A Certified True Copy is a duplicate of a document that a notary public or government office has authenticated as being identical to the original. It serves as a legally recognized substitute for the original document in various applications, without having to submit the original itself.
There are two main types of certified true copies:
1. Government-Issued Certified True Copy: This is a copy of a document that is certified by the government office or authority that originally issued the document. These copies bear the official seal or stamp of the issuing authority, confirming their authenticity.
2. Traditional Certified Copy: This type of copy is typically a photocopy of the original document that has been certified by a notary public. The notary verifies the copy against the original document, ensuring that it is an accurate reproduction. Once satisfied, the notary dates, stamps, and signs the copy, attesting to its authenticity.
To obtain a certified copy, you typically need to present both the original document and the copy to the notary public or relevant government office. The certifying authority will then carefully compare the original and the copy to ensure their similarity. Once confirmed, they will proceed to authenticate the copy by affixing their seal or stamp, along with their signature and the date.
It’s important to note that while notaries do not usually require color copies for certification, certain authorities or institutions where you intend to submit the certified copy may have specific requirements regarding the format or color of the copy. Therefore, it’s advisable to check with the relevant authority beforehand to ensure compliance with their guidelines.