Certified True Copy (UK): What It Is & How to Get One [2025 Guide]

What is a certified true copy?

A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document that a recognised professional signs, dates, and stamps to confirm it is a genuine copy of the original.

Organisations often ask for certified copies instead of originals when processing applications, contracts, or compliance checks. The certified copy reassures them that the document has not been tampered with.

Who can certify a copy in the UK?

According to GOV.UK, the person certifying must be a “person of good standing in the community” or a professional such as:

• Solicitor or barrister
• Notary public
• Chartered accountant
• Doctor
• Teacher or lecturer
• Local councillor
• Minister of religion
• Bank or building society official

⚠️ Always check with the organisation requesting the document: some will only accept solicitor or notary certification, especially for overseas or legal purposes.

What wording should be used?

The certifier should write on the copy:

“I certify that this is a true copy of the original document.”

And include:

• Signature and printed name
• Occupation and professional qualification
• Contact details (address and/or telephone number)
• Date of certification

For multi-page documents, each page may need to be initialled.

The Law Society advises that if you are certifying a print of a scanned document, the wording should clearly confirm it is an exact copy of the electronic original.

Where can you get a certified true copy?

Here’s how common UK providers compare:

Provider	Typical Fee	What They Can Certify	Overseas Acceptance
Solicitor (e.g., Ginkgo Advisory)	£38–£60 per document	Passports, ID, utility bills, contracts, academic certificates, company documents	✅ Widely accepted in the UK & abroad
Notary Public	£80–£150+	Same as above, but often required for commercial/legal documents used overseas	✅ Accepted worldwide
Post Office (service details)	£12.75+	Driving licence, utility bills, bank statements	❌ Cannot certify UK birth/marriage/death certificates; limited overseas acceptance

Certified copy vs notarised copy vs apostille

• Certified copy: signed by a solicitor or other recognised professional. Sufficient for UK banks, letting agents, universities.
• Notarised copy: signed by a notary public. Often needed for legal documents abroad.
• Apostille: an additional stamp from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirming the signature/seal on the document. Required when sending documents to most Hague Convention countries.

See the FCDO legalisation service for details.

Step-by-step: How to get a certified true copy

1. Prepare the original document (passport, certificate, contract, etc.)

2. Take a clear photocopy (all pages if needed)

3. Bring both original and copy to a solicitor, notary, or other professional

4. Check the wording – ensure the certifier writes the required statement, signs, dates, and adds details

5. Pay the fee (solicitor: £38–£60 per document; Post Office bands vary)

6. Keep the copy safe – it can usually be reused until it expires or becomes outdated

Common uses of certified copies

• Proof of ID for banks, estate agents, or HMRC
• Company KYC/AML checks
• Visa or immigration applications
• Property transactions
• Academic or professional registration abroad

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Who cannot certify a copy?
Family members, partners, or anyone with a personal interest in the document.

Can the Post Office certify my birth certificate?
No. UK birth, marriage, and death certificates are Crown copyright and must be certified by a solicitor or notary.

Can a digital scan be certified?
Yes, if the solicitor or notary confirms it is an exact copy of the original scan – but acceptance depends on the receiving authority.

Do I need an apostille as well?
If the certified copy will be used overseas, especially outside the UK or EU, you may also need an apostille.

Get a solicitor-certified true copy online

At Ginkgo Advisory, all certified copies are handled by a UK solicitor regulated by the SRA and registered with the FCDO.

• Price: from £38 per document
• Turnaround: same-day scanning, with courier/secure post delivery
• Languages: English + 中文 bilingual support

👉 Contact us or WhatsApp +44 7388 833283 to order now.