Certified True Copy — notarial certification of a copy's fidelity
Notarial certification that a copy of a document is true to the original, under the Notaries Law and the Notaries Regulations.
Quick answer
Certified true copy certification is a notarial act in which the notary certifies that a copy of a document is identical to the original. The notary sees the original document, compares the copy, and certifies its fidelity. It is often required for passports, ID cards, diplomas, official documents and more.
What does this service do?
Certified true copy certification allows using a certified copy in place of the original, when the receiving party accepts a notarially certified copy. The notary compares the copy to the original, verifies they are identical, and issues a notarial certificate of the copy's fidelity. The act is common for passports, ID cards, diplomas, licenses, official documents and more.
Who is it for?
People required to present a certified copy of an official document — including for banks, embassies, universities, employers abroad, and authorities.
When is it needed?
When a receiving party requires a notarially certified copy of a document, or when there is no desire to hand over the original.
What does the notary check?
The notary checks: the copy's match to the original — that they are identical in every detail; the document's completeness — no missing or hidden parts; and that the original document is authentic.
Required documents
- The original document (mandatory — the notary must see the original)
- The copies to be certified
- The number of copies required
How does the process work?
Arriving with the original document and the copies.
The notary compares the copy to the original.
The notary certifies the copy's fidelity on the mandatory form.
The client receives the certified copies.
If needed — an apostille on the certificate.
How much does it cost?
The notarial fee is set under the Notaries (Fees) Regulations, 1978. The fee depends on the number of copies and the number of documents. For a price estimate, send details.
Full fee scheduleLegal notes
The act is performed under the Notaries Law, 1976, and on the mandatory form under the Second Schedule to the Notaries Regulations, 1977. The fee is set under the Notaries (Fees) Regulations, 1978.
Can it be prepared in advance?
A photo of the document may be sent in advance for review, but the notary must see the original at the time of certification. In suitable cases an electronic certificate may be issued — subject to the law, regulations, identification, appearance and signature required by law.
Common mistakes
Arriving with a copy only — the notary must see the original.
Low-quality copies that cannot be compared.
Not checking whether the receiving party accepts a certified copy or requires the original.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring the original?
Yes, mandatory. The notary must see the original document to certify that the copy is true to it.
Can a copy of a passport be certified?
Yes, this is one of the most common cases. Bring the original passport and the required copies.
Related services
Adv. & Notary Zion Bahalul
Israeli Certified Notary
An attorney and notary providing professional notarial services in Hebrew, English and Spanish. Specializing in notarial certifications, powers of attorney, translations, apostille and international documents.
The information on this site is general and does not constitute individual legal advice, nor does it replace a professional review. Every notarial act is performed subject to the Notaries Law, 1976, the Notaries Regulations, 1977, and the identification, appearance and signature requirements applicable to each act.