How to certify a copy of an official document?

Asked by: Pietro Koch  |  Last update: May 14, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (32 votes)

To certify a copy of an official document, an authorized official, often a Notary Public, compares the copy to the original document and attaches a signed, sealed statement (a notarial certificate) confirming the copy is a true, accurate, and complete reproduction, though procedures vary by document type and jurisdiction, with some public records requiring certification by the issuing agency or a different process like custodian certification.

How to certify a copy of an original document?

What is the document certification process?

  1. Obtain a copy. Start by making a photocopy or digital copy of the original document. ...
  2. Find a notary or other authorized person. ...
  3. In-person verification. ...
  4. Certification statement. ...
  5. Seal or stamp. ...
  6. Documentation. ...
  7. Use in official contexts.

How to certify a true copy of a document?

Certified True Copy Certification

  1. Secure and fill out application form.
  2. Submit duly accomplished form and attach the other supporting documents.
  3. Wait for the issuance of Order of Payment Slip (OPS).
  4. Pay the corresponding fees.

Can you certify a copy of a copy?

Can an authorised certifier certify a copy of a certified copy? Yes, if the certifier is satisfied that the certified copy is authentic, that certified document can be used as the original document. The copy document is then certified in accordance with the above processes.

How do you certify as a true copy of the original?

How to certify a document. Take the photocopied document and the original and ask the person to certify the copy by: writing 'Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me' on the document. signing and dating it.

How to Certify a Copy of a Document

42 related questions found

Who can certify a true copy of an original document in the USA?

A certified true copy is usually a special copy of an original document and is made by a notary public or lawyer. A photocopy is just a copy made from a primary document without any certification attached to it. A true copy is a photocopy or duplicate made (without alterations) of any original document.

Can my local post office certify documents?

Certified copies of your important documents

Need to provide photocopies of documents? Get them certified as a true likeness of their originals at selected Post Office branches. Pay a fee for the copies you need and keep the originals. The organisation that requested them gets copies certified by a trusted brand.

What is the wording to certify a copy of an original document?

preferred wording for the certification is as follows: 'I certify this to be a true copy of the document shown and reported to me as the original. '

Where can I do certified true copy?

Request for certified true copies of records/documents at the Office for Legal Affairs may be filed anytime either by walk-in or online requests. Clients can download the said form and send it to ola.records@csc.gov.ph.

How to prove certified copy?

Production of Certified Copy:

90 of Evidence Act, regarding the genuineness or execution, although, the certified copy may be used to prove the contents of the document. Mere production of a certified copy of the registered document would not amount to proving the original deed by way of secondary evidence.

What is the difference between certified copy and original copy?

A 'certified copy' of an original document is a copy of a document (often a photocopy) that an authorised person has verified. An authorised person is a person who is legally allowed to verify that the copy of the document is the same as the original document.

Can you certify documents online?

Certify Documents Online: Fast, Secure, and Hassle-Free.

The process is handled 100% online by a registered Professional Commissioner of Oaths.

What does a certified copy of a document look like?

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.

How long does a certified copy of a document last?

A certified copy should be acceptable for as long as the document that's been certified is still valid. However, the context in which the document is used can affect its acceptance and relevance.

Can a notary certify a copy of a birth certificate?

Can I notarize a vital record? Customers most commonly ask if Notaries can certify a photocopy of a vital record. Unfortunately, Notaries cannot do this. The reason is that a copy certification requires the Notary to certify that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original document.

How to certify a document as a true copy of the original?

Take the photocopied document and the original document and ask the Solicitor or Notary to certify the copy by: writing 'Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me' on the document. signing and dating it.

Who can certify a true copy of documents?

The following external certifiers (i.e. not a company's employee) can certify your documents: Solicitor/Lawyer/Notary Public/Certified Public or Professional Accountant/Auditor/Chartered Secretary from a FATF member country OR a bank staff.

What is required for a certified true copy?

A certified true copy only counts when it has been verified, stamped, and signed by a practicing professional such as an accountant or lawyer, etc. A certified true copy only verifies that it is an accurate copy of the original document, but cannot verify the original's authenticity.

What is an example of a certified document?

Some documents you may wish to have a professional verify can include passports, national identity cards, marriage certifications, birth certificates or name changes by deed polls. These certified documents may be necessary for loan applications, immigration applications and legal presentations.

How to certify a document in the USA?

Documents such as vital records issued by a U.S. state will need an apostille from that state's secretary of state. Federal documents will need an apostille from the U.S. Department of State.

How do you write a letter to certify something?

Here are some steps for writing a letter of certification:

  1. Use specific details. ...
  2. Include supporting documents. ...
  3. Write in a formal tone. ...
  4. Review your letter before sending it. ...
  5. Keep it brief. ...
  6. Consider your audience. ...
  7. Invite questions if applicable.

Can I ask my bank to certify documents?

You'll need to contact one of the following: your local bank and ask them to certify your documents.

What do you call someone who can certify documents?

A notary public can certify a copy of a document. The notary may either attach a separate notarial certificate containing the certification or write the certification on the photocopy itself. Notarial certification will include a notary seal impression on either the notarial certificate or photocopy.

Can you get something certified at the post office?

Go to a USPS post office. Fill out a Certified Mail Form 3800 (this is more like a Certified Mail label than a form) with the mailing address, return address, and a few other details. Peel off the white sticker from the Certified Mail Form 3800 mail label. Adhere it to the envelope or package you're sending.