State attestation · Delhi
SDM attestation in Delhi — done for you
Birth, marriage and other personal documents issued in Delhi usually need state-level attestation before the Ministry of External Affairs will accept them. We prepare the file, deal with the SDM office and move your document straight on to MEA, apostille or embassy attestation.
- Birth, marriage, death and other personal documents
- Notary first where needed — handled by us
- Moved straight to MEA / apostille afterwards
- 11+ years experience
- Walk-in or courier
- Charges told upfront
What is SDM attestation?
SDM attestation — the Delhi state step before MEA
The SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) is a gazetted executive magistrate who heads a sub-division of a district. For documents issued in Delhi, SDM attestation confirms — at state level — that the document and the signature on it are genuine.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) does not verify documents directly from scratch. It relies on the state authority's stamp. That's why, for a Delhi birth or marriage certificate going abroad, the usual order is:
- Notary (if required)
- SDM / Home Department
- MEA attestation or apostille
- Embassy (if required)
Educational certificates follow a different route — through the state education department (see HRD attestation). Commercial documents go through the Chamber of Commerce.
Documents usually attested by the SDM
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate
- Single status / unmarried affidavit
- Affidavits and declarations
- Medical and experience certificates (as required)
- Divorce decree (after court copy)
- Other personal documents issued in Delhi
Documents issued in another state are attested by that state's authority. Tell us where your document was issued and we route it correctly.
Why people need SDM attestation
Spouse or family visa
Marriage and birth certificates for dependent visas to the Gulf, Europe or elsewhere.
Child's school admission abroad
Birth certificate attestation for admission and residence permits.
Marriage abroad
Single status affidavit attested for marriage registration overseas.
Learn more →Apostille for Hague countries
State attestation is required before the MEA apostille sticker.
Learn more →Documents required
Keep these ready. We confirm the exact list for your case on WhatsApp.
- Original document (birth, marriage, etc.)
- Clear photocopy of the document
- Passport copy of the document holder
- ID proof (Aadhaar) of the applicant
- Authority letter for us to submit on your behalf
- Notarised copy, if the document type requires it
How long does SDM attestation take?
Usually 3–7 working days, depending on the office and the document. After that, MEA attestation or apostille takes a few more working days.
Read our detailed guide: SDM attestation in Delhi — complete process.
Step by step
How the process works
Share document details
Tell us the document, where it was issued and which country it is for.
We check & prepare
We check names and dates against your passport and prepare the file, including notary if needed.
SDM attestation
We submit at the right office and follow it up until it is stamped.
On to MEA / embassy
Your document moves straight to MEA attestation or apostille, then the embassy if required.
SDM attestation timeline
| Stage | Typical time | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| Notary (if needed) | Same day | Notary public |
| SDM / state attestation | 3–7 working days | SDM office, Delhi |
| MEA attestation or apostille | 2–5 working days | Ministry of External Affairs |
| Embassy (non-Hague countries) | 3–10 working days | Embassy of destination country |
Times are typical, not guaranteed. Holidays and verification queries can add days. We tell you the full cost before we start.
Why us
Why choose SK Document Centre for sdm attestation
Right stamp, first time
We check your form's exact requirement before anything is attested.
Clear time & charges
Full cost and timeline before work starts — no surprises.
Originals kept safe
Logged, stored securely and returned by hand or tracked courier.
Walk-in or courier
New Ashok Nagar office near Mayur Vihar and Noida, or courier from anywhere.
FAQs
SDM Attestation — frequently asked questions
What is SDM attestation?
Attestation of a document by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, a gazetted officer, confirming it at state level before MEA attestation or apostille.
Is SDM a gazetted officer?
Yes. The SDM is a gazetted executive magistrate. See the gazetted officer list.
Which documents need SDM attestation in Delhi?
Mostly personal documents issued in Delhi — birth, marriage and death certificates, affidavits and similar papers going abroad.
How long does SDM attestation take?
Usually 3–7 working days. MEA attestation or apostille follows.
Can I get SDM attestation for a document issued in another state?
No — each state attests its own documents. We can still arrange it through that state's authority.
Is SDM attestation the same as an SDM certificate?
No. SDM attestation is a stamp on an existing document; certificates like income or caste certificates are separate documents issued through e-District.
Need sdm attestation? Talk to us today
Visit our office in New Ashok Nagar, Delhi, or send your documents by courier from anywhere in India.