How to Get a Certified Copy of Your Passport

PDF download Download Article
Easy and straightforward ways to get a certified copy of your passport as soon as possible
PDF download Download Article

If you're applying for a visa, you may be asked by the immigration agency to submit a certified copy of your passport. [1] Other organizations, such as banks or lenders, may also ask for certified copies to keep on file as verification of your identity. [2] The process of getting a certified copy of your passport is typically fairly simple and straightforward and shouldn't require too much time, money, or effort on your part.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making Your Copy

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-1.jpg\/aid10930645-v4-728px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Most organizations don't have a problem with you making the copy, as long as you have someone to compare it to the original document and certify it as a true copy. However, some may prefer that a government agency, or the person certifying the copy, make the copy for you. [3]
    • In some countries, such as Canada, a certified true copy must be made in the passport office or a government office abroad. [4] If your country requires this, your copy may not technically be considered a certified true copy if you don't follow that method – even if the requesting organization says you can make your own copy.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-2.jpg\/aid10930645-v4-728px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Most organizations want the identification page of your passport that includes your photo and other identity information. Pages with stamps or visas typically don't need to be copied. However, the organization requesting the copy can tell you for sure. [5]
    • Some organizations require the certified true copy to include your signature to show that you signed your passport. If you haven't signed your passport, you may need to order a new passport, sign it, then order your certified true copy. [6]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-3.jpg\/aid10930645-v4-728px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Scan your passport to create a color digital copy. Typically, your copy should be in color – not in black and white. This ensures that any watermarks or other images are clearly displayed. You may be able to use a computer and scanner for free in a public library, or you can go to a local commercial copying store and pay a small fee. [7]
    • Make sure the file is of a large enough size and resolution that everything on the copy is legible. You may have to make it larger than your actual travel document.
    • If you scan the image at a facility that doesn't have printers available, you'll need to save it so you can print it later. The easiest way to do this is to email a copy of the image to yourself.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-4.jpg\/aid10930645-v4-728px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A photo printer typically will achieve the best results. Make sure the printer has plenty of ink and is able to reproduce the colors correctly. [8]
    • While you don't necessarily need to use photo paper, the paper should be of quality stock. Otherwise, it may not be able to hold the quantity of ink necessary to produce a quality image. Avoid standard copy paper, which will be too thin to produce a good image.
    • If you use photo paper, make sure the person who certifies it will be able to write legibly on the paper. It may be difficult for them to write on glossy paper.

    Tip: Use the "print preview" feature on your computer or electronic device to align the image so that there's space for the person who certifies the copy to write without covering up any information in the image itself.

    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Having Your Copy Certified

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-5.jpg\/aid10930645-v4-728px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some organizations may want a specific type of person to certify your copy. They may also require specific information to be included in that person's certification.
    • Typically, the person certifying your copy must write something to the effect of "Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me," then sign and date underneath.
    • The person certifying your copy may also need to include their printed name, occupation, and contact information.
    • If your copy is certified by a notary public, they will also place their seal next to their signature on the document.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-6.jpg\/aid10930645-v4-728px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Typically, you will need to get a notary public or attorney to certify the copy of your passport. You can find a notary public at a courthouse as well as at many banks. Notary publics charge a nominal fee for their services. An attorney may charge higher fees. Keep in mind that in some states, notaries public are not authorized to certify copies of government documents. [9]
    • The notary public will affix their seal next to their signature. Make sure you have enough room on the copy so that the seal does not cover or distort the image.

    Tip: Take your actual passport with you when you get your copy certified. The person certifying the copy will need to inspect your actual passport and compare it to the copy.

  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-7.jpg\/aid10930645-v4-728px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In some countries, particularly the UK and other Commonwealth countries, other professionals can also certify a copy of your passport. They must be someone who is well-respected in the community, with any professional licenses up-to-date and in good standing. [10]
    • Other professionals that may be qualified to certify documents include bankers, accountants, religious ministers, teachers, and doctors.
    • Do not ask a professional to certify the copy of your passport if they are related to you, in a relationship with you, or live at the same address as you.
    • Keep in mind that in some states, notaries public are not authorized to certify copies of government documents.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-8.jpg\/aid10930645-v4-728px-Get-a-Certified-Copy-of-Your-Passport-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some countries, such as Canada, only allow immigration officials to certify copies of passports. The agency will have an application for you to complete and may charge you a fee. Typically, the certified copy will be mailed to you when it's done. [11]
    • If you need expedited service, contact the passport agency and find out the time frame for certified copies. You may have to pay an additional fee to get your copy more quickly.
    • If you need the copy sent directly to the requesting organization, let your passport agency know when you complete the application.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Print Passport Photos
      How to
      Renew a U.S. Passport at the Post Office
      How to
      Make Your Own Passport Photo (USA)
      How to
      Look Good for Your Passport Photo
      How to
      Apply for a Passport
      How to
      Renew a U.S. Passport With Form DS 82
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.immigration.govt.nz/knowledgebase/kb-question/kb-question-7058
      2. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/certifying-a-document
      3. ↑ https://knowmore.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Getting-your-ID-certified.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/certified-true-copies.html
      5. ↑ https://www.immigration.govt.nz/knowledgebase/kb-question/kb-question-7058
      6. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/certified-true-copies.html
      7. ↑ https://knowmore.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Getting-your-ID-certified.pdf
      8. ↑ https://knowmore.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Getting-your-ID-certified.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.immigration.govt.nz/knowledgebase/kb-question/kb-question-7058
      1. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/certifying-a-document
      2. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/certified-true-copies.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 169,017 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement