Self Attested vs True Copy vs Notary Attested: A Simple Guide

A self attested copy is a photocopy of your own document on which you sign, write “self-attested” and add the date, confirming that it is a true copy of your original. Most government forms now accept self-attested copies, as long as you show the originals when asked. Some places, such as courts, banks, certain universities and foreign authorities, still want a true copy attested by a notary or a gazetted officer.

Below: each type of document attestation, how to self attest documents properly, when a notarised copy is still needed, and how to prevent misuse.

What does “self attested” mean?

“Attest” simply means to confirm. When you self attest a photocopy, you are confirming, in your own signature, that the copy matches the original document you hold. You take responsibility for it. Nobody else checks it at that moment.

Earlier, almost every form asked for copies “attested by a gazetted officer”. That changed after the Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommended self-certification.

The government move to self-attestation

On 10 May 2013, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) issued an office memorandum asking central ministries and departments to review their forms and, wherever possible, allow self-certified copies instead of gazetted officer attestation or affidavits. In July 2014 the central government wrote to all State Chief Secretaries asking them to do the same. Many state departments, universities and recruitment bodies followed in 2014–15.

Two points from that policy matter in daily life:

• Self-attestation replaces attestation where the department has allowed it. It is not automatic for every office or every purpose.
• You must still produce the original documents at the final stage, for example at document verification, joining or counselling.

Also remember that self-attesting a false or altered copy is not a small mistake. Giving a false declaration to a government office can attract criminal penalties.

How to self attest documents correctly

Here is the simple method that most offices expect. It takes under a minute per page.

1. Take a clear photocopy of the original. All text, photo, seal and number should be readable. Do not self attest a blurred or cut copy.
2. Check it against the original once, especially names, dates and numbers.
3. Write “Self-attested” (or “Self Attested True Copy”) on the copy, near the bottom or across a blank part.
4. Sign just below it, using the same signature you use on your application form. Use a blue or black pen.
5. Write the date. Many people also write the purpose, for example “For SBI KYC only” (more on this below).
6. Sign every page of a multi-page document, such as a degree with a back side or a passport’s front and address pages.
7. Keep the originals ready in case the office wants to compare.

What is a true copy or attested copy?

A true copy (also called an attested copy or certified copy) is a photocopy that someone other than you has compared with the original and certified as correct. That person writes or stamps “True Copy” or “Attested”, signs, and puts their name, designation, seal and date.

Because a third person has seen the original, a true copy carries more weight than a self attested copy. Who can attest depends on what the receiving office accepts:

• Gazetted officer attestation: a gazetted officer of the central or state government (for example, many Group A and Group B officers, principals of government colleges, tehsildars) signs with their official seal. Some forms still list this as an option.
• Notary attestation: a notary public appointed under the Notaries Act, 1952 compares the copy with the original and certifies it under their seal and register entry. This is the most widely accepted option for private and legal use.
• The issuing authority: the office that issued the document, such as a university, court, municipal corporation or registrar, can give a “certified copy” from its own records. Courts often prefer this for official records.

When is a notarised true copy still demanded?

Even after the self-attestation reforms, you will often be asked for a notarised copy or a gazetted officer attested copy in these situations:

• Court filings and legal matters, where documents are annexed to petitions, written statements or affidavits.
• Banks and NBFCs for loans, property documents, account opening for firms or companies, and some KYC updates.
• Some universities and boards, especially for migration, equivalence or admission of students from other states.
• Tenders and GeM bids, where the tender document asks for notarised copies of registrations, licences or experience certificates.
• Foreign use, such as visa files, overseas admissions or jobs. Here notarisation is often only the first step before state authentication and MEA apostille or attestation.
• Private parties, such as landlords, employers or insurance companies, who set their own rules.

The safest habit: read the office’s checklist. If it says “attested copy” without saying who, ask whether self-attestation is enough.

Comparison table: self attested vs gazetted vs notary vs apostille

A quick word on apostille. India has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 2005. If your document is to be used in a member country, the Ministry of External Affairs puts an apostille on it after the document has been authenticated by the designated state authority (or other authority for that document type). For countries that are not members, the MEA does a normal “attestation” and the country’s embassy may need to legalise it further. Submissions go through MEA’s authorised agencies, and some documents can be processed online through eSanad. Check the current list and fees on the MEA attestation and apostille page.

How to stop misuse of your self attested copies

A signed photocopy of your Aadhaar, PAN or passport is valuable to a fraudster. People have found their copies used for SIM cards, loans or bank accounts they never opened. A few simple habits reduce the risk:

• Write the purpose and date across the copy, for example “Submitted to ABC Properties for rent agreement only, 20/10/2026”. A copy marked this way is hard to reuse elsewhere.
• Cross the copy with two lines and write the purpose between them, so the text is still readable but the copy is clearly tied to one use.
• Use masked Aadhaar where full Aadhaar is not legally required. You can download a masked Aadhaar, which shows only the last four digits, from myAadhaar (UIDAI).
• Give only what is asked. If the form needs one ID proof, do not hand over five.
• Do not leave extra signed copies at photocopy shops.
• Never sign blank paper or a copy that is blank on one side where text can be added.

Documents to bring for true copy attestation

For a notary attested true copy, keep this checklist handy:

• The original document (no exceptions: the notary has to compare the copy with it).
• Clear photocopies of every page you need attested, in the number of sets you need.
• Your own photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, passport or driving licence), especially if the copies are of your personal documents.
• The checklist or letter from the office asking for attestation, if it mentions a specific format or wording.

A notary certifies only that the copy matches the original shown, not that the original itself is genuine.

Getting true copies attested in Indore

Kanha Associates offers legal documentation and certification solutions from our office at Shop No. 3, 917 Khatiwala Tank, Tower Chouraha, Indore. People come to us from Vijay Nagar, Palasia, Bhawarkua, Rajwada, AB Road and Sapna Sangeeta, and from nearby towns such as Rau, Mhow, Pithampur, Sanwer, Dewas, Dhar and Ujjain.

Here is how it usually works:

1. WhatsApp us first on +91 91713 55550 with the list of documents and what they are for. We will tell you which type of attestation the purpose usually needs and how many copies to bring.
2. Visit with your originals. True copy attestation and notarisation need the original documents in hand, so this part cannot be done fully online.
3. We arrange the photocopies and notary attestation, and help with related paperwork such as a notarised affidavit or declaration if your file needs one.

Our office is open Monday to Saturday, 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Directions and the enquiry form are on our contact page.

This guide is for general information and is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm current requirements before you apply.

In short, self attest wherever the form allows it, write the purpose and date to protect yourself, and get a notary attested true copy when a court, bank, tender or foreign authority asks for it. If you are not sure which one you need, send us a WhatsApp message with your checklist and we will guide you before you make the trip.