An attested photocopy is a copy of a document officially verified by an authorized person (like a notary public or official custodian) as a true, exact, and complete reproduction of the original, confirming it’s unaltered, often used when a certified copy (from the original record keeper) isn’t available, and involves the official adding their signature, seal, and a statement to the photocopy. You can self-attest by signing and dating the copy yourself, writing “True Copy” or “Self-Attested,” but this only works for certain documents and situations where an official isn’t required.
How to Get an Attested Photocopy (Official)
Find an Authorized Person: Locate a notary public or the original document’s custodian (e.g., a university for a diploma).
Present Original & Copy: Show the original document and the photocopy you want attested.
The Official Verifies: The official confirms the copy matches the original and isn’t a copy of a copy.
Notarization: They add a certificate stating it’s a “true, exact, complete, and unaltered” copy, then sign and seal it.
Restrictions: Notaries generally cannot attest copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) or public records; those need official certification from the issuing agency.
