Have you ever needed to provide an official copy of an important document like a passport or birth certificate and wondered what’s the difference between getting it notarized or certified? You’re not alone! While they sound similar, notarized and certified true copies are actually quite different. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between these two types of validated documents so you understand exactly which one you need and when. We’ll also provide tips on how to get copies of your documents notarized or certified properly. Whether you’re gathering paperwork for a visa application, new job, or major purchase like a house, you’ll learn the essential dos and don’ts of notarized vs. certified true copies so you can submit the right documents with confidence.

What Is a Certified True Copy?

A certified true copy, or CTC, is a copy of an original document that has been verified by a certification officer like a notary public as an exact reproduction of the original. The certification officer will compare the original and the copy, then mark the copy with a stamp or seal to indicate it is an authentic duplicate of the real document.

Certified true copies are often required when you need to provide copies of identification, degrees, or other legal papers as proof of something. For example, if you’re applying for a passport or visa, the government agency may ask you to provide a CTC of your birth certificate. Employers may require CTCs of your educational qualifications. CTCs are considered as legally valid as the original documents, so they give the recipients confidence that the information is accurate.

To get a document certified as a true copy, you’ll need to present the original and the copy to an authorized certification officer. This is typically a notary public, but can also be a paralegal, lawyer, accountant, or commissioner of oaths. The certification officer will examine both documents to ensure they are identical. They will then mark the copy to indicate it is a certified true reproduction of the original. This is usually done by physically stamping or sealing the copy. Some officers may also sign and date the copy.

The specifics of the certification process and requirements vary in different countries and jurisdictions. But in general, the certified true copy should include details like:

• The name and signature of the certification officer
• The date of certification
• The official seal or stamp
• A statement verifying the copy is a true reproduction of the presented original
• document

Getting documents certified as true copies adds an extra step, but it provides valuable
assurance for recipients that the information they are relying on is authentic and accurate.