What is a Certified Copy? Who can certify my documents?

A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document verified as a true copy by an authorised person. The following individuals are authorised to certify documents:

• Accountants: Accountants who are members of ICA, ASA, NIA, CPA, ATMA, or NTAA.
• Medical Professionals: Registered or licensed dentists, nurse, medical practitioners, pharmacists, or veterinary surgeons.
• Legal Professionals: Legal practitioners, patent attorneys, and trademarks attorneys.
• Court Officials: Justices of the Peace, judges, magistrates, registrars, deputy registrars, clerks, and masters of a court.
• Police officers
• Commissioners: Commissioners for Affidavits or Commissioners for Declarations (depending on your jurisdiction).
• Notary Public: Notary publics.
• Australia Post Employees: Permanent employees of Australia Post with 2 or more years of continuous service.
• Financial Services Professionals: Officers or authorised representatives of a holder of an Australian financial services license, with 2 or more years of continuous service.
• Credit Professionals: Officers or credit representatives of a holder of an Australian credit license, with 2 or more years of continuous service.

The certifier must write a statement on the photocopy that includes:

• "This is a certified true copy of the original document sighted by me."
• The signature
• The printed name
• The qualification/position
• The date of certification
• The contact details