Short answer: use a notary for general affidavits, agreements and true copies; the SDM for state-level attestation of personal documents in Delhi; and a first class (executive) magistrate when an office specifically asks for a magistrate-attested affidavit. The SDM is both a gazetted officer and an executive magistrate.
Three authorities, three different stamps. People often get sent back because they went to the right kind of person for the wrong kind of task. Here’s who each one is and how to tell which your form is asking for.
Notary, SDM and first class magistrate compared
Is SDM a gazetted officer? Is SDM a first class magistrate?
Yes, the SDM is a gazetted officer. The SDM is also an executive magistrate for the sub-division. Offices asking for a “1st class magistrate” affidavit usually accept an executive magistrate such as the SDM — but confirm if your form says Judicial Magistrate.
Documents going abroad?
We handle MEA apostille for 120+ Hague countries (Saudi Arabia, China, Europe, USA) and embassy attestation for the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and more — state, MEA and embassy stages done for you, with pan-India courier pickup.
Character certificates: notary, SDM or magistrate?
A notary does not issue character certificates — they can only notarise a self-declaration. Character certificates come from your school or college, the police, a gazetted officer, or in some states the local administration. See how to get a character certificate.
How to tell which one your form needs
- “Notarised” or “before a notary” → notary
- Delhi birth or marriage certificate going abroad → SDM attestation
- “Sworn before a magistrate” or “1st class magistrate” → magistrate affidavit
- “Attested by a gazetted officer” → gazetted officer
Not sure which attestation your form needs? Send a photo of it on WhatsApp or call +91 93109 70010 — we tell you the exact process before you spend any money.
Frequently asked questions
Is SDM a gazetted officer?
Yes, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate is a gazetted officer.
Is SDM a first class magistrate?
The SDM is an executive magistrate; many offices accept SDM attestation where a ‘1st class magistrate’ affidavit is asked for, but confirm with the office.
Can a notary issue a character certificate?
No. A notary can only notarise a self-declaration, not certify your character.
Which is better for affidavits — notary or magistrate?
Use whichever your office specifies. A notarised affidavit is fine for most uses; some offices insist on a magistrate.
SK Document Centre has helped people in Delhi NCR with attestation, affidavits, apostille and embassy legalisation for over a decade. Questions about your documents? WhatsApp us.
