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Notary Guide

What is a certified true copy?

A certified true copy is a copy that a person with the required authority certifies as a true copy of the original presented to them.

Legal information reviewed · September 10, 2026

A certified true copy is a copy that a person with the required authority certifies as a true copy of the original presented to them.

General information only. The correct legal response depends on the documents, facts and current law. This page is not legal advice.

The starting point

Ontario notaries can certify true copies within their authority. Commissioners for taking affidavits do not have a general power to certify true copies merely because they are commissioners.

What to be careful about

Bring the original document and the copy, or allow the notary to make the copy if that is the firm's process. The original must be available for comparison; a scan or photograph may not be sufficient for the requested certification.

How a lawyer can assess the issue

The organization receiving the copy may impose its own rules about who can certify it, wording, seals, dates, translation or authentication. Confirm those requirements before the appointment when possible.

Current Ontario context

If the document will be used outside Canada, ask whether an apostille, authentication or other destination-specific step is required after notarization.

Before a consultation

Bring the documents that control the issue and a short chronology of important dates. Avoid sending original documents or unnecessary sensitive information through a general website form.