A certified copy is an official copy of an original document that includes a seal or some form of endorsement that proves it is a true and accurate reproduction.
Certified copies are commonly required for legal, administrative, and identification purposes in the United States.
How a Certified Copy is Issued
The process for issuing certified copies varies by individual state laws, but it generally involves the following process:
- The custodian of the original document requests the certified copy
- The issuing authority compares the original with the copy
- The authority certifies the copy by applying an official seal, signature, and/or statement confirming its accuracy
Certified Copies of Birth Certificates
A certified copy of a birth certificate is a document that has the registrar’s seal and signature.
The main difference between an original birth certificate and a certified copy is that the latter has a registrar’s seal that might be raised, embossed, impressed, or multicolored. These security features identify the document as an official record for legal use.
Certified copies of birth certificates can be used for:
- Proof of identity or citizenship
- Applying for a US passport or driver’s license
- Enrolling in school
- Obtaining a State ID or Social Security card
- Getting a REAL ID
A certified copy includes the registrar’s signature and the official date of certification.
