Attestation
Certified True Copy of a Passport or Emirates ID
Passports and Emirates IDs are the documents most often asked for as certified copies. Here is how to get them certified and what to watch for.
Why a certified copy of your ID
Banks, landlords, employers and government portals often need a verified copy of your passport or Emirates ID but should not hold your original. A certified true copy solves this: it is accepted as a faithful copy without parting with the document itself.
What you'll need
- The original passport or Emirates ID
- A clear full-page scan or photocopy
- The name of the authority asking for it, if they specify a format
How we do it
A partner lawyer or chartered accountant certifies the copy against your original and we return the certified set, usually same day to one working day. See the certified true copy service for pricing.
Key takeaways
Key takeaways: A certified true copy of a passport or Emirates ID lets banks and authorities accept a verified copy while you keep the original. Same day to one working day.
Keeping your originals is the whole point of a certified true copy: you hand over a verified copy while the document itself stays with you, which matters when several banks or authorities want it at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
What is a certified true copy?
A photocopy stamped and signed by an authorised professional, a partner lawyer or chartered accountant, confirming it matches the original.
Is a certified true copy the same as attestation?
No. A certified copy confirms a copy matches the original; attestation is a chain of government stamps that legalises a foreign document for UAE use.
Who can certify a copy in the UAE?
A partner lawyer or a chartered accountant, depending on what the receiving authority accepts.
How long does it take?
Usually same day to one working day.
What does it cost?
A flat service fee, with any professional or government charge shown separately at cost.
Which documents are commonly certified?
Passports, Emirates IDs, degrees, contracts and company documents, for banks, licensing and admissions.
A note on scope: DocuGulf is a documentation facilitation service. All regulated work is performed by licensed notaries, translators, chartered accountants and approved typing centres, and we do not provide legal advice. Reach us at info@docugulf.com or +971 58 569 3628.