Certified true copies of Thai documents for overseas use
Short answer
A certified true copy is produced by presenting the original document to a Notarial Services Attorney, who compares it with the photocopy and attaches a certificate confirming the two match. The attorney certifies only the match with the original, not the authenticity of the original itself. Certification is usually completed in 1–2 business days.
Overseas institutions frequently ask for a certified copy rather than the original, because passports, degrees, and title deeds should not leave the holder's possession. A certified true copy carries a statement from the attorney confirming that the copy was compared against the original document presented on that date.
When this is needed
- • Certified copies of a passport or ID card for opening an overseas bank account
- • Certified copies of degrees and transcripts for a foreign university or skills assessment
- • Certified copies of company registration documents for a foreign registry
- • Certified copies of title deeds, licences, or permits for a cross-border transaction
- • Certified copies of civil registry documents where the original must be retained in Thailand
What to prepare
- • The original document — a scan or a previously certified copy is not sufficient
- • A clean, complete photocopy of every page, including blank reverse sides where information may appear
- • Original identification of the person presenting the document
- • The number of certified sets the receiving authority requires, prepared in advance
- • Confirmation of whether the destination also needs a translation of the certified copy
Step-by-step process
1. Gather originals and count the sets you need
Decide in advance how many certified sets are required. Producing additional sets later means presenting the originals again, which is inconvenient if they must be returned to a registry.
2. Present the originals for comparison
The attorney compares each page against the original and confirms that nothing is cropped, obscured, or missing. Pages with security features are checked against the original in person.
3. Receive the certificate and stamped copy
The certificate is attached to the copy set, signed and stamped, and dated. The set is treated as one document — do not separate the pages afterwards.
4. Translate and legalise where required
For an Australian submission the copy is usually translated by a NAATI-certified translator. For other destinations, the copy may need consular legalisation and then an Apostille or embassy certification.
Common reasons documents are rejected
- • Copies made from a scan or a photo rather than the original document
- • Cropped edges, cut-off seals, or unreadable stamps in the photocopy
- • Omitting the reverse side of a document that carries endorsements
- • Separating the certificate from the copy set after certification
- • Assuming the certified copy replaces the translation requirement — the two are different
Frequently asked questions
Can you certify a copy of a document issued in another country?
Yes, the copy can be compared with the foreign original and certified. However, some destinations only accept certified copies produced in the country that issued the document, so confirm with the receiving authority first.
Can you certify a copy of my passport while I keep the original?
The original must be presented during the appointment for comparison, but it stays with you afterwards; only the copy is certified and released.
Is a certified true copy the same as a notarised document?
It is one type of notarial act. Certifying a copy confirms it matches the original; notarising a signature confirms who signed. Some documents need both.
Does a certified copy expire?
The certificate carries the date of comparison. Receiving authorities commonly ask for copies certified within the last three to six months.
Can a colour copy be certified?
Yes, and colour is preferable when the document carries coloured seals, holograms, or signatures that would be lost in greyscale.
Do I need one certificate per document?
Normally yes; each document receives its own certificate so that individual documents can be submitted to different authorities.
Related documents
- Power of attorneyHow a power of attorney signed in Thailand is notarised by a Notarial Services Attorney for use overseas: documents to prepare, the certification chain, common rejection reasons, and FAQs.
- Education documentsHow Thai degree certificates, transcripts, and enrolment letters are certified by a Notarial Services Attorney for foreign universities, employers, and skills assessment bodies.
- Corporate documentsHow company affidavits, shareholder lists, board resolutions, and director signatures are notarised in Thailand for foreign registries, banks, and counterparties.
Related services
Reviewed August 2026. General procedural information only, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the Lawyers Council of Thailand and the Department of Consular Affairs.