Certifying Copies of documents

Certifying a copy means that the JP must see and compare the original document with the copy.

  • make copies of your originals before seeing the JP.
  • sort the originals and the copies into separate groups with the documents in the same order.
  • take the originals and the copies with you, in separate piles or folders, so the JP can compare them.

If the original and the copy are identical, the JP will stamp, date and sign the copy, stating that it is a true copy.

Please note:

  • Anyone can bring originals and copies to be certified. You do not have to be the owner of the documents.
  • When you make an appointment to get documents certified, tell the JP how many pages there are. The Justice of the Peace will then be able to give you an idea of how long it will take.
  • If you have a large number of copies, it may be possible to leave them with the JP and collect them at a later time, if that is agreeable to you both.

Certifying copies of on-line documents

If you need a certified copy of a document you have printed from a website or email attachment (such as a utility bill), the Justice will need to see the original on-line.

  • You could take your smartphone, tablet or laptop to the appointment and use that.
  • The Justice may allow you to use their computer (check before coming to the appointment).

In either case, to protect your private information, the Justice will ask you to enter any passwords required, and to log out once the document has been seen.