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Wills & Documents · Attestation & Certification

Document Certification

Document certification is where a solicitor checks a copy of your document against the original and confirms, in writing, that it is a true copy. Banks, employers, universities, government bodies and overseas authorities often ask for certified copies instead of your originals. We certify your documents quickly and correctly, so they are accepted the first time.

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What is document certification?

Document certification is the process by which a solicitor examines the original of a document, compares it with a copy, and signs and stamps the copy to confirm that it is a true copy of the original. The certification confirms that the copy matches the original the solicitor has seen. It does not confirm that the contents of the document are true, only that the copy is genuine and has not been altered.

Organisations ask for certified copies so that they can rely on your documents without holding your valuable originals, such as your passport or degree certificate. Not just anyone can certify a document. It has to be a professional in a position of trust, such as a solicitor, and it cannot be a family member, a partner, or anyone with a personal interest in the matter.

What we can certify

We can certify copies of a wide range of documents, including:

  • Identity documents, such as passports and driving licences.
  • Academic certificates, degrees and transcripts.
  • Proof of address, such as bank statements, utility bills and council tax bills.
  • Company documents, contracts and powers of attorney.
  • Immigration and visa documents, and other official papers.

We can also certify your identity where you are asked to prove who you are, for example for a mortgage application or a property matter with HM Land Registry. If you are not sure whether your document can be certified by a solicitor, or whether it needs something more, we are happy to check for you.

Certification and attestation: the difference

These terms are often confused, and asking for the wrong one causes delay. In short:

  • Certification confirms that a copy is a true copy of the original. That is the service on this page.
  • Attestation is the witnessing of a signature, where the solicitor confirms they saw a document being signed.

There is also notarisation, carried out by a notary public, which some foreign authorities specifically require. As solicitors we provide certification and attestation, and where a matter genuinely needs a notary we will tell you honestly and point you in the right direction.

Using your certified documents abroad

If your document is going overseas, certification on its own is often not enough. Some countries require further steps, such as notarisation, before they will accept the document. Because the receiving organisation abroad sets its own rules, we always advise you on the correct route before you spend money, so your documents are not rejected.

Please note: our certification service is available from our South Wimbledon office at 191 Merton Road, London SW19 1EE. You are welcome to call us on 020 8543 3302 to arrange an appointment. The points on this page are correct as at June 2026 and are a general guide, not legal advice on your situation.

How it works, step by step

Getting a document certified with us is quick and simple. These are the main stages.

1. You bring the original and a copy

Bring the original document and a clear copy, along with your identification. If you are not sure what you need, call us first and we will tell you.

2. We check the copy against the original

A solicitor examines your original and confirms that the copy matches it exactly and has not been altered.

3. We certify it correctly

The solicitor adds the correct wording, signs in their own name, dates it, and gives their details, so the certification is valid.

4. You collect your certified copies

You keep your originals, take away your certified copies, and, where your documents are for use abroad, we advise on the next steps.

How we help

Our solicitors make certification straightforward and reliable, so your documents are accepted wherever they need to go.

  1. 1

    Certification done correctly

    We use the right wording for each document and purpose, so your certified copies are not rejected for a technical error.

  2. 2

    Honest advice on what you need

    We tell you whether a solicitor's certification is enough, or whether you also need a notary, before you spend money.

  3. 3

    Help with overseas use

    Where your documents are going abroad, we explain the steps needed to get them accepted in the destination country.

  4. 4

    A quick, personal service

    You deal with a real solicitor in person, keep your originals, and leave with the certified copies you need.

What is included in our service

  • Checking your copy against the original document
  • Certification with the correct wording, signature and date
  • Certifying identity documents and proof of address
  • Certifying your identity for mortgages and property matters
  • Honest advice on whether you also need a notary
  • Certified copies ready for use in the United Kingdom or abroad

We offer document certification for a clear fixed fee per document, which we tell you before we start, so there are no surprises. If your documents also need notarisation, we will set out those separate costs in advance. This is a private service and is not covered by legal aid. There is no charge for an initial phone conversation to talk through what you need, and this service is available from our South Wimbledon office.

Common questions

Document certification is where a solicitor checks a copy of a document against the original and signs and stamps the copy to confirm it is a true copy. It reassures the organisation asking for it that the copy is genuine, without you having to part with your original.

Yes. A solicitor is one of the most widely accepted people to certify documents for use in the United Kingdom, including for banks, employers and government bodies. For some overseas uses a notary may also be needed, and we will tell you if that applies to you.

The person certifying must be a professional in a position of trust, such as a solicitor. It cannot be a family member, your partner, or anyone with a personal interest in the document. Using the wrong person is a common reason for applications being rejected.

Yes. We can certify your identity documents and confirm who you are for purposes such as a mortgage application or a property matter with HM Land Registry. Bring the required identification with you, and we will complete the certification you need.

It depends on the country and the organisation. Many overseas authorities set their own requirements, and some require notarisation by a notary public. Because the receiving body sets its own rules, we advise you on the correct route first, so your documents are not rejected.

Please bring the original document, a clear copy of it, and your own identification. If you are having several documents certified, bring an original and a copy of each. If you are unsure what is needed for your purpose, call us first and we will tell you exactly what to bring.

We charge a clear fixed fee per document, which we tell you before we start. If your documents also need notarisation, we set out those separate costs in advance. There is no charge for an initial conversation to talk through what you need.

Last updated: June 2026.