California Filing Guides · Court Copies

What Is a Conformed Copy?

A file-stamped copy is evidence of a filing. Learn what the stamp shows, how an accepted electronic copy returns, and when certification is a different request.

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As of October 2026 · Official court sources below.

Not legal advice. This guide explains forms and procedures; it does not tell you what to put in your case or calculate your legal deadline.

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A copy bearing the court’s filing date

Stanislaus Superior Court’s glossary defines a conformed copy as a copy of a document filed with the court and stamped with its filing date by the clerk. Keep the returned copy with the court’s acceptance record so the exact document and filing date can be identified later.

A certified copy has an additional certification

The same court’s glossary describes a certified copy as an official copy noted to be a true, complete and authentic representation of the original. A conformed copy and a certified copy therefore serve different purposes. If a recipient asks for certification, request the court’s certified-copy process rather than assuming a filing stamp is enough.

Electronic stamps have legal effect

Rule 2.259(d) describes the endorsement on an electronically filed document and gives it the same effect as the clerk’s manual endorsement stamp. Rule 2.259(a) separately identifies the court’s filing confirmation as proof of the specified filing date and time. Save both the filed PDF and the confirmation.

Receipt is a stage before acceptance

A submitted document can still be under clerk review. San Bernardino Superior Court’s official FAQ distinguishes receipt from acceptance and explains that accepted filed documents return through the provider. If a returned copy is missing, check the actual filing status and notice before treating an upload as filed.

Identify the court and case number on the returned copy.
Check that the filed document is the intended version.
Keep any court notice that explains a rejection or a different filing outcome.

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Questions

Common questions

Is my upload receipt a conformed copy?

An upload or receipt confirmation and a court-endorsed filed document are different records. Check for the court’s acceptance and returned stamped copy.

Does a filed stamp mean the judge granted my request?

A filing stamp records filing. Read the court’s actual order to learn whether the requested relief was granted.

Where do I get a certified copy?

Use the filing court’s official copy-request procedure. Certification is a separate request from receiving a filed copy through an e-filing provider.

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Not legal advice. This page explains public filing information. It does not tell you what to put in your own case. Legal Hub Group is a certified e-filing service provider for California courts, not a law firm.

Information checked as of October 2026. Rules, form revisions and provider prices can change. The court decides whether to accept a filing.