Certified True Copy – What is it?

Key Takeaways

• A certified true copy is a duplicate of an original document that has been verified by a notary public.
• A government office may also issue a certified true copy of a document it provided previously.
• Both the original document and its copy must be presented to a notary for certification.
• The notary will stamp, date, and sign the duplicate to certify it as a true copy.
• The verification process for a certified true copy must be completed in person, and you can book your appointment with the help of NotaryPro.

A certified true copy is a copy of a document that a notary has verified and certified as a true copy of the original.

There are two types:

• a certified true copy is a copy of a document issued by the government office who originally issued the document; and
• a traditional certified copy, which is a photocopy of a document that is certified by a notary public.

If you need a certified copy of either document type, you must bring the original document and the copy to the notary public.

The notary will closely compare the original to the copy. Once satisfied that the copy is a true copy, they will verify and certify the copy as a true copy of the original by dating, stamping and signing it.

A notary does not require a colour copy of the document in order to make a certified copy. However, you should first check with the authority where you will be submitting your certified copy, as they may be required to submit colour copies to help support the authenticity.