Solicitor to Certify Documents in London
SRA-regulated solicitors certify true copies of passports, ID, bank statements and degree certificates at our High Holborn and Upton Park offices.
A solicitor can certify a document by checking your original, then signing, dating and stamping a copy to confirm it is a true copy of the original. Adam Bernard Solicitors certifies passports, ID, bank statements, utility bills, degree certificates and company documents at our offices in High Holborn (Central London) and Upton Park (East London). Our solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, so banks, lenders, universities, the Home Office and overseas authorities can rely on the certification.
Call 0207 100 2525 or book an appointment. Bring the original and we can usually certify it during your visit.
What is document certification?
Document certification is when a professional person confirms in writing that a copy of a document is a true copy of the original they have seen. It does not confirm that the original itself is genuine; it confirms the copy matches it.
GOV.UK explains that you can certify a document as a true copy by having it signed and dated by a professional person, such as a solicitor. Organisations ask for certified copies so you do not have to post original passports or certificates.
Certification, attestation and authentication: what is the difference?
| Term | What it means | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | Confirms a copy is a true copy of the original | Solicitor, notary or other professional person |
| Attestation | Witnessing a person signing a document, such as a deed or statutory declaration | Solicitor or commissioner for oaths |
| Authentication (legalisation) | The UK government confirms a signature, stamp or seal on a UK document so it is accepted abroad, by adding an apostille | FCDO Legalisation Office |
Which documents can a solicitor certify?
A solicitor can certify a copy of almost any document, as long as they can see the original. The documents GOV.UK lists as commonly certified include:
- passports and photocard driving licences
- letters from a government department
- bank, building society or credit card statements
- gas, electricity or council tax bills
- letters from a hospital or doctor
We also certify degree and academic certificates, birth and marriage certificates, company documents, tenancy agreements and lasting powers of attorney.
Who can certify a document in the UK?
In the UK, a document can be certified by a professional person or someone of good standing in the community, such as a solicitor, notary, accountant, councillor, bank official, dentist or teacher. The person should not be related to you, live at your address or be in a relationship with you.
The organisation asking for the copy can set its own rules, and many ask specifically for a solicitor or notary. Check their instructions before your appointment.
Some documents follow separate rules:
- Passport applications: a countersignatory must have known you for at least 2 years and hold a current British or Irish passport. This is different from certifying a copy. See countersigning passport applications and photos.
- Lasting power of attorney: every page must carry set wording and a signature. GOV.UK confirms a solicitor can certify a copy of an LPA.
How to get your documents certified by a solicitor
To get a document certified, bring the original and a clear copy to a solicitor, who compares them and writes a certification statement on the copy. The process at our offices:
- Check the requirements. Ask the organisation which documents it needs certified, whether every page must be certified and whether it wants specific wording.
- Bring the original and photo ID. We compare your original with the copy. We can make the copy for you if needed.
- We certify the copy. In line with GOV.UK guidance, the solicitor writes “Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me”, then signs, dates and adds their name, occupation, address and phone number. For a photo ID copy we can also confirm it is a true likeness of you.
- Take your documents away. You leave with your original and the certified copies, ready to submit.
Appointments usually take [10–15 minutes]. [Same-day appointments may be available at both offices — confirm.]
Certifying documents in a foreign language
A document that is not in English or Welsh usually needs a translation, and the translator must confirm the translation in writing. GOV.UK says the translator should state that it is a true and accurate translation of the original, and add the date and their full name and contact details. See certifying a translation.
We can then certify copies of both the original and the translation. Arrange the translation before your appointment.
Documents for use abroad: certification and apostille
If a document is going to another country, it may need to be certified by a UK solicitor and then legalised with an apostille by the FCDO. The Legalisation Office accepts documents certified by a UK solicitor or notary, including copies of passports, contracts and qualification certificates.
Current FCDO legalisation fees are £45 per document for the standard paper service (usually up to 25 working days, plus courier) and £35 for an e-Apostille (up to 2 working days). An e-Apostille is not available for birth, marriage or death certificates, ACRO police certificates or DBS certificates.
Our apostille service handles both steps for you.
Common reasons certified copies are rejected
Most rejections happen because the certification is incomplete or does not follow the receiving organisation’s rules. Avoid these:
- the certifier’s name, occupation or contact details are missing
- only the first page of a multi-page document is certified when every page was required
- the certifier is a relative or lives at your address
- a foreign-language document has no translator’s confirmation
- the copy is unclear or cropped
- the document needs an apostille for use abroad but was only certified
How much does it cost to certify a document?
Our fee to certify a document is [£X per document], with [£Y for each additional copy]. GOV.UK notes that the person certifying a document may charge a fee. See our fees page.
Other services at your appointment
We can deal with related documents in the same visit:
- statutory declarations
- ID1 and ID2 identity declarations for HM Land Registry
- change of name by deed poll
- certified copies for immigration applications and property purchases
Why use Adam Bernard Solicitors to certify your documents?
- SRA-regulated solicitors. Certifications are signed by qualified solicitors, which banks and overseas authorities recognise.
- Two London offices. 33 High Holborn, WC1V 6AX and 25 Barking Road, Upton Park, E6 1PW.
- Clear fixed fees. One price per document, agreed before we start.
- One visit for related work. Certification, statutory declarations and apostilles handled together.
Call 0207 100 2525 or book an appointment to get your documents certified.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a solicitor certify a document?
Yes. A practising solicitor can certify a copy of a document as a true copy of the original. They need to see the original, then sign, date and add their name, occupation and contact details to the copy.
What does a solicitor write when certifying a document?
GOV.UK guidance is to write "Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me", then sign, date and print their name, occupation, address and telephone number. Some organisations ask for their own wording, so check first.
Do banks charge to certify documents?
It depends on the bank. GOV.UK lists bank or building society officials among the people who may certify a document if they offer the service, and says the certifier may charge a fee. Many banks no longer offer certification, so a solicitor is often the more reliable option.
Who cannot certify my documents?
The person certifying should not be related to you, live at the same address as you or be in a relationship with you.
Can I certify my own documents?
Usually not. Most organisations need an independent professional to certify the copy. Check the receiving organisation's rules.
What is the difference between certifying and attesting a document?
Certifying confirms a copy is a true copy of the original. Attesting means witnessing someone sign a document, such as a deed or statutory declaration.
Do I need an apostille as well as certification?
Only if the document will be used abroad and the receiving authority asks for it. A UK solicitor certifies the copy first, then the FCDO Legalisation Office adds the apostille. The standard fee is £45 per document, or £35 for an e-Apostille.
How do I certify a document in another language?
Get it translated first. The translator must confirm in writing that it is a true and accurate translation, with the date and their full name and contact details. A solicitor can then certify the copies.
How long does it take to get documents certified?
At our offices, certification usually takes [10–15 minutes] once you bring the originals and copies.
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