If you need to use a Canadian document in another country, you may be required to obtain an Apostille Certificate or complete the Authentication and Legalization process. However, many organizations and government authorities do not require the original document itself. Instead, they request a Certified True Copy prepared by a Canadian Notary Public.
At North Vista Notary, we provide professional Certified True Copy services to help individuals and businesses prepare documents for international use. Whether your documents are for immigration, education, employment, business, or legal purposes, we ensure they are certified correctly before moving on to the next stage of the process.
What Is a Certified True Copy?
A Certified True Copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been verified by a Notary Public as a true and accurate copy of the original. After comparing the copy with the original document, the notary applies an official signature, seal, and certification statement confirming its authenticity.
Certified True Copies are commonly used when you must retain the original document while providing an officially certified copy to a foreign authority. They are frequently required before obtaining an Apostille Certificate or completing the Authentication and Legalization process.
Documents That Can Be Certified
Many personal, educational, legal, and corporate documents can be certified, including:
- Passports and Driver’s Licences
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates
- University Degrees, Diplomas, and Academic Transcripts
- Power of Attorney Documents
- Wills and Legal Agreements
- Articles of Incorporation
- Business Licences and Corporate Records
- Professional Certifications and Membership Documents
Before requesting a Certified True Copy, it’s always a good idea to confirm with the receiving organization whether they will accept a certified copy instead of the original.
Step 1: Verify the Destination Country’s Requirements
Every country has its own document requirements. Some countries are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, allowing Canadian documents to be accepted after receiving an Apostille Certificate. Others require the traditional Authentication and Legalization process.
Requirements may also differ depending on the type of document and the organization requesting it. Before beginning, confirm the specific requirements with the foreign government office, employer, educational institution, embassy, or consulate where your document will be submitted.
Step 2: Obtain a Certified True Copy
Once you’ve confirmed the requirements, bring your original document to North Vista Notary.
Our Notary Public will carefully:
- Examine the original document
- Compare it with the photocopy
- Confirm the copy is complete and accurate
- Apply the official notarial seal, signature, and certification statement
This process creates a Certified True Copy that is ready for international certification, while allowing you to keep your original document in your possession.
Step 3: Complete the Apostille or Authentication Process
After your Certified True Copy has been notarized, it can be submitted to the appropriate Canadian authority for international certification.
If the destination country recognizes the Hague Apostille Convention, your document will receive an Apostille Certificate that verifies the authenticity of the notary’s signature and seal.
If the receiving country is not part of the Apostille Convention, the document must first be authenticated by the appropriate Canadian authority and then legalized by the embassy or consulate of the destination country. This two-step process ensures the document is officially recognized overseas.
Why Choose North Vista Notary?
International document requirements can be confusing, especially when each country has different rules. Our experienced team provides reliable guidance throughout the process, helping you avoid unnecessary delays.
Our services include:
- Certified True Copies
- Professional Notarization
- Apostille Services
- Authentication and Legalization Assistance
- Document Review Before Submission
- Friendly, Experienced Customer Support
Whether you are preparing documents for immigration, studying abroad, overseas employment, marriage, business expansion, or legal proceedings, North Vista Notary is committed to making the process simple and efficient.
Get Your Documents Ready for International Use
At North Vista Notary, we provide fast, accurate, and professional Certified True Copy services to help you confidently prepare your Canadian documents for international acceptance. If you’re unsure whether your documents require notarization, apostille, or authentication, our knowledgeable team is here to help.
Contact North Vista Notary today to have your documents certified and ready for use anywhere in the world.
