A certified copy is an exact replicate of the originally filed document. This copy is certified by the Secretary of State as being a true copy of the original legal document, whether it be a Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Amendment, or Certificate of Dissolution. A plain copy will not have the state seal or the signature of the Secretary of State. Certified copies are necessary to open bank accounts, to replace lost or damaged corporate documents and prove authenticity.
These documents are obtained online and the fees and processing time vary between states.