Certified true copy: wording by country, and how to stamp a PDF
A certified copy is a copy that someone qualified has compared with the original and signed. The wording and who may sign depend on the country, and on who will receive it.
Updated 9 November 2026
Usual wording and certifiers
| Country | Usual wording | Who usually certifies |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document seen by me.” | Solicitor, accountant or other professional; signed, dated, with name, occupation and contact details |
| Australia | “I certify that this is a true and correct copy of the original document sighted by me.” | Authorised certifier, such as a CPA Australia or CA ANZ member; each page certified |
| New Zealand | “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document sighted by me.” | Justice of the Peace, lawyer or chartered accountant |
| United States | “I certify that this is a true, accurate and complete copy of the original document.” | Rules vary by state; a notary's copy certification needs their own seal and certificate |
| Canada | “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document, which I have seen.” | Usually a lawyer or notary; commissioners only in some provinces |
| India | “Certified True Copy” with signature, name, membership number and UDIN | Chartered accountant (UDIN from udin.icai.org), gazetted officer or notary |
| South Africa | “Certified a true copy of the original” | Commissioner of Oaths, on every page, with full name, designation and address |
Recipients can set their own rules; check what they accept before certifying.
Stamp a certified copy on a Mac
- Drag the copy, pause and choose Certify.
- Pick your country under Wording; Sheaf fills in the usual sentence.
- Add your name, role, firm and membership number (and UDIN in India). Your saved signature goes in automatically.
- Choose every page, the first or the last, check the preview and certify.
For Indian chartered accountants, Sheaf checks that the UDIN has 18 characters and contains your membership number before it stamps.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Certifying a document
- OakNorth: certifying documents
- Bankwest: document certification guide
- WA Government: certified copies
- National Notary Association: copy certification
- Mondaq: commissioning vs notarizing in Canada
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Questions
What should a certified true copy say?
Commonly “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document seen by me”, followed by the certifier's signature, name, occupation, registration number, contact details and date.
Can an accountant certify a copy?
In the UK, Australia, New Zealand and India, accountants who are members of a professional body are commonly accepted. Check with the recipient.
What is a UDIN?
A Unique Document Identification Number that Indian chartered accountants generate on udin.icai.org for each certificate. It has 18 characters and includes the membership number.