Where to Get Documents Certified (Commissioner of Oaths)
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Quick Summary
- What it is: A process where an official verifies that a photocopy is a true copy of an original document.
- Who can certify: A Commissioner of Oaths (e.g., a police officer, postmaster, or lawyer).
- What to bring: Both the original document and a clear, good-quality photocopy.
- Cost: This service is usually offered for free at police stations and post offices.
- Requirement: Certified documents are required for almost all official applications.
For almost any official application in Zimbabwe, you will be asked to provide "certified copies" of your documents. This is a simple but essential step where a qualified person confirms that your photocopy is a true likeness of your original document.
Who is a Commissioner of Oaths?
A Commissioner of Oaths is a person who is legally authorized to witness signatures and certify documents. In Zimbabwe, the most common and accessible Commissioners of Oaths for the general public are:
- Police Officers: Officers at any ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police) station.
- Postmasters: The head official at any Zimpost post office.
- Legal Practitioners: Lawyers and notaries public.
- Justices of the Peace.
The Certification Process
The process is very straightforward.
- Prepare Your Documents: Make clear, legible photocopies of your original documents. Do not sign or date them yourself.
- Visit a Commissioner of Oaths: Go to your nearest police station or post office.
- Present Both Documents: You must present both the original document and the photocopy to the official. They will compare the two to ensure they are identical.
- Stamping and Signing: The official will then stamp and sign the photocopy with their official stamp, name, and the date. This makes the copy "certified."
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Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Forgetting the Original Document: A Commissioner of Oaths cannot certify a copy without seeing the original. You must bring both.
- Poor Quality Photocopies: If the photocopy is blurry, faded, or has parts missing, it will likely be rejected.
- Certifying a Document for Too Long in Advance: Some institutions require that the certification be recent (e.g., within the last 3 months). It's best to get your documents certified just before you need to submit them.