Certified True Copies
Notarial certification of copies when a legally recognized reproduction of an original document is required.
Document Certification Costa Rica
Document Certification Costa Rica for legally significant documents.
Bilingual legal and notarial assistance for certified copies, signature authentication, notarial certifications and legally significant documents for use in Costa Rica or abroad.
Costa Rican Attorney
Notary Public
English & Spanish
Legal Documents
Document Certification Costa Rica for legally significant documents.
Document Certification Costa Rica services may be required when a person, company, institution or authority needs a legally recognized copy, signature or notarial statement.
Document Certification Costa Rica support is available for international and Costa Rican clients who need certified true copies, authenticated signatures and other notarial document formalities.
The correct procedure depends on the document, the person or institution requesting it and whether the document will be used inside or outside Costa Rica.
Certification Services
Legal certainty for important documents.
The appropriate certification depends on what must be verified and how the document will be used.
Signature Authentication
Notarial authentication of signatures when a document requires verification of the person executing it.
Notarial Certifications
Certifications issued by a Costa Rican Notary Public regarding documents, signatures or legally relevant facts when appropriate.
Corporate Certifications
Certification of corporate documentation, representations, records or related legal information when required.
Documents for Use Abroad
Coordination of notarization, certification and related formalities for documents intended for international use.
Documents for Authorities
Legal and notarial document preparation for matters involving public institutions, private entities or other authorities.
Certification Process
Review the document. Apply the right formality.
Identify the Document
Determine what document is involved and what certification or authentication is being requested.
Check the Requirements
Review the document, identity, original or other information needed for the notarial act.
Complete the Certification
Perform the appropriate notarial certification, authentication or document formality.
Prepare for Intended Use
Coordinate any additional apostille, authentication or delivery requirements.
International Documents
Crossing borders? Certification may not be the final step.
Documents intended for use outside Costa Rica may require additional authentication depending on the destination country and the purpose of the document.
In some cases, notarization or certification must be followed by an apostille or another authentication procedure before the document will be accepted abroad.
The correct sequence should be determined before completing the document.
Explore Apostilles & Authentication →
Common Documents
Documents that may require certification or authentication.
Identification Documents
Certified copies of identification or other personal documents when appropriate.
Corporate Records
Corporate documentation requiring certification for legal or transactional purposes.
Real Estate Documents
Certifications associated with property, transaction or ownership documentation.
Signed Agreements
Documents requiring authentication of a signature or execution before a Notary Public.
Powers of Attorney
Documents requiring notarial execution, certification or authentication.
Foreign-Use Documents
Documents prepared for use outside Costa Rica that may require additional authentication.
ATTORNEY & NOTARY PUBLIC
Terry Steele
Notarial Document Counsel
The right certification depends on how the document will be used.
Document formalities should be matched to the legal purpose and destination of the document.
Costa Rica Notary is led by Terry Steele, a licensed Costa Rican attorney and Notary Public providing bilingual legal and notarial services for international clients.
His practice assists individuals, companies, property owners and international clients with certifications, authenticated documents and other notarial matters throughout Costa Rica.
About Terry Steele →
Frequently Asked Questions
Document certification questions.
What is a document certification in Costa Rica?
A document certification is a notarial act used to confirm certain information regarding a document, copy, signature or other legally relevant matter.
Can a Costa Rican Notary certify a copy of a document?
A Costa Rican Notary Public may certify copies when the applicable legal and notarial requirements for the certification are satisfied.
What is a certified true copy?
A certified true copy is a copy that has been formally certified in relation to the original document according to the applicable procedure.
Can a Notary authenticate a signature in Costa Rica?
Signature authentication may be performed when the applicable notarial requirements are satisfied.
Does a certified document need an apostille?
If the document will be used abroad, an apostille or another authentication procedure may be required depending on the destination country and purpose.
Can Costa Rican certified documents be used internationally?
They may be used internationally when the required certification and any additional authentication procedures for the destination jurisdiction have been completed.
Need a Document Certified?
Confirm the requirements before completing the document.
For Document Certification Costa Rica services, speak with a Costa Rican Attorney and Notary Public about certified copies, authenticated signatures and documents intended for use in Costa Rica or abroad.