An Apostille stamp is a government issued sticker applied to the original document thus legalizing it. It is valid in all the countries which are the signatories of the Hague convention of 1961. The Apostille stamp issued in New Delhi is a sticker about 10x10 cm which is colorful. It is a colorful sticker. It has printed material on it stating who issued it and why. The Apostille stamp is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
​
1. Where is it done?
​
Apostille Attestation is carried out in the Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) division of the MEA. It is located on TILAK MARG. You will find a big Blue sign on TILAK MARG inscribed with capital English Letters in white at the entrance of the CPV-MEA. The CPV is located close to India Gate. The complete address of the Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) division of the MEA is given as follows:-
Ministry of External Affairs, CPV Division (Attestation Cell), Patiala House Annexe, Tilak Marg,
New Delhi, Telefax: 2338-7931
2. What time and which days is the CPV open?
​
The documents are accepted from Monday to Friday (except holidays) and from 9.30 am to 12.00 pm in the morning. The documents are delivered the same day three to five in the afternoon.
3. What is the cost of apostille?
​
The cost of Apostille per document is Rs50. Payment should be is an “Indian Postal Money Order” for Rupees 50. It should be drawn only in the favor of “PAO MEA, New Delhi”. You can buy this money order from any post office in India. The Postal Order is also sold in the premises of the CPV-MEA, but it is available only after 10 AM in the morning.
4. What documents are required?
​
You need an attested and countersigned document. It can be any form of educational, personal and commercial document (for example – Birth certificate, marriage certificate, degree certificate). It has to be attested by the HRD/GAD/Home Department/ Chamber of the Commerce authorities, depending upon the document. You have to submit the original certificate, its Xerox copy, and the Rs. 50 money order.
5. Can Apostille Attestation be done online?
No. You have to come in person with a valid ID or you can authorize someone else to collect the apostilled certificates on your behalf. This other person must have a valid ID.
6. What are the advantages of apostille attestation?
​
Once your certificate gets apostilled, then it will become automatically valid in all the member countries of the Hague Convention of 1961. Suppose, you are applying for a work visa for Oman, then you don't require Oman Embassy attestation of your degree certificate, once it is apostilled by the MEA in New Delhi.
7. What is the average time taken for apostille?
​
Usually, it takes maximum two working days to get your document apostilled by the MEA.