Schools, employers, professional bodies and foreign authorities often ask for copies of your documents, but not just any photocopy. They want a certified true copy: a copy that a notary public has compared against the original and confirmed as accurate. Here’s how it works.
What a certified true copy is
A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document with a notarial certification attached or stamped on it. The certification confirms that the notary personally examined the original and that the copy is a true reproduction of it. Your original stays with you.
Common documents we certify
- passports and government-issued ID;
- diplomas, degrees and transcripts;
- birth and marriage certificates;
- professional licences and certificates;
- other personal and business documents requested by an institution.
What to bring
- The original document. We cannot certify a copy of a copy, a scan or a screenshot.
- Your photo ID.
- The requesting organization’s instructions, if they have specific wording or formatting requirements.
Check the rules before you book
Some organizations accept copies certified by a notary; others only accept copies certified by the issuing authority, or require an apostille or additional steps for use abroad. A quick check with the organization that asked for the copy can save you time.
Related reading
- Lost or damaged diploma? Statutory declarations for replacements
- What documents can be apostilled in Canada?
- Affidavit of translation
- Notary public vs. commissioner of oaths
- What ID do you need for notarization in Ontario?
Book with Crown Seal Notary
Crown Seal Notary serves Hamilton and the surrounding area seven days a week. In-office appointments are available at 21 King St W, 5th Floor, and our mobile service comes to your home, workplace, hospital or care home. To book, call 289-207-0851, email info@csnotary.org, or book online. You can also browse all of our services or read our FAQs.
Please note: Crown Seal Notary provides notarization and commissioning services only. We do not provide legal, immigration or financial advice, and we cannot tell you what to write in your document. If you are unsure which document you need, please check with the organization that asked for it or speak with a lawyer or licensed paralegal.
