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The short answer
For most uses abroad, a certified copy of your Nigerian passport is made by a professional who sees the original and writes on the copy that it is a true copy, then signs, dates and adds their name, occupation and contact details; GOV.UK lists people such as a solicitor or notary, bank official, teacher, dentist or accountant who is not related to you. When the receiving body asks for the Nigerian government to confirm the passport itself, go to your Nigerian mission: the Embassy in Washington DC authenticates passports for $50 and the High Commission in Ottawa issues a letter of certification of passport for C$70.
Banks, landlords, universities, employers and tax offices abroad often ask for a "certified copy" of your passport when they cannot see you in person. The phrase covers two quite different things, and getting the wrong one is the usual reason a document comes back.
Two kinds of certification
| Certified true copy | Mission authentication or certification | |
|---|---|---|
| What it proves | The copy matches the original the certifier saw | The Nigerian government confirms the passport is genuine and issued to you |
| Who does it | A professional where you live | The Nigerian embassy, high commission or consulate |
| Typical use | Bank account opening, rental, employment checks, university enrolment | Some immigration, legal or official uses; requests that say "certified by the issuing authority" |
| Cost | Often free or a small fee | Set by the mission |
Read the receiving body's instructions closely. "Certified by a professional", "certified by a solicitor" and "certified by the issuing authority or embassy" are three different requests.
Who can certify a copy where you live
There is no single international rule; each country and each organisation sets its own list. GOV.UK's guidance for the UK is a useful model because many institutions elsewhere follow something similar. It says the copy must be certified by "a professional person or someone well-respected in your community", for example:
- a bank or building society official
- a councillor
- a minister of religion
- a dentist
- a chartered accountant
- a solicitor or notary
- a teacher or lecturer
The certifier should not be related to you, living at the same address, or in a relationship with you. GOV.UK adds that the organisation asking may have its own rules on who can certify, and that passport applications and photos have separate rules.
What the certifier writes
GOV.UK describes the process: you take the original and the photocopy to the certifier, who writes "Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me" on the copy, signs and dates it, prints their name, and adds their occupation, address and telephone number. They may charge a fee. Certify the data page; if the organisation asks for visa or residence stamps too, have each page certified.
Other countries
In the United States, certification of identity documents is often done by a notary public, and some federal processes have their own route: the IRS says Certifying Acceptance Agents can verify passports for ITIN applications so the original need not be posted. In Canada, Ireland, Australia and elsewhere, lawyers, notaries and commissioners for oaths commonly certify copies. Check the receiving body's own list; see notarising documents abroad for use in Nigeria for how notaries work.
When the Nigerian mission should do it
Some requests want the issuing state's confirmation. Two missions publish the service and fee:
- Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC: passport authentication for a $50 money order payable to the Embassy, with a request letter, two copies of the data page and the original (sighted and returned), and a prepaid return envelope. The page gives about 7 working days, with drop-off and collection Monday to Thursday, 11:00 to 12:30.
- Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa: a letter of certification of passport for C$70, listed among its passport administrative fees.
Other missions may offer a similar letter under a different name. Ask the consular section, and pay only through the channel the mission names; see paying consular fees at a Nigerian mission and what mission notarial services cover.
Common reasons a certified copy is rejected
- The certifier is a relative, a housemate or a partner.
- The certifier's occupation, address or phone number is missing, so it cannot be checked.
- The passport has expired, and the organisation wanted a valid one; see an expired Nigerian passport and bank checks abroad.
- The certification is older than the organisation accepts (many ask for a recent date).
- The organisation wanted mission authentication, not a professional's certificate.
Steps
- Read exactly what kind of certification the organisation asks for.
- Make a clear colour copy of the data page and any pages requested.
- Take the original and copy to an eligible certifier, or to the mission if it is mission certification.
- Check that the wording, signature, date, name, occupation and contact details are all there.
- Keep a scan of the certified copy before you send it.
Where Pryme fits
Pryme Personal accounts can be opened from any country with your passport; see how it works. If a mission fee or courier needs paying from a multicurrency account, the app shows the rate and the fee before you approve.
Questions people ask
Can a notary certify my Nigerian passport abroad?
Yes, in most countries a notary public can certify that a copy is a true copy of the original. Check the receiving organisation accepts a notary.
Can a friend certify my passport copy?
Only if they are in an accepted profession and the organisation allows it. GOV.UK says the certifier should not be related to you, living with you or in a relationship with you.
How much does the Nigerian embassy charge to authenticate a passport?
Washington DC lists $50 by money order and Ottawa lists C$70 for a letter of certification, on pages checked in October 2026. Other missions set their own fees.
Does a certified copy expire?
The copy does not expire, but many organisations only accept certifications made within a recent period. Ask how recent it must be.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Certifying a document · accessed Oct 2026
- Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC: Passport authentication · accessed Oct 2026
- Nigeria High Commission Ottawa: Passport services · accessed Oct 2026
- IRS: Instructions for Form W-7 · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.