Certified copy

In some countries, for example the United Kingdom and South Africa, identity documents can also be certified by authorised post office staff.

Then, the primary document, the translation, and the certificate of accuracy are photocopied in the form of a certified copy.

[2][3] Certified copies have long been used to give a veneer of authenticity to a photocopy of a primary document.

In practice, they are very easy to obtain at almost no cost other than the photocopy, and are used in a wide range of situations, especially with identity documents.

A person who has been admitted as an Australian lawyer by the Supreme Court of a State or Territory can witness a statutory declaration, whether or not they hold a practising certificate.

[5] Part 1 of schedule 1 states that chiropractors, dentists, legal practitioners, medical practitioners, nurses, optometrists, patent attorneys, pharmacists, physiotherapists, psychologists, trade mark attorneys and Veterinary surgeons may certify copies.

A typical certificate endorsed on the photocopy, often typed or stamped except for the signature: Certified copies can be quite basic in Australia due to the lack of legislation.

In some states and territories, police stations and libraries have arrangements to enable documents to be certified or witnessed by a justice of the peace at no cost.

Certified copies, for example of the "Omang" state identity card, are widely used, and are often required for job applications, etc.