To have a certified copy of something means that it is a document copy that has, in most cases, been signed and verified as a true representation of the original document. A certified copy is typically used when the original document is not easily attainable or when there is a need to verify the authenticity of the document.
Examples of Certified Copies
A certified copy can be issued for a variety of documents, such as: certificates of birth, marriage, death; court decrees, adoption papers; school transcripts; and government records, such as motor vehicle ownership records. Certificates may also be required for various legal transactions, including passport applications, patent applications, real estate transactions, as well as for inheritance and immigrations proceedings.
Who Can Certify a Copy?
The person giving the certification is typically an official agent from the judicial system, government office, or educational institution in charge of issuing the original document. The certification can be thought of as an act of swearing, whereby the individual certifying the document is saying that the copy is true to the original. Once the document has been certified, it can be used in the same manner and with the same level of trust as the original document.
Using Certified Copies
It is important to note that a certified document will usually have limited usage. For example, many government offices require an original document for certain transactions, such as passports. In some cases, a particular company or organization may require a certified copy rather than an original document, so it is important to check before submitting any documents.
Conclusion
Having a certified copy of a document is a great way to verify the authenticity and accuracy of the document, without having to locate and use the original. Generally, a certified copy is as good as the original and can be used in many places, although it’s not always accepted for certain transactions.