Organising documents

Can the Original Go After Scanning?

A scan is handy, but it does not always replace the original. In court, a signed original carries more weight than a copy, and some documents only work as originals.

Last reviewed: October 9, 2026

Machine-translated from German using AI. Only the German version is authoritative.

General information, not legal advice. Only the law, official sources and your specific letter are binding.

In short

For many everyday receipts a good scan is enough. But you should keep the original of certificates (Urkunden), ID documents, notarial documents, wills, school and work references, the vehicle title (Fahrzeugbrief), and signed important contracts. A signed original proves more than a scan, which the court assesses freely.

Always the original

Certificates (Urkunden), will, notarial documents, vehicle title (Fahrzeugbrief).

Better the original

Signed contracts, references, guarantees (Bürgschaften).

Scan is usually enough

Invoices, bank statements, information letters.

Before throwing away

Check the scan and back it up.

Why the original counts more

A signed original document proves in court that the statement comes from the person who signed it. A scan, by contrast, is only an image. The court assesses it freely and may have doubts, for example about whether it was altered. For public documents, for example from a notary or the registry office (Standesamt), the original is even more important.

These originals you keep

Civil status certificates: birth, marriage, and death certificates
ID cards, passports, residence permits and naturalization certificates
Notarial documents, land register extracts, purchase contracts for real estate
Wills: only the original is valid, a copy is not enough
Vehicle registration certificate part II (Fahrzeugbrief)
School, training, and work references
Signed important contracts, guarantees (Bürgschaften), acknowledgments of debt
Pension papers, until your periods are settled

This can often go after a good scan

simple invoices and receipts once the warranty and limitation period have ended
bank statements, if you have them digitally
information letters, advertising, reminders without a decision

Frequently asked questions

Will an authority accept a scan?

Often yes, for example as proof in an online application. But it may want to see the original. That is why you should keep important originals.

What about invoices for taxes?

For taxes, a digital copy is usually enough for private individuals. You have to keep invoices for craftsman services at your apartment for two years, and a clearly readable digital version is generally sufficient for that.

What is the best way to store originals?

In a folder with clear sleeves, dry and ideally fireproof. For very important certificates (Urkunden), a bank safe deposit box can make sense.

Letters, deadlines and dates in one place

Scan your letters with bliqq and note right away where the original is kept. That way you always know what you have.

Let bliqq explain your letter

Sources

Read on

Digitizing Documents

Scan letters with your phone, save them so they are easy to read, and back them up safely: a simple guide for private papers without expensive devices.

Retention Periods for Private Documents

How long should you keep bank statements, invoices, tax notices (Steuerbescheide), and contracts privately? An overview of obligations and sensible periods.

Organizing Private Documents

A simple folder structure for private documents: what belongs together, how to name files, and which originals you should keep.

General information, not legal advice. Only the law, official sources and your specific letter are binding.