Certified True Copy of Original Document

If you have an original document, you may have to have a notarized / certified copy made in order for it to be accepted by other organizations. Dotted Line Notary can help you create a certified true copy of your original document.

 

What is it?

​A certified true copy (or notarized copy) of an original document is a photocopy of an original that has been compared to the original document by a notary public. After ensuring that they are the same, the notary public will then stamp and seal the photocopy to certify that it is a true copy of the original document.

It is important to note that a notary public's role is NOT to determine the authenticity of the original document (i.e. to see if a passport is real or fake). Rather, the notary public's role is to compare the original and photocopy and ensure they are the same document.

What documents can you make a copy of?

We can notarize any original document. Whether it is a document in English, French, or any other language, as long as we can compare the original document to a legible photocopy then we can help you make a certified true copy. Examples of common documents we've seen include:

  • Passports

  • Driver's Licence

  • Criminal Background Check

  • School Transcripts

  • Diplomas

  • Citizenship or PR Cards

  • Certificates (Marriage, Divorce, etc.)

Why are certified true copies made?

​Whether it be for domestic or international use, many organizations like schools, foreign governments, etc. want to see an original document. Very often it is not feasible or safe for you to provide an original document like your passport or driver's licence. However, at the same time, these organizations may also be weary of fake or illegitimate documents if a mere photocopy is provided by you.

As such, these organizations will very often accept a certified true copy of your original document to be provided to them. In that way, these organizations will at least have the peace of mind that the photocopy you provide to them has been compared to the original document by a notary public and certified as being one and the same!