A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been verified as genuine by an authorised person. It confirms that the copy matches the original without you needing to send the original document itself. More formally, a certified copy is one that has been verified as a true copy of the original by a person who is authorised to certify documents.
When might Selfwealth ask for a certified copy?
Selfwealth may request a certified copy of an original document when you:
- Apply for a new trading account where your identity cannot be verified electronically. See: How do I apply for a trading account?
- Apply for a trust or SMSF trading account. See: How do I apply for a trust or SMSF account?
- Request a HIN or stock transfer from another broker. See: How do I transfer my HIN or stocks to Selfwealth?
What documents might be requested?
The type of document required will depend on the context of your request. Below are examples of original documents we may ask for certified copies of:
| Document Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Identity documents | Driver's licence, passport, national identity card, proof of age card, Medicare card |
| Financial & address documents | Bank statement, utility bill, government benefits notice |
| Trust documents | Trust deed, or key pages of a trust deed (cover page, schedule page, and execution pages). See: What is a schedule page? |
Why does Selfwealth ask for certified documents?
Certification ensures that copies of documents have been physically sighted by an authorised person and verified as true copies of the original. Selfwealth asks for certified documents as part of our obligations under Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regulations.
How do I get my documents certified?
Take both the original document and a photocopy to an approved certifier (see the list below). On each page of the photocopy, the certifier must:
- Write: 'This is to certify that this is a true copy of the original document which I have sighted'
- Write the date of certification
- Sign the copy
- Print their full name and full address
- Note their position that allows them to certify (e.g. 'police officer')
- Write their registration number (if applicable)
Please note: Selfwealth will only accept documents certified within the last 90 days.
Who are approved certifiers?
In Australia:
| Certifier | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical practitioners | Registered/licensed dentist, medical practitioner, pharmacist or veterinary surgeon (with registration number) |
| Accountant | Member of ICA, ASA, NIA, CPA, ATMA or NTAA |
| Legal professions | Legal practitioner, Patent attorney, Trademarks attorney |
| Commissioner | Commissioner for Affidavits or Commissioner for Declarations (dependent on jurisdiction) |
| Court positions | Justice of the Peace, Judge, Magistrate, Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Clerk, Master of a court |
| Australia Post | Permanent employee with 2 or more years of continuous service |
| Police Officer | |
| AFS Licence holder representative | Officer or authorised representative with 2+ years continuous service |
| Notary public | |
| Australian credit licence representative | Officer or credit representative with 2+ years continuous service |
Outside Australia:
- Justice of the Peace
- Notary public
- Australian Consular Officer or Australian Diplomatic Officer (within the meaning of the Consular Fees Act 1955)
- Officer or authorised representative of a holder of an Australian financial services licence, with 2 or more years of continuous service
- Officer or credit representative of a holder of an Australian credit licence, with 2 or more years of continuous service