Certificate of authenticity template for art

A certificate of authenticity (COA) travels with an artwork for its whole life — from your studio to the first collector and every owner after. This guide lists the fields galleries expect, explains how to number and sign a COA, and links straight into our free Certificate of Authenticity Generator to produce a print-ready PDF.

Essential fields checklist

Use this checklist before you sign. Every field below is built into the generator.

1. 01
   ☐ Artist name

   Full professional name as it appears on your signature and CV.

2. 02
   ☐ Artwork title & year

   Title in italics, followed by the year of completion.

3. 03
   ☐ Medium

   Materials and support, e.g. oil on linen, archival pigment print on cotton rag.

4. 04
   ☐ Dimensions

   Height × width (× depth), in cm and/or inches; note framed vs unframed.

5. 05
   ☐ Edition details

   For prints and photographs: edition number, total edition size, artist proofs.

6. 06
   ☐ Unique certificate number

   Matches your inventory record and, ideally, a mark on the back of the work.

7. 07
   ☐ Image of the artwork

   A clear photo ties the certificate to this exact piece.

8. 08
   ☐ Statement of authenticity

   A short declaration that the work is original and created by the artist.

9. 09
   ☐ Signature & date of issue

   Hand-signed by the artist (or issuing gallery/estate) with the date.

10. 10
    ☐ Issuer contact details

    Studio or gallery name, website and email so future owners can verify.

Leave out: the sale price and buyer's private details. Those belong on the invoice or bill of sale, which stays with the transaction rather than the artwork.

Gallery conventions for numbering and signing

Downloadable sample: how to get yours

1. 1. Browse the sample PDFs to see a finished certificate layout.
2. 2. Open the COA generator and fill in the checklist fields above — add a photo of the work.
3. 3. Download the A4 PDF, print on heavy archival paper (200–300 gsm) and sign by hand.
4. 4. Keep a copy, file the certificate number, and hand the original to the buyer.

Free exports include a small watermark. Artist Pro removes it for client-ready certificates.

Frequently asked questions

What should a certificate of authenticity for art include?

Artist name, artwork title, year, medium, dimensions (height before width), edition number if applicable, a unique certificate number, date of issue, a statement of authenticity, the artist's signature, and ideally a photo of the work.

Who should sign a certificate of authenticity?

The artist signs whenever possible. If the artist is unavailable or deceased, the gallery, estate, or a recognised expert may issue and sign the certificate, stating their role clearly.

Is a certificate of authenticity legally binding?

A COA is a statement of provenance, not a contract. Its value depends on who issued it and the accuracy of the details. Keep a copy, match the certificate number to your records, and pair it with an invoice or bill of sale.

Should a COA include the price?

No. Gallery convention keeps price on the invoice or bill of sale, not on the certificate, because the COA travels with the work to future owners.

Can I make a certificate of authenticity for free?

Yes. The DigitalEyezz Certificate of Authenticity Generator creates a print-ready A4 PDF in your browser. Free exports carry a small watermark; Artist Pro removes it.

Should the certificate number appear on the artwork too?

Many artists write or stamp the same number on the back of the work. A matching number links the physical piece to its certificate.

Can I issue a certificate for a work I sold years ago?

Yes. Note the original creation year and the date the certificate was issued, and confirm the details against your records or photos.

What if a buyer loses the certificate?

You can issue a replacement marked "duplicate" with the original number and the new issue date, after confirming the owner has the work.