How to get apostille

Prepare the Document for Apostille

• Eligibility: Only public documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational documents, death certificates, or legal documents are eligible for Apostille. Personal or private documents like agreements or affidavits may not be eligible.
• Document Verification: Before getting an Apostille, ensure the document is genuine and recognized by the authorities (e.g., educational documents verified by the educational institution, birth certificates issued by the local municipal corporation, etc.).

2. Verification of Document by State Authorities (if required)

• State Authentication: For certain documents (such as educational certificates or documents related to government services), you may need to get them attested by the State Government or concerned authority first. This is required for documents like educational certificates, marriage certificates, or employment documents.
• Procedure: Visit the respective state department or office for document verification. After approval, the document will be ready for Apostille.

3. Submission of Documents to the MEA

• Once your document is ready, you can proceed with submitting it to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for Apostille.

Methods to Submit Documents:

• In-person Submission:
  You can submit the documents directly at the Regional Passport Office (RPO) or at an Apostille Center authorized by the MEA in your city. The list of these centers can be found on the official MEA website.

• Online Submission:
  The Ministry of External Affairs now offers an online application process for document Apostille:

  • Visit the MEA’s official Apostille website: https://www.apostille.gov.in
  • Fill out the application form by uploading scanned copies of your document.
  • Select the appropriate document for Apostille and choose the required service (single or multiple documents).
  • Pay the service fees online.

4. Pay the Apostille Fees

• The fee for Apostille services depends on the type of document and the number of documents being processed. The payment can usually be made online or via a demand draft (if submitting in person).
• The fee is generally INR 50 per document, but it may vary for certain documents. Always check the updated fee structure on the MEA website or at the local submission center.

5. Document Processing

• Processing Time: After submitting your document, the processing time for Apostille can take between 2 to 7 working days, depending on the number of documents and the processing center’s workload.
• Verification: The MEA or the authorized center will verify the document and the authenticity of the attestation. Once verified, an Apostille stamp or certificate will be affixed to the document.

6. Collect Your Apostilled Document

• After the processing time, you can either pick up your document from the submission center or have it sent to you by post, depending on your submission method.
• The Apostille stamp will include:
  • The date of Apostille.
  • The country where the document will be used.
  • The signature and designation of the certifying officer.
  • Seal of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).