What is a true copy of the original?
Asked by: Mrs. Kylee Swift DVM | Last update: February 12, 2026Score: 5/5 (43 votes)
A "true copy of the original" is an exact, unaltered reproduction of a document that perfectly matches its content, formatting, and markings, often authenticated by an authorized official (like a notary or court clerk) with a stamp and signature, making it legally valid for official use when the original can't be presented, ensuring trust and preventing fraud without needing the fragile original.
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.
What is the definition of a true copy?
A true copy is simply a photocopy made (without alterations) of an original document.
What is a true and accurate copy of the original?
What is a 'Certified Copy'? A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been 'certified' by an authorised person ('certifier') as a true and accurate copy of the original.
Is a certified copy as good as the original?
A certified copy is legally considered as valid as the original for most official purposes because it's an exact replica verified by an authorized official (like a notary or clerk) with a signature and seal, confirming it's a true and accurate reproduction, but it's not the actual original document; some rare situations might still demand the physical original.
Certified Copy vs True Copy Difference | What is a Certified Copy | Legal Documents | Court Document
What does "true copy of the original" mean?
Legal Definitions - true copy
It accurately reflects all information, content, and characteristics of the original, making it legally equivalent for many purposes.
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.
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.
Can a notary public certify a true copy?
You'll often need a Copy Certification by a Notary Public, a process that confirms your copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original document. At Your Local Notary Public, we specialize in notarizing copy certifications of passports and IDs in compliance with California law and international standards.
How to get a certified true copy document?
Certified True Copy Certification
- Secure and fill out application form.
- Submit duly accomplished form and attach the other supporting documents.
- Wait for the issuance of Order of Payment Slip (OPS).
- Pay the corresponding fees.
Is a true copy the same as an original?
The current International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) guidance states: “A True Copy is an exact copy of original documentation that preserves the same content, meaning, and attributes of the original. It is an electronic copy maintained in an electronic document management system.”
Is a copy of a notarized document as good as the original?
Copies of notarized documents can be accepted. However, if there is a hint that the copy of a notarized document is tempered with – it won't be accepted.
What is another word for true copy?
Some common synonyms of replica are copy, duplicate, facsimile, and reproduction. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," replica implies the exact reproduction of a particular item in all details, but not always in the same scale.
What is a true copy vs. certified copy?
A certified copy is a copy of a primary document with a certificate on it that it is the true copy.
Can a social worker be a notary?
Outside of MOLST… in general, we aren't allowed to act as the notory on ANY type of document for any patient we see, as it's considered a conflict of interest. Most facilities have a separate person (who doesn't provide care) for that or recommend someone come from outside to do it.
How to make a true copy of a document?
How Is a True Copy of a Document Certified? To have a copy of a document certified, you must meet with an authorized official, such as a notary public. You'll bring your original document and a copy of it with you, and the notary will compare the original to the photocopy.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
The most common and serious mistake a notary makes is failing to ensure the signer personally appears before them, which is a legal violation and can lead to fraud and major penalties, but other frequent errors involve incomplete or incorrect notarial certificates, such as missing dates, improper seal placement, illegible stamps, mismatched names, or attaching the wrong certificate type, all of which can invalidate the 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 issue a certificate of origin?
Only bodies authorized by DGFT, Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry can issue Certificate of Origin. It is important to know which Office/ Chamber of Commerce can issue the Certificate of Origin.
Can I certify a copy myself?
In most cases, you cannot self-certify your own documents. Creating a certified copy requires an impartial and authorized party, such as a notary public or government official, to validate the accuracy of the copy. Attempting to self-certify a document may lead to it being rejected and unusable.
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.
How do I make a 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 certify an original copy?
Single-page documents must have the following written on them by an authorised officer.
- This statement: 'I have sighted the original document and certify this to be a true copy of the original'
- The date.
- The authorised officer's signature.
- The authorised officer's name.
- The authorised officer's contact phone number.