Is Apostille Done on Original Documents Only?

Thousands of documents are processed for apostille in a day and for the most part we receive queries like “ Is Apostille done on original copy only or can you process it on the photocopy?” The answer is ‘it depends on the nature of the documents’.

This article will walk you through the basics of Apostille for Hague convention and answers to queries like— What is Apostille? What original and photocopy documents are needed? How to get an Apostille in Delhi?

What is Apostille?

Apostille   is a document verification process needed before seeking employment opportunities in another country. It is also necessary before establishing a business in a foreign country. It is a computer-generated document with a unique identifying number attached to the back. It keeps a record online and makes it easier for the concerned authorities to verify the integrity. This type of attestation is valid in countries that have signed Hague Convention. There are more than 116 countries that recognise an apostille document. 

When Is Apostille Attestation Required? 

You may need apostolate attestation in a foreign country due to the following cases: 

• For permanent or temporary residency 

• For employment visa 

• For work visa 

• For education purposes 

• For imports or exports of business products 

Original Documents to be Apostilled

Most of the documents for Apostille must be original copies.  Some of them are:

• Birth Certificate

• Marriage Certificate

• Criminal record

• Medical records

• Passport 

These documents can only be legalized using the original documents issued by the official authority. 

Documents that can be Apostilled as Original and Photocopies both

Although the majority of the documents are apostilled as originals.  However, some organizations, especially in the UAE , now demand documents in copies. Then there are some documents that are apostilled as copies.

Here’s the list:

• Academic certificates & degrees (in some cases)

• Driving license

• Immigration documents

• Residency Papers

These documents are generally accepted in copies for the Apostille process by the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs)

Apostille Attestation In Delhi 

In India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the authority that issues apostille attestation. The sticker in the documents after apostille attestation includes the name of the person, name of the paper, officer name (who gave the sticker), date of issuance and stamp. This sticker is valid for six months in India. 

Procedure in Delhi 

Apostille attestation starts from the regional office, followed by the state government to MEA. Therefore the process of apostille attestation is decentralised by the government. One can approach the RPOs and the Branch Secretariats in Delhi to start with the procedure. The documents, after verification by a local notary, go for State authentication. It is then followed by MEA verification. 

How to get Apostille Attestation Services in Delhi? 

Genuine attestation provides you hand held assistance during the procedure of apostille attestation. Their agents will collect your documents and get them attested in Delhi without much hassle.