Birth Certificate Attestation: Process, Documents & Time

Birth Certificate Attestation Process – SK Document Centre

Short answer: Birth certificate attestation means getting your birth certificate attested by the state (SDM in Delhi, Home Department in many states) and then by the MEA (apostille or attestation), and by the embassy for non-Hague countries. The certificate must be issued by the registrar and must include the child’s name.

An attested birth certificate is needed for a child’s visa, school admission abroad, residency and citizenship. Here is how attestation of birth certificate works.

Is your certificate ready for attestation?

Issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths (municipal body or panchayat)
Includes the child’s name (a certificate without a name needs name inclusion first)
Names and spellings match the passport
Not laminated

The process

State attestation: SDM (Delhi) or Home Department
MEA apostille (Hague countries) or MEA attestation
Embassy attestation (non-Hague countries)
Translation, if required

Time

Route	Typical time
State + MEA apostille	1–2 weeks
State + MEA + embassy	2–3 weeks

Common problems

Old handwritten certificates that the state asks to be reissued
Missing name
Spelling differences with the passport
Certificates issued by a hospital rather than the registrar

See birth certificate attestation.

Need your child’s birth certificate attested? Send a photo of the document or the instruction you received on WhatsApp or call +91 93109 70010. We tell you the exact process, time and charges before you spend anything.

Frequently asked questions

How do I attest a birth certificate?

State attestation (SDM or Home Department), then the MEA apostille or attestation, then the embassy if needed.

Can a hospital birth certificate be attested?

No. It must be the registrar’s certificate.

How long does it take?

Usually 1–3 weeks.

What if the name is missing?

Apply for name inclusion with the registrar first.