✅ Benefits of Certified True Copies (Physical)
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Universally Accepted | Trusted by courts, banks, immigration offices (e.g., IRCC), academic institutions, and foreign embassies. |
| Legal Authenticity | Carries official seal and signature of a Notary Public in compliance with Ontario law. |
| Accepted for Apostille/Legalization | Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention (Jan 2024), making certified copies valid for international use. |
- Legal Verification of Authenticity A notarized true copy confirms that the document is a faithful reproduction of the original, providing legal assurance that it has not been altered or forged.
- Third-Party Trust & Credibility Institutions such as courts, banks, universities, and immigration offices rely on the neutral authority of a Notary to trust a document's authenticity.
- Meets Institutional Requirements Many official processes (e.g., immigration, legal proceedings, licensing, international travel) require notarized documents — not just simple photocopies.
- Certifying True Copy allows you to create legally verified Copies of important document allowing you flexibility to submit the same document to multiple parties
🌐 Benefits of Digital True Copies (via RON)
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Remote Access | Clients can certify documents from anywhere in the World — ideal for busy professionals, rural residents, or international clients. |
| Time & Cost Efficient | No travel, parking, printing, or mailing — everything handled electronically. |
| Secure & Tamper-Evident | Certificate-based digital signatures and audit trails make the copy highly secure and traceable. |
| Instant Delivery | Receive notarized documents immediately via email or secure link. |
| Eco-Friendly | Reduces paper use and physical storage — aligns with digital transformation and sustainability goals. |
- Documents created electronically or that can only be viewed online can have a Certified Digital true Copy
- Certifying True Copy allows you to create legally verified Copies of important document allowing you flexibility to submit the same document to multiple parties
- Remote Access - Clients can certify documents from anywhere in Ontario. Ideal for busy professionals, rural residents, or international clients.
- Time & Cost Efficient - No travel, parking, printing, or mailing everything is completed online electronically.
- Secure - Certificate-based digital signatures and audit trails make the copy highly secure and traceable.
- Instant Delivery - Receive notarized documents as fast as 10 minutes after session is completed via email
- Eco-Friendly Reduces paper use and physical storage aligns with digital transformation and sustainability goals.
Certified True Copy Notarization
A Certified True Copy is a copy of an original document that has been verified by a notary public, lawyer, or commissioner of oaths as an exact replica of the original. The certifying professional examines the original document and affixes a stamp or seal on the copy, along with a statement confirming it is a true copy of the original.
Key Differences Between a Certified True Copy and a Regular Copy
| Feature | Certified True Copy | Regular Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Verification | ✅ Checked and certified by a legal professional | ❌ No verification process |
| Authenticity | ✅ Officially recognized as a valid replica | ❌ Not legally recognized |
| Use in Legal or Official Matters | ✅ Accepted for legal, financial, and official purposes (e.g., apostille, immigration, business transactions) | ❌ Typically not accepted by authorities |
| Stamp/Seal | ✅ Includes an official notary stamp, signature, and certification statement | ❌ No official markings |
| Requirement for Apostille | ✅ Required if an original cannot be used for apostille | ❌ Not valid for apostille or legal purposes |
Ensure Your Documents Are Officially Recognized
At NotaryZen.ca, we provide Certified and Digital True Copy notarization to help you use your important documents for legal, immigration, business, and personal matters.
What is a Certified True Copy?
A true certified copy is a copy of an original document that has been verified, signed, and stamped by a notary public or another authorized official to confirm that it is an exact replica of the original.
When is a Certified True Copy Needed?
A true copy is often required when the original document cannot be submitted because it is:
- ✔️Too valuable or important (e.g., passport, degree, corporate records)
- ✔️A legal or official record that must be preserved (e.g., birth certificate)
- ✔️Being sent to multiple places and only one original exists
How is a True Copy Certified?
Present the Original Document
Client provides original document & photocopy (or the Notary makes the copy).
Verification by the Notary
The Notary compares the original with the copy to ensure they are identical.
Certification Statement & Seal
The Notary stamps, signs, with affidavit of execution Some notaries may also include their official seal or stamp.
Provide the Certified Copy to the Client
Client receives stamp/signed document officially certifying the copy as a true copy of the original.
Can a Notary Certify a Digital Document?
- ✅Yes, but only if the original document is also in digital form.
- ✅Some jurisdictions allow Notaries to certify electronic true copies by applying a digital notary seal.
What a True Copy Certification Does NOT Do:
- ❌It does not verify that the original document is valid or authentic.
- ❌It does not grant legal status to unofficial documents.
- ❌It does not apply to documents that require notarization of a signature (e.g., affidavits).
In Ontario, Canada, a Notary Public can certify true copies of various documents. Here is a comprehensive but not exhaustive list:
Identification Documents
Passports
Driver's licenses
Health cards
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Divorce decrees
Separation agreements
Government-issued Documents
Social Insurance Number (SIN) cards
Canada Pension Plan statements
Old Age Security statements
Tax returns (T1 General)
Notice of Assessments (NOA)
Financial Documents
Bank statements
Credit card statements
Loan agreements
Mortgage documents
Investment statements
Educational Documents
Diplomas
Transcripts
Degrees
Certificates
Business Documents
Articles of Incorporation
Business registration documents
Partnership agreements
Corporate resolutions
Real Estate Documents
Deeds
Mortgages
Property tax bills
Assessment notices
Wills and Estate Documents
Wills
Powers of Attorney
Living Wills
Estate plan
- ✔️Licensed & Recognized Notary – Fully compliant with Ontario regulations.
- ✔️Fast & Convenient – Mobile notary is available at your home, office, or preferred location.
- ✔️Professional – Secure and confidential service.