. Fees for this service are nominal, typically ranging from 2,000 VND per page for the first two pages (about 0.08 USD) and 1,000 VND per additional page, with a maximum cap of 200,000 VND per document, making it accessible for routine administrative needs. Processing is generally completed on the same day or within one to two days, with entries recorded in an official ledger. For foreign documents, certification often involves bilingual elements, where the original is accompanied by a certified Vietnamese translation prepared by an approved translator, followed by notarization to ensure usability in Vietnamese legal contexts. Since 2023, integration with Vietnam's e-government portal and the VNeID system has streamlined processing, allowing certain integrated documents to be verified electronically without physical originals, reducing paperwork and enabling faster online submissions for authentication. Common applications include certified copies of household registration books (hộ khẩu) for residency proofs in or family matters, and business licenses for corporate registrations, court proceedings, or verifications, where the red-sealed copy serves as a legally equivalent substitute for the original.

References

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