What is certified identification?
A 'certified copy' of an original document is a copy that has been verified, within the last 12 months, as being a true copy of an original document. Please refer here for a list of persons who may certify copies of original documents. The certifier will write or stamp the copy with words to the effect of: "I certify that this is a true copy of the original document which I have sighted." They will sign and date the copy and write or stamp their:
- full name,
- personal or professional address,
- qualification, and capacity to certify - printed in full, e.g. Pharmacist.
Some certifiers, such as employees of Australia Post, must also state in the certification their years of continuous service.
If there are multiple pages to the copy, the certifier will sign or initial and number all pages.