Can I reuse a Post Office certified document

badmemory

Just a matter for a moments thought.  If you couldn't reuse it why would they bother returning it, when they will have to copy it for their own records.

masonic

Typically firms return original documents, but do not return copies, whether certified or not. Unless the OP has been told it will be returned, it's probably best to assume that it won't. The exception is copies of a probate document, which are usually returned as they are often reused.

IanManc

masonic said:

Typically firms return original documents, but do not return copies, whether certified or not. Unless the OP has been told it will be returned, it's probably best to assume that it won't. The exception is copies of a probate document, which are usually returned as they are often reused.

When you get Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration then the "sealed copies" you get from the Probate Registry are actually all originals, that's why they get returned.

It doesn't help that the .gov website just refers to them as "copies" rather than the "sealed copies" that they actually are, which gives some people the mistaken impression that they can run them off on a photocopier and save a few quid.

[Deleted User]

The Post Office staff are simply certifying that they've seen the original document. 
Assuming it's something that is still current (like a Passport or Driving Licence) - there isn't really an issue.