Certifying authenticity, globally recognized.
Apostille is a type of certification that is used to authenticate the origin and validity of a public document for use in another country. It is a simplified form of authentication that is recognized by all members of the Hague Convention, which is an international treaty that governs the recognition of public documents across borders.
Apostille certification verifies that the signature, seal, or stamp on a public document is genuine and confirms the identity and capacity of the person who signed, sealed, or stamped the document. This type of certification is commonly used for documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and other legal documents that are required for international use. The purpose of Apostille is to eliminate the need for further certification or legalization of a document in the country where it will be used, thus simplifying and speeding up the process of cross-border transactions.
Who Can apply for Apostille?
In India, anyone who holds a public document issued by a government authority can apply for an Apostille. This includes individuals, companies, and organizations that require their documents to be recognized in another country that is a member of the Hague Convention.
Documents Required for Apostille
The following documents are required for Apostille in India:
Original document that needs to be Apostilled.
Photocopy of the document that needs to be Apostilled.
A filled and signed application form for Apostille. This form is available on the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or can be obtained from the designated offices.
A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, Aadhaar card, or driving license.
Payment of the applicable Apostille fees, which may vary depending on the type and number of documents.
Additional documents may be required in certain cases, such as:
Educational documents: Transcript of records and/or degree certificate.
Commercial documents: Invoice, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, etc.
Personal documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance certificate, etc.
In some cases, a notarized copy of the original document or a translation of the document into the language of the country where the Apostille is needed may also be required. It is recommended to check with the relevant Apostille authority or service provider for their specific requirements before submitting the documents for Apostille.
Benefits of Apostille
The benefits of Apostille include:
Simplifies the process: Apostille eliminates the need for further certification or legalization of documents in the country where they are to be used, thus simplifying and speeding up the process of cross-border transactions.
Internationally recognized: Apostille is recognized by all members of the Hague Convention, which means that Apostilled documents are internationally recognized and accepted.
Saves time and cost: Apostille saves time and cost by reducing the need for multiple certifications and legalizations of documents, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Authenticates the document: Apostille certification verifies the authenticity and validity of the public document, including the signature, seal, or stamp on the document and the identity and capacity of the person who signed, sealed, or stamped the document.
Ensures compliance with legal requirements: Apostille ensures that the document complies with the legal requirements of the country where it was issued and can be used in other countries for legal or administrative purposes.
Provides assurance: Apostille provides assurance to the recipient that the public document is genuine and can be trusted, which is particularly important for documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and other legal documents that are required for international use.
Faq