<P> A certified copy is a copy (often a photocopy) of a primary document that has on it an endorsement or certificate that it is a true copy of the primary document . It does not certify that the primary document is genuine, only that it is a true copy of the primary document . </P> <P> A certified copy is often used in English - speaking common law countries as a convenient way of providing a copy of documents . It is usually inexpensive to obtain . A certified copy may be required for official government or court purposes and for commercial purposes . It avoids the owner of important documents (especially identity documents) giving up possession of those documents which might mean a risk of their loss or damage . </P> <P> It has some similarities to a notarized copy, which is a form used in some countries, and particularly in some States in the USA . A notarized copy is signed by a notary public (not to be confused with a notary in a civil law country). </P> <P> The certified copy is signed by a person nominated by the person or agency asking for it . Typically, the person is referred to as an authorised person . The person who is authorised to sign the certificate will vary between countries . Sometimes a person is authorised by legislation to do so (for example a court clerk, solicitor, or notary public), but this is not always so . In some countries, for example the United Kingdom and South Africa, identity documents can also be certified by authorised Post Office staff . </P>

Who can certify documents in the united states