Certifications of copies of official documents for submission to an authority and for private law purposes

Prerequisites

A copy can only be certified if the original was issued by an authority or if the copy is required for submission to an authority.

Documents required

Please note

Copies of the following documents can be certified for submission to an authority:

• Originals issued by an authority (e.g. state school certificates, identification documents (identity cards), certificates of doctorate, citizenship, license to practice medicine, etc.)
• Originals that were not issued by an authority (e.g. employment references).

Certification for pension purposes

• Certifications of originals that were not issued by an authority are free of charge for pension purposes (proof of pension receipt or application required).

Power of attorney

• Certification is carried out on a certificate or document-related basis and not on a personal basis, which is why a person who is not affected can also apply for it without a power of attorney.

Deadlines

No

Procedure

• You can arrange an appointment online or by calling 115.
• They must appear in person at the relevant office.
• Please bring all necessary documents to the appointment.
• Your documents will be checked and certified on site.
• You pay the fee if the authentication is not free of charge.
• You will usually receive the certified documents back immediately.

Processing time

Depending on the number of notifications.

Fees

4 EUR for up to four pages, and 1 EUR for each additional page from the 5th page onwards. If copies are required, they cost 0.70 EUR per page.


If you bring your own copies, the fee is €4 for up to two pages and €2 for each additional page beyond the third, due to the increased verification effort. No fee for pension purposes (proof required).

Legal remedies

No legal remedy is provided for.

Legal basis

Section 33 (1) Administrative Procedure Act (VwVfG)