Official authentication of photocopies/ copies of documents

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Important note

In general, in order to take care of any matter with the city administration, you must first make an appointment. Please select a suitable time by using the electronic appointment service.  If you do not have access to the Internet, you can make an appointment by calling the telephone number listed below. 

The Servicecenter can authenticate official documents or copies that you must present to another German government authority. By officially authenticating the respective documents, the Servicecenter certifies that the copy is a true copy of the original. Among the types of copies that may be authenticated are:

• transcripts and transcriptions
• photocopies
• reproductions
• negatives

The Servicecenter certifies the authenticity of the copy with an authentication stamp. This stamp must include the following information:

• an exact description of the original document, the copy of which is being authenticated
• a confirmation that the copy is a true copy of the original document
• the place and date of authentication
• the official seal and signature of the person issuing the authentication
• if the original document was not issued by a government authority: The authenticated copy can only be submitted to the authority for which the authentication was requested

An official authentication (amtliche Beglaubigung, not to be confused with öffentliche Beglaubigung, or notarization) is not permissible in any and every case. In general, it is permissible if the original document was issued by a German government authority, or the transcription or copy is to be presented to a German government authority.

Types of documents, among others, that may not be officially authenticated:

• Documents for which in accordance with Section 129 of the German Civil Code notarization is specified (for example, by a notary).
• Civil status certificates – requests for these documents should be submitted to the responsible Registry Office.
• Driver’s licenses and national passports -- in these cases, in particular, it is essential to ensure that the copy cannot be used in place of the original document.
• Transcriptions and copies in which case the cohesiveness of a document consisting of a number of sheets of paper is not evident.
• Since the legitimacy of official authentication fundamentally depends on the (legal) character of the original document, it is necessary to have knowledge of its contents.  This categorically precludes the authentication of documents written in a foreign language.
• Copies of documents that contain crossed-out sections or additions that are not found in the original document.

In order to avoid a long waiting time, please make an appointment at your convenience through the electronic appointment service. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can make an appointment by calling on the telephone.

Documents required

Personal identity card or passport

Original document and the photocopy that is to be authenticated.

Fees

The fee varies in accordance with the procedure to be performed.

Payment via bank card (“EC”) is requested.

Further information

If the authentication is needed for an application for a social service, there is no fee if the agency requesting the authenticated document issues proof of the request; please see Section 64 of the Social Insurance Code X.