How to get Passport Apostille in India

 

Getting a passport apostille in India involves a specific process, as an apostille is a certification for documents to be used internationally in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Understand the Apostille Requirements

The apostille is required for documents intended to be used in countries that are part of the Hague Convention. If your passport or other documents need to be apostilled, ensure that the destination country is a signatory to the Hague Convention.

Step 2: Get a True Copy of the Passport

You typically cannot apostille the passport itself but rather a notarized true copy of the passport. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Make a photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport (usually the identification and signature pages).
  2. Get the photocopy notarized by a notary public. The notary will verify that the copy is a true representation of the original document.

Step 3: Attestation by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or Notary

In India, before a document can be apostilled, it needs to be attested by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or a notary. Here’s the process:

  1. Submit the notarized copy of your passport to the SDM or notary for attestation.
  2. Obtain the attested document, which will now be ready for the apostille.

Step 4: Attestation by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

The MEA is the authority in India responsible for apostilling documents. You can either visit the MEA directly or use a registered agency to assist with the process. Here’s what you need to do:

Prepare the necessary documents:

  • The notarized and SDM-attested copy of the passport.
  • A photocopy of your passport for submission.
  • A filled application form (if required).

Visit the MEA or a registered outsourcing agency:

  • Submit the documents either directly at the MEA office or through a registered outsourcing agency.
  • Pay the required fee (the fee may vary, so check the latest fee structure on the MEA website or with the agency).

Receive the apostilled document. The processing time can vary, but it generally takes a few days to a week.

Using Registered Outsourcing Agencies

The MEA in India has authorized certain agencies to handle the apostille process. These agencies can simplify the process and reduce the hassle:

  1. Contact a registered agency and provide them with the required documents.
  2. Submit the documents and the fee to the agency.
  3. The agency will handle the attestation by SDM/Notary and the MEA apostille.
  4. Receive your apostilled document from the agency.

Important Tips

  • Check the validity and requirements: Different countries have different requirements, so ensure you check the specific requirements for the country where you will use the apostilled document.
  • Keep copies of all documents: Always keep photocopies of the notarized and apostilled documents for your records.

Contact Information

  • Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Office: Check the MEA website for the current addresses and contact details of the MEA offices handling apostille services.
  • Authorized Outsourcing Agencies: The MEA website also lists authorized agencies that can assist with the apostille process.

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