In the digital age, document verification and online procedures have become an imperative necessity for most people. However, there are procedures that require a traditional method to ensure the authenticity and legality of documents as important as the National Identity Document (DNI). In this context, document certification emerges as a crucial process, especially when it comes to validating identity for legal, academic, employment, and other procedures. Below, we provide a complete and updated guide for 2024 on how to certify your ID, covering everything from basic concepts to practical tips to facilitate this procedure.
What is a certified copy?
Before diving into the "how" and "where," it is essential to understand what a certified copy is. In simple terms, it is a photocopy of an original document (in this case, the ID) that has been verified by an authorized official. This process includes the placement of a seal or mark that certifies that the copy is faithful and exact to the original. The importance of a certified copy lies in its legal validity, allowing the bearer to use it for various procedures where identity proof is required or official documentation needs to be presented without exposing the original document.
Is it possible to certify your ID online?
No, for security reasons, ID certification can only be done in person. An authorized official must review the original ID and the copy to guarantee its authenticity.
Where to certify your ID
1. Town Hall:
- It is the most economical and fastest option.
- You only have to pay a fee (which varies by municipality) and make sure the procedure is available at your town hall.
- In some town halls, you can request an online appointment in advance to avoid waiting.
- Advantages: Low cost, speed, availability in most municipalities.
- Disadvantages: Possible saturation and need for prior appointment in some cases.
2. Police:
- It is free for those who have an open legal process.
- You must present the original ID and the copy at a police station.
- The procedure may take a few minutes.
- Advantages: Free for people with legal proceedings, speed.
- Disadvantages: Limited to people with legal proceedings, possible saturation at police stations.
3. Notary:
- It is the most expensive option, but it saves you from doing the procedure yourself.
- The notary will verify the authenticity of the ID and seal the copy.
- The notary's fees vary according to the professional tariff.
- Advantages: Convenience, no personal management required.
- Disadvantages: High cost compared to other options.
Requirements and process for certifying your ID
Required documentation
To carry out the certification of your ID, it is essential to prepare both the original document and a copy in A4 size. Additionally, at certain institutions like the Town Hall, it will be necessary to pay a fee. This section will detail the specific documentation and preparations for each certification option.
Detailed process for ID certification and useful tips
ID certification is an administrative procedure that validates the authenticity of a copy of your identity document, granting it the same legal validity as the original. This procedure is essential for various legal, academic, or administrative processes where proof of identity is required without needing to present the original document. Below, we break down the step-by-step process and offer practical tips to ensure a successful procedure.
Steps for ID certification
- Document presentation: Go to the office where you will perform the certification (Town Hall, police station, or notary office) with the original ID and its copy in hand. It is important that the copy is clear and in A4 format.
- Authenticity verification: An authorized official will examine both the original ID and the copy to ensure they match and that there are no signs of forgery. This step is crucial for the integrity of the process.
- Official sealing: Once the authenticity is verified, the official will apply an official seal to the copy. This seal confirms that the copy is a faithful and authorized reproduction of the original document, granting it full legal validity.
- Document return: Finally, the official will return your original ID along with the certified copy. This sealed copy is what you can use in your future procedures, guaranteeing your identification in a safe and reliable manner.
Practical tips
- Verify service availability: Before going, make sure the certification procedure is available in your locality, especially in town halls, where it may vary by municipality.
- Request a prior appointment: To save time and avoid waiting, it is recommended to request an appointment in advance at the Town Hall or police station, if this option is available.
- Document quality: Present the ID and copy in optimal condition. A deteriorated document or a low-quality copy may be grounds for rejection of certification.
- Preparation for fee payment: Find out about the cost of the certification fee in your municipality and be prepared to make the payment, if necessary.
- Final seal review: Before leaving the office, check that the certified copy is correctly sealed. The seal must be clear, legible, and complete, as it is the guarantee of your copy's legal validity.
Certifying your ID is a simple but very important procedure for legally validating the authenticity of a copy of your identity document. By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that the process is carried out efficiently and without setbacks, allowing you to use the certified copy in any procedure that requires it.
