For certain types of “true copy” we will often offer two options; verified, or non-verified. If you are in any doubt as to what your recipient will accept then you should go for the verified option.

For a verified true copy we would check the authenticity of your document with the issuing body. This may be done directly or through a third party depending on the issuer’s requirements.

There is an additional fee for verified copies to cover the extra time incurred. However, the notarial certificate will carry greater weight as it will state that the documents have been verified by the certifying notary.

Without verification a typical “true copy” certificate may be drafted along these lines:-

“… certify that this is a true copy of an original document that I have inspected. I have not verified the authenticity of the original document."

A verified “true copy” certificate may be drafted along these lines:-

“…certify that this is a true copy of an original document that I have inspected and verified.”

It may also be expanded upon to describe the verification process if requested.

Do my notarised copies need to be verified?

Some documents MUST be verified. eg:

• If your original does not bear “original features” such as watermarks / seals / wet ink signatures or stamps.
• If you are having the notarial act placed on your original documents (and not copies) then the documents would require verification.
• If the bearer of the certificate is not presenting them in person for inspection (eg the documents are being notarised remotely or a third party is attending the notary appointment)
• If your recipient (ie your prospective employer or college) ask for it to be verified.

Both verified and unverified true copies can be apostilled by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. Some embassies (eg Taiwan) require verification.

How long does it take?

The time taken varies depending on your institution. Usually verification is completed within a couple of days. Sometimes it is a few hours and sometimes a few weeks!

The process

If you require verification then we would recommend that you let us know ahead of our meeting so that we can try to complete this process in advance. We would ask that you review our terms and conditions and complete the Reply Form (on the last page of the terms and conditions) and a form of authority and send us scanned copies along with a scan of your ID. You will also be asked to make a part payment before we will commence the verification process.

Many universities have a straight forward process for verifying certificates. Transcripts and diploma supplements can prove more complicated. If you require transcripts etc to be verified then I would ask that you make enquiries of the issuing institution and obtain details of the correct direct email to whom we may send the consent and papers for verification.

The cost

For unverified true copies charges start at £80 for a single page document. The total cost will depend on the number of documents and the length. If you require multiple documents then it is cheaper to do them all at one appointment as additional documents will be discounted.

Typically each notary charge for each verification process is an additional £50 over the cost of unverified copies. If a certificate and transcript can be verified together then only one surcharge will apply, similarly, for example, in the case of GCSE and A level results, if a school office can verify all the papers then one verification fee would apply.

Where a verification process is protracted due to incorrect information there may be additional charges.

Some organisations charge a verification fee, or require that verification is completed by a paid third party provider (eg HEDD). Where this is the case the third party charges will be payable in addition to the notary charge.

If you have any questions please contact us.