Certified True Copy - What is it and how to get one

Overview

Sometimes you’ll come across a request to produce or submit a “certified true” copy of a document. Let’s go over what it is and how to get one.

What is a Certified True copy

A “certified true” copy, as it says, certifies that the copy of the document being produced is true.

You’ll need a certified true copy usually when you’re dealing with a government agency, financial, or an educational institution. It means concerned institution wants to make sure you really have the concerned document, and since they wouldn’t want you to submit the original document, they are requesting for a copy of it which a third person can certify to be true.

This third-person usually is usually a notary public.

As you may recall, it is similar to an attested copy of a document in India, which all of us might be familiar with.

Why is it needed

As we discussed above, some institutions need to verify that you really have a certain document, and for this they need a trusted third party, like a notary public, do this verification for them.

How to get a Certified True copy of a document

1. Make a photocopy of your original document (color or black and white, as per the concerned institutions guidelines).
2. Walk into a notary public’s office ALONG with your original document.
3. Notary Public will examine both the documents, make sure the copy is exactly the same as the original, sometimes also verify the original document itself, and then will do a stamp + sign on your photocopy.

That’s it, your photocopy is now a certified true photocopy.

Depending on where you’re going, Notary Public services may require an appointment, and may be paid, It’s a good idea to be prepared for paying from $20 to $80 for their services.

Where to find a Notary Public

There are many ways to find a Notary Public, since their offices can be in many places around the city other than the court houses.

Here are some ways to find a Notary Public:

1. Do an Internet Search on places like Google, Google Maps, or any other indexes.
2. Look at your Province’s or City’s website.
3. Use services such as Notary Pro : https://www.notarypro.ca/find-a-notary/

For example, here’s the Ontario government’s website talking about where to find a Notary Public : https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-notary-public-or-commissioner-oaths-taking-affidavits

Similarly, more information about Notary Public from Law Society of Ontario : https://lso.ca/getdoc/42a9dbf4-f352-4baa-bbf7-ebeef3f57643/lawyer-as-notary-public

It will be a good idea to discuss the services you need and the charges for them over the phone before you go in.

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Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or suggestions.

All the best!

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