A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document that a notary public has reviewed, confirmed as an accurate reproduction, and signed and sealed as such. It tells the institution receiving it that this copy is a genuine, unaltered reproduction of the original. The notary doesn’t verify the contents of the degree, they’re not confirming that you actually earned it. They’re confirming that the copy in front of them matches the original document you presented.
When Is a Certified True Copy of a Degree Needed?
This is one of the more common notarization requests, and it comes up in a few specific situations, such as:
- Immigration and permanent residency applications through IRCC
- Professional licensing applications in regulated industries
- International job applications requiring credential verification
- Graduate school applications at foreign institutions
- Employer verification processes for regulated professions
What to Bring to Your Appointment
You’ll need the original degree or diploma, a clean photocopy of it, and your valid government-issued photo ID. The notary will compare the copy to the original, then sign and seal the copy to certify it. If the institution requesting the copy has a specific format they require for the certification wording, bring those instructions along. Some bodies, particularly international ones, have exact language they want on the certified copy.
Can This Be Done Online?
Certified true copies of physical documents like degrees can sometimes be done remotely, depending on the method and what the receiving institution will accept. It’s worth checking with the requesting body first.
For clients in Ajax, Pickering, or elsewhere in the Durham Region, Notable Notary offers mobile appointments, and for clients beyond those areas, online notarization also makes this as convenient as possible.
📞 Call: (289) 312-6678
💻 Book Online: notablenotary.ca/book-now
📧 Email: info@notablenotary.ca
