A certified copy of a document is a copy that has been verified as an exact copy of the original document. Generally, a notary public will verify the document and provide a stamp or other form of certification. The certification is intended to ensure that the document is an exact replica of the original document.
Who needs certified copies of documents? and for what purposes in Canada?
In Canada, certified copies of documents are often required by government agencies, banks, employers, and educational institutions. For example, employers may require a certified copy of a driver's license as proof of identity when offering a job. Banks may require certified copies of documents to open a new bank account or to apply for a loan. Government agencies may require certified documents to prove legal status for immigration applications or to apply for a passport. Educational institutions may require certified documents to prove identity or to apply for a student loan.