The terms "true copy" and "attested copy" are often used interchangeably in the UAE, but they are not identical. Understanding the difference is crucial when submitting documents to government authorities, courts, or international bodies.
A true copy is a verified photocopy that matches the original. An attested copy is that same verified photocopy, officially stamped and signed by an authorized notary public or government official. In other words: every attested copy is a true copy, but not every true copy is yet officially attested.
True Copy: Definition and Purpose
A true copy is a photocopy that has been examined and confirmed—by a qualified person—to be an exact, unaltered reproduction of an original document.
Key characteristics:
- • Created through photocopying or scanning the original
- • Verified against the original by someone with authority to do so
- • Confirms that text, signatures, logos, dates, and all other details match exactly
- • Does not yet carry an official government or notary stamp
When a true copy is used:
- During an initial verification process before formal attestation
- When a professional or organization is confirming the authenticity of your document internally (before sending it to authorities)
- In informal or preliminary applications where the final version will be attested later
Example: You visit a notary public with your original birth certificate and a photocopy. The notary compares them side-by-side and confirms, "Yes, this photocopy is a true copy—it matches the original." At this stage, you have a verified true copy, but no official stamp yet.
Attested Copy: Definition and Legal Weight
An attested copy is a true copy that has been formally authenticated and sealed by an authorized notary public, government official, or recognized professional body. The attestation includes:
- The official seal or stamp of the issuing authority
- The notary's or official's signature
- The date of attestation
- Sometimes a reference or case number
Key characteristics:
- • Starts as a true copy
- • Receives an official authorization mark (stamp, seal, signature)
- • Has direct legal validity—courts, government bodies, and international authorities recognize it
- • Is enforceable in legal proceedings and administrative processes
- • Is what you actually need to submit for official purposes
When an attested copy is used:
- Government visa and immigration applications
- Court proceedings and legal disputes
- Land Department property transactions
- Bank and financial services
- International use (e.g., education, employment abroad)
- Official school and university applications
Example: After the notary confirms your photocopy is a true copy, you request official attestation. The notary stamps the photocopy with the Dubai Courts seal, signs it, and dates it. Now it's an attested copy with legal authority.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | True Copy | Attested Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Verified photocopy matching the original | Verified photocopy + official stamp and signature |
| Verification | Informal or preliminary comparison | Formal legal authentication |
| Official Authority | No official seal or authorization | Bears official government/notary seal |
| Legal Status | Confirmatory only; not legally binding | Legally binding and recognized by courts |
| Accepted by Government | Usually not on its own | Yes, for most official purposes |
| International Use | Generally not accepted | Accepted by many countries |
| Cost | May be free or minimal | AED 50–100+ per page |
Why the Distinction Matters
The difference between a true copy and an attested copy becomes critical in these scenarios:
Scenario 1: University Application
You send a scanned copy of your degree certificate to a university. An admin staff member verifies it's a true copy—it matches the digital record they have. This informal verification is sufficient for their internal review. But if the university then requests an official submission for enrollment, you'll need an attested copy with a notary stamp.
Scenario 2: Real Estate Transaction
You bring your original deed and a photocopy to your real estate lawyer. The lawyer confirms it's a true copy for their records. But when submitting to the Dubai Land Department, DLD requires an officially attested copy with a notary's seal.
Scenario 3: Visa Application
You submit a self-verified photocopy of your birth certificate to an employer for background checking. They may accept it as a true copy. But if the visa authority requests it directly, they will demand an attested copy from a notary or UAE embassy.
How to Obtain a True Copy and Then an Attested Copy
Step 1: Create a Photocopy
Make a clear, legible photocopy of your original document.
Step 2: Get Informal Verification (Optional)
Someone (employer, lawyer, institution) may informally confirm it's a true copy by comparing it to the original. This is quick and often free.
Step 3: Get Formal Attestation (When Required)
Visit a notary public (Dubai Courts), government body, or authorized professional. They will verify the photocopy against the original and stamp it, turning it into an attested copy.
Most official submissions require you to skip straight to Step 3—formal attestation.
Common Misconceptions
"A true copy is just a regular photocopy."
Not quite. A true copy has been specifically verified against the original. A random photocopy with no verification is just a photocopy. A true copy has confirmatory value; a loose photocopy has none.
"I can attest my own photocopy."
No. Attestation must be done by an authorized third party. Self-attestation (writing "attested by me" on your photocopy) has no legal standing in the UAE.
"A true copy issued in another country is valid in Dubai."
Not necessarily. A true copy verified by someone in another country may not be recognized by UAE authorities. For use in the UAE, get attestation from a UAE notary, government body, or UAE embassy/consulate.
"Once attested, the copy is valid forever."
Mostly true, but some authorities (especially government bodies) prefer attested copies less than 1–3 years old. Always check the specific requirement.
When Do You Need Each One?
Use a True Copy When:
- ✓ An organization is informally verifying your document for internal purposes
- ✓ You are submitting to a private company that accepts verified photocopies
- ✓ The document is for preliminary or non-binding purposes
Use an Attested Copy When (Almost Always):
- ✓ Submitting to any government body (visa, DLD, municipality)
- ✓ Filing documents with courts or legal authorities
- ✓ Using the document internationally
- ✓ Dealing with banks or financial institutions
- ✓ Applying to educational institutions officially
- ✓ Any formal, legal, or binding process
In practice, when in doubt, get an attested copy. It has more authority and will be accepted wherever a true copy would be accepted.
Where to Get Your True Copy Attested in Dubai
For most documents, visit the Notary Section at Dubai Courts (Downtown Dubai). They are the primary source for true copy attestation. The process takes 5–30 minutes, costs AED 50–100 per page, and requires you to bring the original and photocopy.
For more options, see our full guide on true copy attestation.
If you prefer online or remote options, learn more about certified true copy attestation online in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I have an attested copy, do I still need the original?
A: It depends on the authority. Most organizations accept the attested copy as proof. However, it's wise to keep the original in a secure location as backup.
Q: Can I use an attested copy to make further attested copies?
A: Technically, yes—a notary can attest a photocopy of an attested copy. However, it's best to keep attesting from the original document to avoid generational errors.
Q: How much does attestation cost if I already have a true copy?
A: The cost is the same—typically AED 50–100 per page at the notary public. The notary re-verifies the photocopy against the original during the attestation process.
Q: Is an attested copy the same as a certified copy?
A: In the UAE, the terms are largely synonymous. Both refer to a copy verified and officially sealed by an authorized party. "Certified copy" is more common in Commonwealth countries; "attested copy" is standard UAE terminology.
Q: Can an attested copy be rejected?
A: Yes, if the authority suspects fraud, if the copy quality is poor, or if the notary's credentials are questioned. Always use a credible notary public (Dubai Courts) for maximum acceptance.
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How Al Ishrat Doc Can Help
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