Apostille is a process, that is to say, the verification of the authenticity of documents to be used internationally. It is needed when you want to submit your documents to a foreign country. The process includes asking for an apostille stamp from a government-authorised body proving that the document is authentic. In India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) manages the apostille process and in this article, you will learn how you can award an apostille to your Karnataka documents in Bangalore.
What is Apostille?
Apostille is a certificate added to a document that serves as a recognition of its genuineness for the countries abroad to use. The apostille stamp is the thing that makes sure that a document is issued by the authorized bodies, and it is easily recognized by the signatory countries under the Hague Convention of 1961. In addition, it dispenses with the need for further legalization by the foreign country’s embassy.
For example, in case you are required to show a birth certificate, educational certificate, or marriage certificate in a foreign country you have to apostille it. This procedure checks the validity of the document so that it is considered, recognized abroad.
If you are planning to present a Karnataka-issued document in a foreign nation, the first step to be taken is to have it attested by competent authorities in-charge so as to ascertain its credibility. Howbeit, in the absence of the apostille, the document may not be accepted by foreign authorities, and thus you can face some difficulties in your application or other legal processes. Some common documents that might require apostille include:
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Death Certificate
- Educational Certificates (degree, diploma, transcripts)
- Power of Attorney
- Company documents (registration, certificates)
- Police Clearance Certificates
Definitely, the documentation for your journey must pass through the apostille process to be approved in the states which are the members of The Hague Convention.
Steps to Get Apostille for Karnataka Documents in Bangalore
The apostille process of the Karnataka documents comprises a few processes. The following is a breakdown of the steps:
- 1. Verify the Document’s Authenticity
The first thing that has to be done in the apostille procedure is to make sure your document is genuine. Authorized personnel have to attest to the document before you even attempt the apostille process. This can be in different ways depending on the document’s type:
- Educational certificates and degrees from the University of Karnataka or other universities need to be attested by the Department of Education in Karnataka or the respective university.
- Personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates should be approved by the concerned state government authority, e.g. the local municipal corporation or the Sub-Registrar’s office. You ncan marriage certificate apostille from these office.
- Commercial documents (like company registration certificates) is necessary to get the Chamber of Commerce, or another body, to attest to it.
When the particular agencies take care of the formal issues, the document can go on to the next stage to get the apostille.
- 2. Submit the Document to the Regional Authentication Centre (RAC)
In the city of Bangalore, RAC is the body that is responsible for document authentication for the apostille. RAC is a state authority that scrutinizes the documents before the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) finally forwards them.
Here’s what you need to do:
Visit the Regional Authentication Centre office in Bangalore.
- Hand in your original document and the required attestation certificates. Subsequently, the officials will authenticate it by looking into the information presented on the document.
- You have to bear the charge in order to get an attested document, which might range from one to another based on the type of document and urgency of the processing.
- 3. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Apostille
The process of the document being attested by the state-level officials such as the Regional Authentication Centre and subsequently, it has to be apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs for it to be valid is the main thing to be followed. It can be carried out in the following manners:
- Offline Submission: The document can be submitted to the MEA office in person at its office in Bangalore or other designated centers. Payment of fees shall be the necessary thing, and thus the service will be rendered to you.
- Online Submission: You can easily get your documents apostilled as well. It is done through an online portal which is known to be the service that only MEA offers. There, you can upload the documents you need to, execute the so the paid fees, and view the progress of your application. You are also able to review the current status of the document and when it will be processed.
The Ministry of External Affairs will first conduct a check on the originality of the document and then append the apostille certificate once they find everything correct. This certification is a one-of-a-kind seal that affirms the document’s validity by recognizing it as a legitimate document, making it acceptable for use in foreign countries.
- 4. Collect the Apostilled Document
Once the apostille is done with, you can come for the document from the MEA that has it. Timely you would thus collect your apostilled document from office or have it delivered to your address once you receive an SMS notification from the MEA. If you have used an online application, the apostilled document may come by post to the address you have furnished.
Documents Required for Apostille in Bangalore
In order to smoothen your apostille process you will have to make sure that the following requirements are met:
- Original Document: The document that needs to go through the apostille process should be the original and in good condition.
- Valid Photo ID: A government-issued photo ID (such as an Aadhar card, a passport, or a voter ID) will be required for verification purposes.
- Proof of Attestation: For educational documents, the proof that it was checked by the relevant educational institution or university is needed.
- Application Form: The form you will most probably have to complete to hand in your documents is an application form.
- Payment: Make sure you get the correct amount of money required for the apostille procedure. The number depends on the documents type and the urgency of the certification.
- Processing Time for Apostille in Bangalore: There can be changes in the time it takes for apostille to be completed. Usually, it takes 7 to 15 working days for the apostille process to be done, but it might be more or less depending on the content of the document, productivity of the authority as well as expedited services you have chosen.
For emergencies, as an alternative, you may ask for priority service which is expensive but is necessitated by the situation.
Where to Get Apostille for Karnataka Documents in Bangalore?
In Bangalore, the minister for external affairs officials at the Ministry of External Affairs office take care of the apostille process. The centers in support of the apostille process are as follows:
- Ministry of External Affairs, Bangalore Regional Office
- Private Agencies: For those who would rather deal with this procedure on their own, there are some specialized private agencies in Bangalore like apostille services in Bangalore that are able to assist you with the apostille process. These agencies can help you complete the paperwork, pay the required fees but also dispatch documents for you.
Conclusion
The apostille process in Bangalore for Karnataka documents is a fairly simple yet real process, but it definitely pays off when handled correctly with the attention it requires. By means of proper attesting and taking all necessary steps, the apostille stamp can be procured and the documents can be made use of in many countries abroad. Besides, the apostille is what makes the documents valid in other countries, so it is important to follow the steps very carefully and get professional help.
Also Read Related Topic – Everything you need to know about Degree Attestation
