How Do I Get An Apostille In India?
Written by: Abhishek Chatterjee
Reviewed by: Vakila Khan
Documents are one of the most important things during immigration and foreign travel. Be it your passport, VISA, the purpose of visit document, or any other personal documents, all these documents are checked at the source as well as the destination. And thus it becomes necessary that all such documents are genuine and verified. MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) Apostille services include the attestation of public documents for use abroad that are parties to the Apostille Convention. MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) Apostille Services involve the authentication of public documents for use in foreign countries that are party to the Apostille Convention. The process includes verifying the authenticity of the document and attaching an apostille certificate to it.
India, being a member of the Hague Convention since 2005, follows this simplified process to legalise documents for use in 100+ countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European nations.
Why is an Apostille Important?
If you’re heading abroad, foreign institutions, employers, and authorities require proof that your documents are legitimate and genuine.
An Apostille ensures:
- The document is authenticated by the issuing authority or country of origin.
- Recognised as legally valid in Hague Convention member countries.
- Eliminates the need for embassy legalisation (which is time-consuming and expensive).
Without an Apostille, your documents may not be accepted, delaying visa applications, job placements, university admissions, or business transactions.
Types of Documents That Require an Apostille
Apostille services cover three main categories of documents:
1. Personal Documents
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Divorce Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Affidavits
- Police Clearance Certificates (PCC)
- Passport Copies
2. Educational Documents
- Degree Certificates
- Diploma Certificates
- School Leaving Certificates
- Mark Sheets & Transcripts
- Transfer Certificates (TC)
- Bonafide Certificates
3. Commercial & Business Documents
- Incorporation Certificates
- Power of Attorney
- Export and Import Licenses
- Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Articles of Association (AoA)
- Commercial Invoices
- Bills of Lading
How to Get an Apostille in India?
There are various ways in which the Apostille of documents can be applied. An applicant can apply for an Apostille via the online apostille service portal ‘e-Sanad’, visit the Regional Authentication Centres or seek help from agencies that provide Apostille services in India, like Worldwide Transcripts
E-Sanad – The Government of India’s E-Sanad portal(2) is an online platform that aims to provide attestation or Apostille services online. It will be gradually expanded in a phased manner. Currently, only documents issued by the DIA (Document Issuing Authority) which has a digital depository of documents are included in this project.
- Regional Attestation Centre (RAC)– Another way to get Apostille documents is by visiting the nearest Regional Attestation Centre (RAC). Since not all the documents can be verified from the online portal, the applicant has the option to visit RAC’s to get their Apostille documents. Applicant can process their Apostille India application by simply visiting these RAC’s. They need to submit the required documents and pay the fees, and a certified document or Apostille will be posted at their mentioned address.
Apostille Attestation Agencies (Recommended for Faster Processing)
The Government has authorised several agencies to provide Apostille services. If you want a hassle-free process, you can use an Apostille service provider like Worldwide Transcripts. They handle the entire process, ensuring. You simply need to submit the required documents to these agencies, and they will deposit the same to the Branch Secretariat/RPO’s.
Why choose an Apostille Agency?
- Saves time and effort
- Allows real-time tracking of application status
- Eliminates multiple visits to government offices
- Ensures correct documentation to avoid rejection
For those looking for hassle-free Apostille services, opting for professional document apostille attestation services like Worldwide Transcripts can be a game-changer. With real-time tracking, expert guidance, and a streamlined process, you can ensure your Apostille documents are processed efficiently and securely, without unnecessary delays.
Author
Who Issues an Apostille in India?
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the central body responsible for issuing Apostilles in India. However, the process involves multiple steps:
- State Authentication – The document is first attested by the relevant State Home Department (for personal documents) or HRD Department (for educational documents).
- MEA Verification – Once the state-level attestation is complete, the document is forwarded to MEA for Apostille stamping.
- Final Delivery – The document is returned with the Apostille sticker, certifying its authenticity for international use.
Processing Time & Fees
The Apostille process typically takes 5-7 business days, depending on the document type and state of issuance. Government fees may vary, and additional service charges apply when using an Apostille agency.
Sample of an Apostille Document
An Apostille is a sticker or stamp affixed to the document, containing details like:
- Name of the issuing country
- Name of the document
- Name of the signatory
- Date of issuance
- Unique reference number
- Official seal & signature
Once affixed, this document is legally valid in all Hague(1) Convention countries.
Apostille vs. Attestation: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse an Apostille with Document Attestation, but they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Apostille | Attestation |
| Applicable for | Hague Convention
countries |
Non-Hague Convention
countries |
| Processed by | MEA | Embassy/Consulate |
| Further authentication needed? | No | Yes |
| Acceptance | Valid in all member countries | Only valid in the country where attested |
For example, if you’re migrating to Canada or the U.S., an Apostille is enough. But for non-Hague countries like UAE, Kuwait, or Saudi Arabia, attestation from the Embassy/Consulate is required.
Why Choose Worldwide Transcripts?
Let ‘Worldwide Transcripts’ Simplify Your Document Apostille Journey
Conclusion
Getting an Apostille in India is now easier than ever, thanks to digital platforms and professional service providers. Whether you’re studying, working, or expanding your business abroad, Apostille verification ensures your documents are legally accepted worldwide.
Instead of navigating the complex process yourself, let Worldwide Transcripts handle it for you. With expert guidance, quick turnaround, and 100% accuracy, we ensure your documents are ready for international use without any stress. Unlike earlier times, when the MEA Apostille(3) or MEA Attestation of documents was complicated, time-consuming, the MEA Apostille procedure or MEA Certificate Attestation in India has become much easier now. There are MEA-approved apostille and Attestation service providers who are third-party service providers that can deliver your Apostille or attestation of documents on time and with minimal effort.
Don’t let document authentication slow down your dreams! Get in touch with us today and make your global journey with ease.
