What is a certified document and how do I get documents certified?

A certified document is a copy signed and stamped by an authorised person who has checked it against the original document. In Australia, a range of authorised people in your community can complete this, including Medical Practitioners, Legal Practitioners, Court Officials, Justices of the Peace (JP), Full-time Primary or Secondary School Teachers, Pharmacists, Veterinarians and Police Officers.

To certify your documents:

1. Make copies of the original documents. If you don't have a photocopier, most newsagencies offer this service
2. Take the original documents, such as your driver's licence, the insured's driver's licence or evidence of death and your copies to an authorised person to sight, stamp and certify your copies as true and original.