‘Self-attested’ means that you, the applicant and the owner of the document, are personally certifying that the photocopy of your document is a true and authentic copy of the original. You do this by signing the photocopy yourself. It is a declaration of the document’s authenticity made by the individual themselves.
The Purpose of Self-Attestation
The practice of self-attestation was widely promoted by the Indian government to simplify the application process for jobs, admissions, and various other services. Previously, applicants were required to get their documents ‘attested’ by a Gazetted Officer or a Notary Public, which was a time-consuming and cumbersome process.
The purpose of self-attestation is to:
- Simplify the Process: It empowers the individual to vouch for their own documents, eliminating the need to find and visit a designated officer for attestation.
- Reduce Bureaucracy: It streamlines the application process for government departments and educational institutions.
- Place Trust in the Citizen: The shift to self-attestation is based on a policy of placing trust in the applicant.
It is important to understand that while you are certifying the copy, you are still required to produce the original documents for verification at a later stage of the process.
How to Self-Attest a Document Correctly
The process of self-attesting a document is very simple. To do it correctly, you need to follow these steps:
- Take a Clear Photocopy: Get a high-quality, legible photocopy (Xerox) of your original document (e.g., your degree certificate or Aadhaar card).
- Sign the Photocopy: Use a pen with blue or black ink to sign your signature on the photocopy. The signature should be placed in a clear area of the document, usually at the bottom, where it does not obscure any important information.
- Write ‘Self-Attested’: It is a common and good practice to write the words “Self-Attested” or “True Copy” above or below your signature.
- Date the Document (Optional but Recommended): It is also advisable to write the date on which you are attesting the document.
Your final attestation should look something like this on the photocopy:
Self-Attested
[Your Signature]
[Date]
| Feature | Self-Attestation | Gazetted Officer / Notary Attestation |
|---|---|---|
| Who certifies the copy? | The document holder themselves. | A designated government officer (Gazetted Officer) or a Notary Public. |
| Process | Simply sign the photocopy. | The officer compares the photocopy with the original document and then signs and stamps the copy. |
| Convenience | Very simple and convenient. Can be done anywhere. | Inconvenient, as you need to find and visit the officer during their working hours with your original documents. |
| When is it used? | Now the standard for most government job applications, college admissions, and KYC procedures in India. | Still required for some highly sensitive legal and official documents, such as property registration or for documents to be used abroad. |
The Legal Implications of Self-Attestation
While self-attestation is based on trust, providing a false or fabricated document is a serious offense. If you self-attest a forged document or make a false declaration, you can be held liable for legal action, including criminal proceedings for forgery and perjury. It is a declaration that carries legal weight, just as signing a Vakalatnama empowers a lawyer. It is a part of the formal documentation process for many things, from securing a succession certificate to applying for a job.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does it mean to self-attest a copy?
To self-attest a copy means you, the owner of the document, sign on the photocopy to certify that it is a true and accurate copy of the original document. You are taking personal responsibility for its authenticity.
How do I write ‘self-attested’?
On the photocopy of your document, you should write the words “Self-Attested” and then sign your name below it. It is also a good practice to write the date of signing.
Why is self-attestation required?
Self-attestation is required to verify the authenticity of a document photocopy submitted during an application process. It has replaced the old system of requiring attestation from a Gazetted Officer, making the process much simpler and more convenient for citizens.
What is the difference between an attested and a self-attested document?
An ‘attested’ document is one that has been certified by a third party of authority (like a Notary or a Gazetted Officer) after they have verified it against the original. A ‘self-attested’ document is one that you certify yourself by signing on the photocopy.
Is a self-attested document legally valid?
Yes, for the purpose for which it is requested (like job applications or admissions), a self-attested document is considered valid. However, you will be required to produce the original documents for in-person verification at a later stage. Submitting a false self-attested document is a punishable offense.