Certified True Copy – What is it?

There are many situations where you may need to submit important documents such as identification (e.g., birth certificate, passport or driver’s license) as part or in support of an application. You would not submit the original documents but instead a certified copy.

A certified true 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 and copy. Once satisfied that the copy is a true copy, they will verify and certify by dating, stamping and signing the document as a true copy.

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.