What do you require for a certified copy of a document?
You will be asked to provide a certified copy of certain documents as part of your application. To certify your document means that your document has been confirmed as true and authentic by an approved person with a formal statement. This must include the certifier’s information and details.
Certified Copies must:
- Be stamped on the front of the copied document
- Be signed by an individual, NOT a firm, company, or business
- Include the full signature of the individual
- Include the full name of the individual in print under the signature
- Include the individual’s position of designation
- Includes a statement like “Certified true copy of original document sighted”
The person certifying your documents cannot be:
- related to you
- living at the same address
- in a relationship with you
I am in New Zealand, who can certify documents for me?
Copies of your documents can be certified by an approved person, such as a:
- Justice of the Peace*
- Lawyer
- Court Official, such as a Court Registrar or Deputy Registrar
- Notary Public
*This includes online JP services.
I am outside of New Zealand, who can certify documents for me?
Copies of your documents can be certified by an approved person in the country you are currently in, which may include:
- Notary Public
- Commissioner of Oaths
- Barrister
- Solicitor
- Judge
- Justice of the Peace
- New Zealand Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate staff*
- Apostilles
*We can also accept the equivalent from an Australian or a United Kingdom embassy or High Commission.
Please note that these services may differ between countries.
How do I certify a copy of a document?
- photocopy it (ensure text and photographs are clear and identifiable)
- take the copy and original to one of the approved certifiers in the list above