Certified true copies
Confirmation that a copy is a true and complete reproduction of an original you present.
Can I get a certified true copy online in Ontario?
We confirm this with you.
Ontario's remote commissioning (O. Reg. 431/20) covers oaths, affirmations and declarations — not certifying copies, which requires a notary to examine the physical original. A certified true copy is therefore done in person, and we confirm the details before you book.
- In-person appointment
- Original required
- Government photo ID
How it works with enotarypublic
You bring the original document and photo ID to the appointment. The notary compares the copy to the original and certifies it.
Wording and apostille: Some recipients require specific certification wording, or an apostille afterward for use abroad. We can prepare that step.
General legal information for Ontario residents, not formal legal advice.
What is this service?
A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document that a notary or commissioner has compared against the original and certified as a true reproduction. You keep your original; the certified copy can be submitted where an institution will not accept the original.
Common uses
- Passports, diplomas and transcripts
- Government-issued certificates
- Immigration and licensing applications
- Records for banks or employers
How it works
- 1
Bring the original
Present the original document.
- 2
Compare
The notary compares the copy to the original.
- 3
Certify
The copy is stamped as a true copy.
- 4
Keep both
You keep the original and the certified copy.
What you’ll need
- The original document
- A clear photocopy (or we can make one)
- Valid government-issued photo ID
Included
- Original compared to copy
- Certified as identical
- For records & submissions
General information only — this is not legal advice. Whether a document can be completed online depends on the specific document and the receiving institution; we confirm this before you book.
Common certified true copies situations
Certified corporate records
Certify copies of company records for banks or abroad.
Certified copy of a passport / ID
Certify a copy of your passport or government ID.
Certified copy of diplomas / transcripts
Certify copies of educational records.
Certified copies for immigration
Certify document copies for immigration applications.
Certified true copies — common questions
Can a certified true copy be done online in Ontario?▾
No. A notary public must examine the physical original to certify a copy, so certified true copies are completed at an in-person appointment, not by video.
Do you keep my original document?▾
No. The original stays with you. The notary compares the copy to the original and certifies the copy.
What do I need to bring?▾
The original document and valid government-issued photo ID.
Will a certified copy be accepted outside Canada?▾
Some recipients require specific certification wording, or an apostille or legalization afterward for use abroad. The receiving authority sets its own requirements.
More general questions are answered on our FAQ page.