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Certified true copy of a document issued by an administration
Verified 11 August 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
State administrations, local and regional authorities, their public administrative establishments, bodies entrusted with an administrative public service mission, including social security bodies. Examples: Ministry, Prefecture, Regional Council, Departmental Council, City Hall, Family Allowance Fund (Caf), Pôle emploi, Health Insurance (Ameli), Tax Department.
Copy of an official document which has the same value as the original
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 ?
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Application to a French administration
General case
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.
Judicial or authentic instrument
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...)
Approach with a foreign administration
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.
General case
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.
Abroad
You can go to a French embassy or consulate abroad.
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.
Fees may be charged.
Who shall I contact
Certification in conformity with the original
FAQ
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