A certified copy is an official duplicate of an original document. This copy is verified as an exact reproduction by the official responsible for the original document. The official, often a clerk or registrar, affirms that the certified copy has been compared with the original and is identical. Certified copies are also known as attested copies or verified copies.
Certified copies are commonly used in various legal contexts, including:
Users can manage these processes themselves with the right tools, such as legal templates from US Legal Forms, which are drafted by qualified attorneys.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A person applying for a passport may need to submit a certified copy of their birth certificate to prove their identity.
Example 2: In a divorce case, one party may need to provide a certified copy of the marriage certificate to the court (hypothetical example).
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Requirement for Certification |
|---|---|
| California | Requires a notary public to certify copies of certain documents. |
| New York | Allows specific officials to issue certified copies of vital records. |
| Texas | Certification can be done by county clerks for public records. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Attested Copy | A copy of a document that has been signed by a witness or official. | Attested copies may not always be exact reproductions. |
| Verified Copy | A copy confirmed as accurate by an authorized person. | May not include the formal certification process required for certified copies. |
If you need a certified copy of a document, follow these steps:
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.