Certified true copy of a document issued by an administration

Verified 11 August 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Do you need to provide a certified copy of a document for an application to a administration ? Is a simple copy enough? Can the administration ask for the original of the document? What is the rule if a foreign authority asks you for a certified copy? We will tell you what rules you need to know about certifying a copy of a document.

What applies to you ?

Veuillez patienter pendant le chargement de la page

One administration French may not require, for the study of your file, a certified copy of the original of a document issued by another French administration.

One simple legible photocopy original document must be accepted.

For example, a university may ask you for a copy of your Bachelor's degree but it cannot require that the copy be certified as true to the original.

However, in case of doubt as to the validity of the photocopy, the department reviewing your application may ask you to submit the original document.

In this case, you will receive a registered letter with AR: titleContent which explains why you need to present the original document.

The review of your application is suspended (paused) until you present the original document.

Some copies or amplifications may be issued only by administrative or judicial authorities or legal professionals.

For obtain a copy of a judgment, contact your lawyer or the court registry that made the decision.

For obtain a copy of an authentic instrument drawn up by a notary, contact in writing the notary who drew up the document.

Warning

You risk criminal sanctions in case of fraud or attempted fraud (forgery and use of forgery, swindle...)

One foreign administration may require, for the consideration of your file, certified copy to the original of a document issued by a French administration.

For example, a foreign university may ask you to provide a certified copy of the original of your French degree.

You can address a town hall, a prefecture or a notary.

Before making the move, check if the gait must be done on-site (with possible appointment booking) or if it can be done by post.

Specify that the certified copy is requested by a foreign administration.