Thread: Certified copies??

In what sorts of circumstances would one need a "certified" copy of their degree certificate?

I have just spoken to my university and they say that it is a relatively new thing and they don't know, although they offer the service. I have managed to ascertain that it is different to having your certificate notarised.

Is it worth me getting some certified copies? I am going to get it notarised just in case I go to Vietnam for a while.

I'm assuming you're from the UK...

Some countries may ask for an apostilled document e.g degree, background check. In order to get an apostille the document must first be certified/notarised.

Public notaries notarise documents and solicitors can generally certify them. There is a slight difference but I am not quite sure what it is.

The normal process to get a certified copy is just take it to a solicitors, they photocopy it and sign it saying its a true copy. normally costs 5-10 quid

Can't hurt to have a certified copy I guess..

How did you guess I was from the UK? Was it because I used big words like "ascertain"?

Thanks for the reply.

Would really like to know the difference.

If universities are certifying copies, does this mean we don't need solicitors anymore?

Outside of the U.K, a notarised document is likely to be more recognised and widely accepted then a certified copy. I haven't heard of anywhere requesting certified copies specifically, but I have heard of places requesting originals, apostilled documents and notarized documents.

I guess for the purpose of certifying a degree certificate you wouldn't need a solicitor anymore, however you could still need a solicitor to certify something else (e.g background check).

For Thailand you do not need to certify anything.
You will need your original and you will probably need a university issued transcript as well.

Thailand is not a signatory to the apostille treaty so an apostille is not necessary (or even recognized) either.

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I'd settle for a one-way flight to Thailand.

You don't need a car in Bangkok. Unless you're Thai, that is.