What is a certified copy?
A certified copy is a copy of a document which is
signed by an authorised person who has seen the original document and
can vouch that the copy has been made accurately and honestly. Photocopies of
documents that have been sent by email cannot be certified as true copies as
the certifier has not compared it to the original document.
ID documents
Your ID must always be certified as part of the application process.
This can be done by a professional body such as:
- A solicitor
- A doctor
- The Post Office
in addition to the people listed below.
Please note your certified copy must be in colour.
Other documentation
All other documents that require certification must be done by an appropriately qualified aviation professional.
Who can certify your documents
When you send us copies of documents as part of an application for a pilot licence, they can be certified by one of the following authorised people:
- the Head
of training at your approved training organisation
- the Head of Flight Standards at an
Air Operator Certificate holder or authorised signatory
- a
UK-approved Examiner
- the EASA approved Examiner that conducted your skills test
- a Chief
Flying Instructor (CFI)
- a Base
Captain or Fleet Manager
Military flying logbooks must be stamped and certified by either
- your commanding officer, or
- the head of training at the ATO where any additional training for your application has taken place
Certification format
The certifier should write on the copies the following:
- the declaration “I have seen the original document and I certify that this is a complete and accurate copy of the original passport, licence or logbook for (applicant name)”
- his/her signature
- his/her name (in block capitals)
- his/her position or capacity (e.g. "Head of approved training organisation")
- his/her
CAA reference number (where applicable)
- the date
When does a licence copy need to be certified?
You need to provide a copy of your licence for all Licensing applications.
If your licence is as issued by the CAA (there are no handwritten additions to your licence) you can send us a photocopy of your licence.
If you have had any ratings signed up on your licence, you will need to provide a certified copy of your licence.