What is Document Authentication?
According to the 2024 Edition of International Migration Outlook, in 2023 migration flows are at a new record high. In such an increasingly globalizing world, the importance of document authentication is high.
In this article, we will explore in detail what is authentication, how to authenticate documents and what are the benefits of authentication of documents.
What is the Meaning of Document Authentication?
Document authentication is a process to verify the validity and authenticity of details contained in the documents. It is to make sure that the document provided is not altered and the document is signed by an authorized person.
When a document is authenticated a seal or certificate is added to it. This process of authentication by a higher authority such as the embassy, Ministry or Magistrate makes the document legal.
An authenticated document is used as a means to verify the identity, personal and professional credentials of the individual.
4 Simple steps to get MEA Apostille on your Documents
- Register on Apostille Portal
- Collect all Documents you want to Apostille
- Submit the Original / Photocopies of documents
- Receive Documents with Apostille Directly to your home
What are the Benefits of Authenticating a Document?
- Prevents the use of forged or illegal documents.
- Ensure that sensitive information of individuals and firms remain secure and confidential.
- In industries such as banking and healthcare authentication of documents helps reduce fraudulent activities.
- Helps protect the interests of companies, educational institutions and countries while engaging with diverse populations.
When is the Document Authentication Required?
Document authentication is usually required when a person travels from one country to another country for studies or job purposes.
How to Authenticate Documents?
Authentication of documents can be done in two different ways.
- Documents issued in countries that have signed Hague Apostille Convention.
See the Hague Apostille Countries .
In the case of Hague nations, an apostille issued by the designated authority of the country is sufficient to authenticate the document.
Since India is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, Apostille attestation by MEA is needed for Indians travelling to any other Hague nation.
Please fill the Apostille Application Form to get your authenticated document.
Learn more about Apostille Authentication.
- Documents issued in non-Hague Countries.
To authenticate documents in non Hague Countries, you need to follow the embassy or consulate legalization process.
Even though India is a Hague Nation, Indians traveling to non Hague nations need to authenticate documents through the embassy attestation process.
List of Documents that Require Authentication
- Birth Certificate Apostille
- Marriage certificate Apostille
- Death certificate Apostille
- Apostille Degree Certificate
- Divorce Decree Certificate
- Adoption Deed Apostille
- Driving License Apostille
- Passport Apostille
- Police Clearance Certificate Apostille
- Single Status Certificate Apostille
- Power of Attorney Apostille
- Medical Certificate Apostille
- Board Resolution Apostille
- Transcript Apostille
- Vaccination Certificate Apostille
How Do You Authenticate a Document in India?
In India, the Ministry of External Affairs is the sole authority to apostille a document. The MEA places an apostille stamp on the document, which makes them valid abroad.
In India, there are two pathways to receive an apostille for your document. They are:
- State authentication followed by the MEA apostille.
- SDM Authentication followed by the MEA apostille.
State Authentication of Documents
Some of the documents issued in India are issued by the state government or they come under the jurisdiction of the state government. In the state authentication method the state government verifies the document first. On behalf of the state government the secretary of the district, from where the document was issued, verifies the authenticity of the document.
The process involves many government departments at the state and central level. Hence, it takes around 30 days to finish the process and stamp the apostille on the document.
SDM Authentication of Documents
This process involves the authentication of documents by the Sub Divisional Magistrate.
Firstly, a public notary has to notarize the document.
Then the Sub Divisional Magistrate authenticates the originality and authenticity of the document.
Finally, the MEA will verify and stamp the document.
Since there are not many government departments involved in the process, the whole authentication process will be done within two to three working days.
How much does it Cost to Authenticate a Document in India?
The cost of authenticating your document with apostille stamping in India may vary according to the number of documents and the type of documents. A trustworthy apostille service provider can let you know more about the price details.
Please fill the Apostille Application Form to learn more.
Register for Online MEA Apostille
Provide applicant details
Frequently asked questions
Authentication of documents involves the process of verifying the authenticity and originality of the documents. It is usually required for a document to be used abroad. Apostille attestation is used in countries that were signed in the Hague Apostille Convention. Other countries use embassy attestation as a method of authentication.
Original document is preferred for authentication with apostille stamp. However, if the receiver of the authenticated document agrees with submitting the photocopy, you can authenticate the photocopy.
Electronic apostille or e-apostille is used as a method of authentication of digital records in India. However, you will not receive any hard copy for e-apostille.