Apostille
There are 3 types of apostille from the Ministry Of External Affairs (MEA) Delhi
- Apostille without H.R.D (MEA not responsible for the content)
- Apostille with H.R.D (worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to or based on fact)
- Digital Apostille with barcode (also called electronic apostille/E-Apostille, contains important information’s)
APOSTILLE
An apostille is a form of authentication or certification used for international documents. It is a specific type of certification that verifies the authenticity of a document issued in one country and makes it legally valid and recognizable in another country that is a signatory to the Apostille Convention. The purpose of the Apostille is to simplify the process of document authentication for countries that are party to the convention, thereby eliminating the need for further certifications or consular legalization.
The Apostille Convention, also known as the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, was established in 1961 and currently has over 120 member countries. These countries have agreed to recognize the apostille as a sufficient form of authentication for public documents issued by other member countries.
The process of obtaining an apostille typically involves the following steps:
- Determine the competent authority: Each country designates a competent authority responsible for issuing apostilles. In most cases, it is the government department or agency that is responsible for issuing or overseeing the particular type of document being authenticated.
- Prepare the document: Ensure that the document is an eligible public document according to the laws of the issuing country. Examples of documents that commonly receive apostilles include birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational diplomas, powers of attorney, and notarized documents.
- Submit the document for apostille: Take the document to the competent authority in the issuing country. They will verify the authenticity of the document and attach an apostille, which is typically a separate certificate affixed to the original document or a separate page attached to it.
- Verify the apostille: The apostille will contain specific information, including the country where it was issued, the name of the issuing authority, the date of issue, and a unique identification number. This information can be verified by the receiving country to ensure the authenticity of the apostille.
Once the apostille is attached to the document, it certifies the document’s authenticity and validity, making it legally acceptable in any country that is part of the Apostille Convention. The purpose of the apostille is to streamline the process of document authentication and eliminate the need for additional certifications or consular legalization when presenting documents abroad.
It’s important to note that the process and requirements for obtaining an apostille may vary slightly between countries. It is recommended to consult the competent authority in the issuing country or seek legal advice to ensure compliance with the specific requirements and procedures in your jurisdiction. certifications or consular legalization when presenting documents abroad.