Marriage certificate attestation in India validates the authenticity of a marriage certificate issued in India for use in a foreign country. If you plan to migrate to a foreign country with your spouse, you must get your marriage certificate attested. This article will guide you through getting your marriage certificate attested in India.
Step 1: Obtain a Copy of Your Marriage Certificate
The first step in the attestation process is to obtain a copy of your marriage certificate. You can get a copy of your marriage certificate from the local registrar’s office where the marriage was registered. Ensure that the certificate is issued by the relevant authority and has the official seal and signature.
Step 2: Get Your Marriage Certificate Notarize
Once you have obtained a copy of your marriage certificate, the next step is to get it notarize. This involves getting the certificate certified by a notary public authorize to attest legal documents.
To get your marriage certificate notarize, you must visit a notary public office in your area. You must carry the original marriage certificate and a photocopy of your passport or any other government-issued ID.
The notary public will check the authenticity of the certificate and your identity before certifying it. Once the certificate is notarize, it will be stamp, signed, and dated by the notary public.
Step 3: Get Your Marriage Certificate Attested by the Home Department or SDM
The next step in the attestation process is to get your marriage certificate attested by the Home Department or the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in your state. This is necessary to ensure that the document is genuine and legally valid.
You must visit their state office to get your marriage certificate attested by the Home Department or SDM. You will need the notarized marriage certificate, a copy of your passport or any other government-issued ID, and a copy of your spouse’s passport or ID.
The Home Department or SDM will verify the authenticity of the certificate and your identity before attesting it. Once the certificate is attested, it will be stamped, signed, and dated by the Home Department or SDM.
Step 4: Get Your Marriage Certificate Attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
The next step in the attestation process is to get your marriage certificate attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India. This step is necessary to ensure that the document is genuine and legally valid.
To get your marriage certificate attested by the MEA, you can do it in person or through an authorized service provider. If you choose to do it in person, you will need to visit the MEA office in your city and submit the attested marriage certificate, along with a copy of your passport and your spouse’s passport.
You can approach an authorized attestation service provider if you prefer to use a service provider. They will require you to provide them with the attested marriage certificate, a copy of your passport and your spouse’s passport. They will then take care of the attestation process on your behalf and return the attested certificate to you.
Step 5: Get Your Marriage Certificate Attested by the Embassy or
Consulate of the Destination Country
The final step in the attestation process is to get your marriage certificate attested by the embassy or consulate of the destination country in India. This step is necessary to ensure that the document is legally valid and recognized in the destination country.
To get your marriage certificate attested by the embassy or consulate of the destination country, you must visit their office in India. You will need to carry the attested marriage certificate, a copy of your and your spouse’s passport, and any other documents required by the embassy or consulate.
The embassy or consulate will verify the authenticity of the certificate and your identity before attesting it. Once the certificate is attested, it will be stamped, sign, and dated by the embassy or consulate.
Step 6: Pay the Attestation Fees
At each stage of the marriage certificate attestation process, fees will be paid. The fees may vary depending on the document type, the service’s urgency, and the service provider. You will need to check with the relevant authorities or service providers for the fees.
The fees can be paid in person at the relevant authority or service provider’s office, or you can pay them online using a credit card.
Conclusion
Getting a marriage certificate attested in India is a mandatory requirement for various purposes, including immigration, education, and employment. The process involves several steps, including obtaining a copy of the marriage certificate, getting it notarize, getting it attested by the Home Department or SDM, getting it attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and getting it attested by the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
The process can be time-consuming and complicated, so it is recommended to use an authorize attestation service provider to simplify the process. By following these steps, you can ensure that your marriage certificate is legally valid and recognized in the destination country for your requirements.
