Certified Copy

Description

Description

✅ A certified copy is an official reproduction of a document, accompanied by a certification confirming that it corresponds to the document on file in the relevant record, registry, or protocol.

📄 Depending on the type of document and the applicable system, the certified copy may include Internal Revenue Service stamps affixed to the document or an equivalent official certification, following payment of the applicable fees.

✅ In both formats, the important thing is that the document clearly states that it is an official certified copy. That is why not all certified copies look exactly the same.

When is a certified copy required?

⚖️ It is frequently required for legal, administrative, government, banking, immigration, or institutional procedures in Puerto Rico and, in some cases, outside of Puerto Rico.

📌 It can be applied to documents such as:

• Judgments or court orders
• Court case files or documents
• Notarized documents or deeds
• Other official documents when you are asked to provide a “certified” copy

✅ If you were asked for a certified copy, they usually won't accept a simple copy, a photo, an informal PDF, or a printout without an official certification.

Format of the certified copy

🧾 Traditionally, many certified copies included Internal Revenue stamps affixed to the back or to the document itself.

💻 In recent years, certain documents—especially court documents available in electronic systems—may be issued with an equivalent official certification that identifies the document, the case file, and/or the system where the original is stored.

📌 This means that an official certified copy can take various forms, provided it includes the appropriate certification and meets the applicable requirements.

Divorces

✅ We can obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree if that is the document you are being asked to provide.

⚠️ However, for many procedures, only the Certificate of Divorce is required if the marriage was registered in Puerto Rico.

👉 Before placing your order, make sure to check exactly whether you are being asked to provide a certified judgment, a divorce certificate, or both documents.

Who can request a certified copy?

✅ It depends on the type of document and whether it is a public, restricted, or confidential document.

🔒 In confidential cases, such as certain family matters, cases involving minors, or divorces, only the parties involved, their authorized representatives, or a person with sufficient standing may request a copy.

📜 In the case of notarial documents or deeds, the requester must generally be a party, an interested party, heir a person entitled to request a copy, as applicable.

📩 If additional authorization or proof of identity is required, you will be notified by email.

Requirements

👉 When placing an order, you must upload a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport.

📌 You must also provide the necessary information to locate the document, such as the case number, the names of the parties, the approximate date, the court, the notary, the type of document, or any other available details.

📩 If any information is missing or the document requires additional approval, you will be notified by email.

⏱ Processing time

📅 15–45 days, plus shipping time:

✅ Recent documents: approximately 15 days.

⚠️ Old documents or those that are difficult to locate: up to 45 days.

📦 Shipping

💲 Shipping costs are calculated at checkout.
🇵🇷 Puerto Rico: US Postal Service
🇺🇸 United States: US Postal Service or FedEx
🌎 International: FedEx

🌐 Language

✅ Most official documents in Puerto Rico are issued in Spanish, unless the original document is officially in English.

🗣️ If you need to use the document outside of Puerto Rico or with an entity that requires English, we also offer translations certified by a notary public.

🌍 Use outside Puerto Rico / international

⚠️ If the certified copy will be used outside of Puerto Rico or outside the United States, you may also need an Apostille.

👉 You can add the Apostille service to your order, if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Certified Copies in Puerto Rico

Does a certified copy always have physical stamps?

Not necessarily. Some certified copies include physical stamps affixed to the document, while others may include an equivalent official certification, especially when the document comes from official electronic systems.

What is the difference between a simple copy and a certified copy?

A simple copy is a reproduction without official certification. A certified copy includes a certification, stamps, or official endorsement confirming that it corresponds to the document on file in the relevant record, registry, or protocol.

Can I order a certified copy if I don't have the case number?

Yes, but you should provide as much information as possible, such as the names of the parties, the approximate date, the court, and the type of case or document. The more information you provide, the easier it will be to locate the document.

How long does the process take?

Processing time typically ranges from 15 to 45 days, plus shipping time. Recent documents or those available in electronic systems can be processed more quickly.

Do I need an apostille if I plan to use the certified copy outside of Puerto Rico or the United States?

If the certified copy will be used outside of Puerto Rico or outside the United States, you may also need an apostille. You should check the specific requirements of the entity, agency, country, or institution that will receive the document.

🔍 Questions?

✅ If you still have questions, or would like us to review your case for free first, please fill out the Evaluation Form below.

Evaluation Form

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