Legal Definitions - verified copy

A verified copy is an exact reproduction of an original document that has been officially attested to be true and accurate by an authorized individual or entity. This attestation confirms that the copy faithfully represents the original, making it acceptable for legal or official purposes where the original itself might be too valuable, fragile, or impractical to submit. The terms "verified copy" and "certified copy" are often used interchangeably, both implying an official confirmation of the copy's authenticity.

Here are some examples:

• Imagine someone applying for a green card in the United States. They might need to submit a copy of their birth certificate issued in their home country. Instead of sending the irreplaceable original, they would typically provide a verified copy. This copy would have been authenticated by an official from the issuing government agency, a notary public, or another authorized party, confirming that it is a true and accurate reproduction of the original birth certificate. The immigration authorities can then rely on this verified copy as if it were the original document.

• When a property owner wants to sell their land, the buyer's attorney will often request a verified copy of the property deed from the county recorder's office. While the original deed is held by the property owner, the attorney needs an official, authenticated copy to confirm ownership, boundaries, and any encumbrances. The county recorder's office, as the official custodian of such records, would issue a verified copy, often stamped and signed, confirming its accuracy against the original document on file.

• Consider a student applying to transfer credits from one university to another. The new university will require an official academic transcript from the previous institution. This transcript is a verified copy of the student's academic record. The registrar's office at the original university issues this document, often sealed and sent directly to the new institution, thereby verifying that the grades, courses, and degrees listed are accurate and reflect the student's true academic performance as recorded in their official files.