A 'certified copy' of an original document is a copy that has been verified as being a true copy of the original by a person who is authorised to certify copies of original documents.
Sometimes Selfwealth will ask you for a certified copy of an original document in order to verify your identity. For example, Selfwealth may request a certified copy of an original document when you:
- apply for a new trading account (and we cannot verify your identity electronically)
- apply for a trust or SMSF trading account
- request a HIN or stock transfer from another broker
Below are a few examples of original documents that we may ask for certified copies of:
- A drivers license, passport or national identity card.
- A bank statement, utility bill or government benefits notice.
- A proof of age or Medicare card.
- A trust deed or the key pages of a trust deed (e.g. the cover, schedule page and execution pages).
Why does Selfwealth ask for certified documents?
The process of certification ensures that copies of documents have been physically sighted by an authorized person, and verified to be a true copy of the original. Selfwealth asks for certified documents as part of our obligations under Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing regulations.
How do I get my documents certified?
To get your documents certified, you will need to take both the original and a copy of your document(s) to an approved certifier. Selfwealth will only accept documents certified within the last 90 days.
On each page of the photocopy, the approved certifier needs to:
- Write the text: ‘This is to certify that this is a true copy of the original document which I have sighted’.
- Write the date on which the document was certified.
- Sign the copy.
- Print their full name and full address.
- Note the position that allows them to certify the document (e.g. ‘police officer’).
- Write their registration number (if applicable).
Selfwealth will accept documents certified by any of the below approved certifiers:
In Australia:
- Medical practitioners: A registered or licensed dentist, medical practitioner, pharmacist or veterinary surgeon along with their registration number.
- Legal professions: Legal practitioner, Patent attorney, Trademarks attorney.
- Court positions: Justice of the Peace, Judge, Magistrate, Registrar, or Deputy Registrar, Clerk, Master of a court.
- Police Officer.
- Accountant (who is a member of ICA, ASA, NIA or CPA, ATMA, NTAA).
- Commissioner for Affidavits, or Commissioner for Declarations (dependent on jurisdictions).
- Notary public.
- Permanent employee of Australia Post with 2 or more years of continuous service.
- An officer with, or authorised representative of, a holder of an Australian financial services license, having 2 or more years of continuous service with one or more licensees.
- An officer with, or a credit representative of, a holder of an Australian credit license, having 2 or more years of continuous service with one or more licensees.
Outside Australia
- Justice of the Peace.
- Notary public.
- Australian Consular Officer or Australian Diplomatic Officer (within the meaning of the Consular Fees Act 1955).
- An officer with, or authorised representative of, a holder of an Australian financial services license, having two or more years of continuous service with one or more licensees.
- An officer with, or a credit representative of, a holder of an Australian credit license, having two or more years of continuous service with one or more licensees.