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certified copies v/s notarized copies
- Thread starter jk8
- Start date
How to get a certified copy:
Per NVC, only the agency that issued a document, i.e., the original, can issue a certified copy of that document. Hence, while a certified copy of a document is like any other copy, it must be issued by the same agency that issued the document.
A notarized copy is a copy that has been "verified" by a notary public against the original. The notary will sign / watermark the copy to indicate that it has been notarized.
It is advisable to procure a certified copy when you are obtaining the original. If you didn’t do that, consider providing the original to the issuing agency while requesting a certified copy; it will speed up processing. Of course, processing times will vary depending on the agency. In general, certified copies for birth and marriage certificates can be obtained on the same day. For PCC, it is advisable to get two copies while getting the original.
As an aside, the only reason why you would want additional certified copies is to hedge against the risk of NVC losing your documents. Of course, make sure that NVC has required you to provide originals / certified copies - not all applicants are required to do so.
Per NVC, only the agency that issued a document, i.e., the original, can issue a certified copy of that document. Hence, while a certified copy of a document is like any other copy, it must be issued by the same agency that issued the document.
A notarized copy is a copy that has been "verified" by a notary public against the original. The notary will sign / watermark the copy to indicate that it has been notarized.
It is advisable to procure a certified copy when you are obtaining the original. If you didn’t do that, consider providing the original to the issuing agency while requesting a certified copy; it will speed up processing. Of course, processing times will vary depending on the agency. In general, certified copies for birth and marriage certificates can be obtained on the same day. For PCC, it is advisable to get two copies while getting the original.
As an aside, the only reason why you would want additional certified copies is to hedge against the risk of NVC losing your documents. Of course, make sure that NVC has required you to provide originals / certified copies - not all applicants are required to do so.