Certified True Copies

In-office7 days a week at 21 King St W (5th Floor) · 9 AM–5 PM
MobileWe come to your home, workplace, hospital or campus · 9 AM–7 PM, 7 days

Certified True Copies

When submitting official documentation for legal proceedings, official registrations, or international applications, presenting verified duplicates is essential. At Crown Seal Notary, we provide reliable, efficient commissioning and notarization services for Certified True Copies across Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

A Certified True Copy is an official duplicate of a primary document that has been inspected, verified, and stamped by a Notary Public to certify that it is an exact, complete, and unaltered reproduction of the original. Because government bodies, educational institutions, and licensing boards require high assurance against fraud, unverified photocopies are routinely rejected. To ensure your paperwork meets strict institutional standards, your original documents must be personally examined and certified in front of an appointed Notary Public.

Two Common Types of Documents We Certify

Depending on your specific administrative or legal requirements, your document will typically fall into one of two categories:

Essential Requirements for Your Appointment

To ensure a seamless verification process and prevent administrative rejections, please note the following protocols prior to booking:

Original Document Required: You must present the physical, original document during your appointment. A certified copy cannot be issued from a photocopy, scan, or digital image without viewing the original counterpart.

No Alterations or Laminations: The original document must be intact, legible, and free from unauthorized alterations, unverified markings, or damaging laminations that obscure security features.

Bring Valid Identification: The individual requesting the certified copy must present at least one piece of unexpired, government-issued photo ID featuring their full legal name and a clear photograph (e.g., a Canadian passport, driver’s licence, PR card, or citizenship certificate).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certified True Copy?
A Certified True Copy is a photocopy of a document that a Notary Public has compared directly against the original. The Notary attaches a formal seal and statement confirming that the photocopy is a true, accurate, and complete copy of the original document.
What is the difference between a certified true copy and a notarization?
While both involve a Notary Public, a Certified True Copy verifies that a document duplicate is an exact match to its original. A standard notarization typically involves witnessing a live signature on an affidavit, declaration, or agreement.
Can you certify a copy of a digital or electronic document?
If an original document was issued strictly in a digital format (such as an electronic bank statement or PDF utility bill), we can verify the digital original displayed live on screen before certifying the printed copy.
Can a Certified True Copy be completed online remotely?
Certain digital documents can be certified online if the original digital file can be verified directly during a live audio-video session. However, for physical original documents (like passports or degree diplomas), in-person verification is generally required unless specific digital verification protocols apply.
Will my Certified True Copy be accepted internationally?
Yes, notarized true copies created by an Ontario Notary Public are widely recognized. If your document is intended for use outside of Canada, it may also require authentication and legalization (or an Apostille) depending on the destination country.

Need a Certified True Copy? Book Your Appointment

Don’t let administrative delays or unnotarized paperwork hold up your passport, immigration, licensing or school application. Crown Seal Notary makes the entire validation process fast, transparent, and completely stress-free.

We offer rapid in-person appointments within Hamilton, alongside mobile notary services across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) where our team travels directly to your home, office, or hospital room to witness your paperwork.

Bring Your Original Document and Photo ID

Click Here to Schedule Your Appointment Online Instantly

Crown Seal Notary is an independent notary public and commissioner of oaths. We are not a government agency and do not issue or renew passports, visas, IDs, licences, permits, certificates or background checks.