How To Attest A Document

Introduction

Document attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of a document to ensure that it is legitimate and valid. This is commonly required for legal, educational, or business purposes, especially when dealing with international transactions or certifications. Attestation involves having a certified authority or government body confirm the accuracy and validity of a document through a stamp, signature, or both. 

This guide walks you through the steps involved in attesting a document, from preparation to completion. 

Step 1: Identify the Type of Document  

The first step is determining the type of document that requires attestation. Some common documents that need attestation include: 

• Educational certificates: Degrees, diplomas, and transcripts 

• Legal documents: Power of attorney, wills, and affidavits 

• Business documents: Contracts, incorporation certificates, and trade licenses 

• Personal documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and ID copies

Different documents may have different attestation requirements based on their use and destination country.  

Step 2: Understand the Required Attestation Process  

The attestation process can vary depending on where you need the document to be recognized. In most cases, the process will involve three levels of attestation:

1. Notary Attestation: This is the first level, where a public notary verifies that the document is genuine. The notary will place a stamp and signature on the document. 
2. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Attestation: For international use, documents typically need to be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs or a similar government department in your country. This verifies that the document can be legally recognized abroad. 
3. Embassy Attestation: Finally, if the document is to be used in a foreign country, the relevant embassy or consulate of that country will need to attest the document. This step ensures that the document is recognized by foreign authorities.  

Step 3: Gather the Necessary Documents

For the attestation process, you will generally need the following: 

• The original document: Ensure that the document is in its original form and not a copy unless the authority specifically asks for a certified copy. 

• Copies of the document: Some authorities may require multiple copies of the document for their records. 

• Identification proof: Carry a valid form of identification, such as a passport or ID card. 

• Application form: Some authorities require you to fill out an application form before submitting documents for attestation.

Make sure to check with the attesting authority about any additional requirements, such as fees or special certifications.  

Step 4: Submit the Document for Attestation

Once you have all the necessary documents ready, you can submit them for attestation. Depending on the country and the type of document, this can usually be done at: 

• Notary offices 

• Government departments 

• Embassies or consulates 

• Legal or attestation agencies 

For international document use, some individuals prefer using attestation services or agencies, which can handle the entire process on your behalf. 

Step 5: Collect Your Attested Document

After submission, the document will go through the attestation process, and you will be notified when it is ready for collection. The time frame can vary from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of document and the number of authorities involved in the process. 

Conclusion

Document attestation is an essential process for verifying the authenticity of important documents, particularly for legal, business, or educational purposes. By following the outlined steps and ensuring you meet all the requirements, you can successfully complete the attestation process. If you’re unsure of any steps, Kingsbury & Partners and our Concierge division offers access to professional, quality attestation services can help streamline the process and ensure your documents are correctly verified for use locally or internationally. We can also offer our corporate discounts in many cases.