Certified True Copies in Cork

What Is a Certified True Copy?

A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been examined against the original and certified by an authorised person as being a true and accurate reproduction of the original. The certifying person — typically a Notary Public, solicitor, or Commissioner for Oaths — stamps and signs the copy to confirm they have seen the original and that the copy is a faithful reproduction.

For documents intended for international use, the certified copy must usually be prepared by a Notary Public. The Notary applies their official notarial seal and signature, which can then be authenticated through an apostille or embassy legalisation if required by the destination country.

Why Do You Need Certified Copies?

There are many situations where you need to provide proof of a document's contents without surrendering the original. Certified copies serve this purpose by providing a legally recognised reproduction that carries the same evidentiary weight as the original in many contexts.

Common Reasons for Certified Copies

• Immigration and visa applications: Embassies and immigration authorities frequently require certified copies of passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational qualifications, and police clearance certificates
• Educational institution applications: Universities and professional bodies abroad often require certified copies of academic transcripts, degrees, and diplomas
• Employment abroad: Foreign employers may require certified copies of professional qualifications, employment references, and identity documents
• Property transactions: Property purchases or sales in other jurisdictions may require certified copies of identity documents, title deeds, or corporate documents
• Company registrations: Registering a company or establishing a branch in another country frequently requires certified copies of the parent company's incorporation documents
• Financial account opening: Banks and financial institutions in other jurisdictions may require notarially certified copies of identity documents for account opening or anti-money-laundering compliance
• Insurance claims: Certified copies of supporting documents may be required for insurance claims, particularly in cross-border situations

The Certification Process

When you bring a document to our office for certification, the process is straightforward:

1. Present the original document: You must bring the original document. We cannot certify a copy from another copy — we must see the original to verify that the copy is a true reproduction.
2. We make or examine the copy: We either make a photocopy of the original or examine a copy you have brought with you, comparing it carefully against the original.
3. Certification: The Notary Public endorses the copy with a certification statement confirming that it is a true and complete copy of the original document presented. The notarial seal and signature are applied.
4. Return of originals: Your original document is returned to you immediately. The certified copy is the document that will be used for its intended purpose.

Types of Documents We Certify

We regularly certify true copies of a wide range of documents at our Cork office, including:

Identity Documents

• Passports (all pages or specific pages)
• National identity cards
• Driving licences
• Immigration cards and residence permits

Civil Status Documents

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Divorce decrees

Educational and Professional

• University degrees and diplomas
• Academic transcripts
• Professional qualifications and licences
• Training certificates

Corporate Documents

• Certificates of incorporation
• Memorandum and articles of association
• Board resolutions and minutes
• Share certificates
• Financial statements

Certified Copy vs. Notarised Copy — Is There a Difference?

In practice, the terms "certified copy" and "notarised copy" are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction:

• A certified copy can be made by any authorised person — a solicitor, Commissioner for Oaths, or Notary Public. For domestic Irish purposes, a solicitor's certification is usually sufficient.
• A notarised copy (or notarially certified copy) specifically refers to a copy certified by a Notary Public with their official notarial seal. This is what is required for international use, particularly when an apostille or legalisation will follow.

If the copy is for use within Ireland, a solicitor's certification will usually suffice. If it is for use abroad, you should ensure it is notarially certified by a Notary Public.

Do You Need an Apostille on Your Certified Copy?

This depends on the requirements of the receiving authority in the destination country. Many foreign institutions and authorities require not just a notarially certified copy, but also an apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or embassy legalisation (for non-Hague countries).

We can advise you on whether an apostille or legalisation is needed for your specific situation and destination country.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

• The original document — this is essential; we cannot certify without seeing the original
• Valid photo ID — passport or driving licence
• Details of the purpose — knowing why you need the certified copy and where it will be used helps us ensure we prepare it correctly

Why Choose Hugh Phelan?

Hugh Phelan, as a Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland with over 20 years of experience, provides certified true copies that are recognised worldwide. His notarial seal is registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs, ensuring that any certified copy he produces can be apostilled without difficulty. His dual qualification in Ireland and England & Wales also makes him particularly effective for documents intended for use in the UK.