What is a Certified/Notarized True Copy of a Document?
The purpose of certified/notarized true copy certification is to establish proof that a document copy is an exact replica of the original by a trusted third party. In France, a public notary, acting as a public official, has the general authority to certify the exact conformity of a document copy, regardless of its nature (certificate, deed, official report, identity card, passport, etc.) or its place of issuance (French or foreign document), to the original.
Typically, the request for a certified/notarized true copy of a document comes from the individual or organization receiving the copy. The certification guarantees that the copy is an exact replica of the original document they wish to review. This certification provides assurance of the formal conformity of the copied document, eliminating the risk of disputes over the original’s content or the falsification of its copy.
In practice, the public notary certifies that they have received an original document and that the copy of this document (made by the notary) is entirely identical to the original.
Given these requirements, a certified true copy of a document can only be produced if the original document is presented; for example, a document issued by an administration or one bearing the original/handwritten signature of an individual (see also: How to obtain a certified true copy of a document?).
The certified true copy of a document by a French public notary is valid for copies to be presented either in France or abroad. However, when the document copy is intended for use abroad, the notary’s certification may need to be accompanied by an apostille or legalization, depending on the destination country.
Certified true copies can be provided for individuals and professionals acting on their own behalf or within their professional activity.
The notarial office Chassaint & Cerclé Notaires in Paris (France) assists individuals and professionals in completing the necessary steps for obtaining certified true copies of documents. For more information, click here.
