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. Additionally, each document must be individually stamped, signed and dated by the verifier.
It is not sufficient to complete one certification text covering multiple types of document (for example, ID and licence).
Please note that the certification requirements vary depending on the type of document that is being certified.
Certified copies of licences
You need to provide a copy of your licence for all licensing applications.
If you have had any ratings signed up on your licence, you will need to provide a certified copy of your licence.
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.
Who can certify your licence
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
Certification format
The certifier should write the following on each copy:
- the declaration “I have seen the original document and I certify that this is a complete and accurate copy of the original licence for (applicant name)”
- their signature
- their name (in block capitals)
- their position or capacity (e.g. "Head of approved training organisation")
- their CAA reference number (where applicable)
- the date
It does not matter where on the page the certifier enters the certification text, as long as all details on the licence can still be read.
Example
Certified copies of theoretical examination results
You will need to provide a certified copy of your examination results in order to continue taking your exams with the UKCAA for UK licence issue.
Who can certify your examination results:
When you send us a copy of your examination results, they can be certified by one of the following authorised people:
- the examinations administrator for the approved training organisation you took your exams
- the Head of Training at your approved training organisation
- a valid UK-approved Ground Examiner
- a valid Chief Flying Instructor (CFI)
Certification format
The certifier should write the following on each copy:
- the declaration “I have seen the original document and I certify that this is a complete and accurate copy of the original for (applicant name)”
- their signature
- their name (in block capitals)
- their position or capacity (e.g. "Head of approved training organisation")
- their CAA reference number (where applicable)
- the date
Certified copies of ID
You will be asked to submit a certified copy of your ID with most of your licensing applications.
Who can certify your ID
ID can be certified by a professional body such as:
- a solicitor
- a doctor
- The Post Office
Alternatively, 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
Certification format
The certifier should write the following on each copy:
- the declaration “I have seen the original document and I certify that this is a complete and accurate copy of the original passportfor (applicant name)”
- their signature
- their name (in block capitals)
- their position or capacity (e.g. "Head of approved training organisation")
- their CAA reference number (where applicable)
- the date
It does not matter where on the page the certifier enters the certification text, as long as they don’t write over the photo or passport details.
Example
Certified copies of marriage certificates or deed polls
If you need to change the name on your licence, we may ask for a certified copy of your marriage certificate or deed poll certificate to be submitted with your change of details application.
Who can certify your marriage certificate or a deed poll
These documents can be certified by a professional body such as:
- a solicitor
- a doctor
- The Post Office
Alternatively, 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
Certification format
The certifier should write the following on each copy:
- the declaration “I have seen the original document and I certify that this is a complete and accurate copy of the original [marriage certificate] for [applicant name]”
- their signature
- their name (in block capitals)
- their position or capacity (e.g. "Head of approved training organisation")
- their CAA reference number (where applicable)
- their date
Certified copies of logbook pages
Please see our guidance on submitting logbooks for further information on how to send us certified copies of your paper logbooks.