As people we often like to keep important documents for safekeeping, so we don’t lose them, whether it’s a property or a marriage certificate. Keeping them safe is not enough, in most cases, you need to obtain certified copies for legal, financial, and other reasons. But, how long do certified copies last and when do they expire?
Certified Copies Explained
A certified copy refers to a copy of an original document like a birth certificate, driver’s license, or passport that has been certified as a true and accurate copy of the original. Certified copies are often needed in legal, financial, and educational sectors. They are issued and signed by a qualified authority like a notary public, civil servant, or lawyer.
The Length of Time a Certified Copy Lasts
How long a certified copy lasts depends on a number of factors. Some certified copies, such as birth certificates and marriage certificates, will never expire if they were issued by a government authority. However, other certified copies like academic certificates or qualification certificates will have an expiry date.
Certified Copies of Academic Qualifications
Academic certificates and other qualifications certificates usually expire between two to five years after they are issued. It is important to verify the validity of a certified copy before submitting it to a potential employer or a university. If the certification expires, then the holder will need to obtain a new one from the institution that provided the original document.
Certified Copies of Property Documents
Certified copies of sale deeds, rental agreements, or other property documents rarely expire unless there is a clause in the document stating otherwise. If a property document is written to be valid for a certain period of time, then the certified copy will also be valid for the same period. It is important to retain a copy of the original document indefinitely, but the certified copy can be submitted to banks or other financial institutions as needed.
Important Things to Note
When submitting certified copies of documents to third parties, it is important to remember to check the expiry dates. A certified copy that has expired is not considered a legal document anymore and may lead to disputes. Additionally, the institution that provided the original document has the right to revoke the certified copy if they suspect that it has been forged or altered.
Conclusion
Certified copies are important for legal, financial, and other reasons. They can expire or never expire, depending on the type of document. Academic qualifications usually expire between two to five years after issued, while property documents usually don't have an expiry date unless there is a clause in the document. When submitting certified copies of documents to third parties, always check the expiry date, and ensure you have a valid copy to avoid disputes.
