Legal Definitions - certified copy

Definition: A certified copy is a duplicate of an original document that has been verified by a government or independent agency to ensure its authenticity. It is used in situations where the original document may be lost, damaged, or stolen. A certified copy is not notarized, but it is cheaper than obtaining a notarized document.

Examples:

• A certified copy of a birth certificate may be required when applying for a passport.
• A certified copy of a marriage certificate may be required when changing your name.
• A certified copy of a death certificate may be required when claiming life insurance benefits.

These examples illustrate how a certified copy can be used in various situations to prove the authenticity of important documents. Without a certified copy, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain certain benefits or complete certain transactions.