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Is it acceptable (to banks, service providers, etc) if I submit copies of documents* with the word "Copy" rubberstamped on it? I'm thinking of getting a stamp with the word COPY and a blank where I can write recipient, date and purpose.

*Most recently I was asked for a copy of my Social Security card by a bank, but this might apply to other things: identity documents (Driver's license, Passport, State ID in the US)

I'm interested in the answer for the US and India, but I'm also happy to know the situation for other countries.

Edit: The stamp is a low/minimal effort way to reduce the likelihood that a given copy can be re-used by someone else, should they manage to get it: it will take some photoshop to remove the stamp/ text.

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kabZX
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1 Answers1

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For many of the identity documents you mention, original documents need to be present to verify their authenticity. It is the legal responsibility of those banks to verify that you are who you say you are. Whether or not they will accept your copies will reflect their own policies and standards for verifying identity.

The law does require that employers see original documents when filling out the I-9 form, for example, but there's no legal reason why they would have to make their own copy of those documents to keep on file. They could certainly use your copy if they want to allow that.

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