The term "certified true copies" is used to describe a document that an authorized agency has verified. In this case, the agency is the U.S. Government.Notaries are often asked to certify that a photocopy of an original document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original. The notary is simply stating that the document photocopy is a "true" and complete copy of the original document that was presented. A quick definition of true copy: A true copy is a duplicate of an original document that is close enough to the original that anyone can understand it. A certified copy does not verify the authenticity of the original document, only that the copy is a true copy of what appears to be an original document. The certification assures requesting authorities that your documents(s) are a true copy of the original. In this lesson, you will learn what an affidavit is and how to format one. You'll also review a sample template that can be used to construct an affidavit. Contact the vital records office of the state where the death occurred to learn.