When a copy of a document is requested by a government agency or other entity, it is often specified as Certified, Notarized or Original. Sometimes it is specified as Self-Attested.
Self-Attestation allows the owner of the document to certify that the photocopy of their original document is a true copy by signing it. Self-attestation does not require an affidavit from a notary.
Per the Consulate General of India, San Francisco:
“Self attestation means- signing the photocopy of the required documents stating as “true copy of the original”. In case of minors, documents should be attested by either of the parent.”
The steps of Self-Attestation:
- Make a photocopy of the original document requested
- Write the statement “True copy of the original” on the front side, lower right or left corner of the photocopy.
- Sign below the statement
- If multiple pages are attached, repeat the same procedure for each.
- Submit the self-attested photocopies with the application
- Retain the originals
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where to attest on left side or right side.
Either side is fine, but most attest on the right side lower corner.
Coloured photocopy is required or black and white photocopy will do ?
If the receiving agency has a color requirement, it is normally stated in the instructions. If there is no specification, then either will be acceptable.
What colour pen has to used for self attestation
There is no reference to ink color in any self-attestation guidance. I would recommend that the color be either black or blue so it is photographically reproducible.
Where we get self attested form?
There is no self attested form. To self attest a document is the process of the document owner attesting it is a true copy of their original document, and doing so by writing words to that effect on the photocopy.
Can we place a white paper below the pan card and take a photo of the pan card by phone and the put our signature on the white paper below? Does that work? I stay at a remote village of Sikkim where shops that do photo copy are not available in the immediate vicinity and hence asking.
The self attested signature should not be part of the photocopy. It is placed on the page after the copy has been made. If you do not have access to a printer, you should call the agency where the document will go for guidance on how to proceed.
Self attest first page or every page?
The agency or party that requests the document should advise you which pages require attestation.
can i only sign the doucment not writing any statement would it be applicable.
Per the Consulate General of India, San Francisco:
Self attest action means – signing the photocopy of the required documents stating as “true copy of the original”.
If you wish to sign the copies, but not write the self-attesting statement, please consult the agency that will receive the documents to verify their acceptance.
Can I sign on the top of document copy for self attested because there is no space in lower side of my document
Per the Consulate General of India, San Francisco:
“Self attestation means- signing the photocopy of the required documents stating as true copy of the original.” The guidance does not regulate where on the page it should be written. If the document does not have room at the foot, write it at the top edge of the page.
if one has to self-attest a soft/digital copy and not hard copy, how should one do it?
All the guidance I have read is for hard copies. If the receiving agency approves it, a solution might be to self-attest the hard copy and then scan it for submission as a soft/digital copy afterwards.
DO i need to mention the date on which self attestation has been done under the signature?
No date is required. The statement “True Copy” or “True Copy Self Attested” followed by the signature is all that is needed.
In case of delay to submit these attested copies, will it in any way affect either of the parties?!! I live in a remote place where I find myself taking long to get my documents where they should be at the right time.
Only the intended recipients of your documents can say if a delay will affect the outcome. Consult them for guidance.
Since signature is not possible on the self attest passport copy of the minor, do we also have to put thumbprint along with it?
Self-Attestation is the process of certifying the photocopy is a true copy of the original document. A baby cannot do that with a thumbprint. If the child is too young to sign their name, the parent should self-attest the document on behalf of their child and note their relationship to the child next to their signature.
Hello I have questions self attest passport copy have sign by myself and also notarize by notarize person? Or only self attest is good?
The agency that will receive your document will advise you if the document is to be self attested or notarized. A self attested document does not require notarization. Self attestation was established to remove the burden of needing a document to be notarized.
Do we need to share any original documents.
The instructions on their site is not very user friendly.
If the document is requested as self-attested, it does not require the original to be submitted in addition. However, the original document should be retained in the event that you are required to present the self-attested document in a face-to-face meeting. In that situation, the original document should be available for verification by the receiving agent.
Thank you for this information it is helpful.
Who is Self attested signature authority officer?
Self attestation has no authority officer. When one self-attests a document, the signer is verifying their own document and is the only authority necessary.