It is one of the most common apostille questions: do you have to submit the original, or is a copy enough? The answer matters, because getting it wrong means rejection and a fresh start. Here is what you need to know, by document type.
The general rule
An apostille authenticates the signature and seal on a document — which means there has to be a genuine, authoritative signature and seal to authenticate. As a rule, that means the original document, or a properly certified copy, not a plain photocopy or a downloaded printout. A photocopy on its own cannot be apostilled.
Educational documents
Degrees, diplomas and mark sheets are generally apostilled on the original, because state HRD verification confirms them with the issuing university. Keep your originals safe and submit those.
Personal documents
Birth, marriage and death certificates and PCCs are usually apostilled on the original. In some cases, a notarized or certified copy is accepted for certain personal documents — but this depends on the document and the process, so confirm before assuming a copy will do.
Affidavits, POAs and declarations
These are prepared as originals, notarized, and apostilled as such — there is no “copy” version to legalize.
Commercial documents
Company documents are typically apostilled on originals or Chamber-of-Commerce-certified copies.
Why this catches people out
Applicants often submit a downloaded or photocopied document assuming it will be treated the same as an original — and it is rejected. If you no longer have an original, request a duplicate or certified copy from the issuing authority before starting.
In short: apostille almost always needs the original document or a properly certified copy — never a plain photocopy. Confirm the requirement for your specific document, prepare the right version, and your apostille proceeds without a hitch.
Quick FAQ
Can I apostille a photocopy?
No — a plain photocopy cannot be apostilled. You need the original or a properly certified copy.
Do educational documents need originals?
Generally, yes, because state HRD verification confirms them with the issuing university.
What if I have lost my original?
Request a duplicate or certified copy from the issuing authority before starting the apostille process.
How Manav Corporate Consultants can help
At Manav Corporate Consultants (MCC), we handle the complete apostille and attestation journey — notarization, state and Chamber of Commerce verification, MEA apostille and embassy legalization — with doorstep pick-up and drop-off across India and genuine, online-verifiable results. As an ISO 9001:2015-certified, MEA-licensed firm, we keep the process fast, transparent and trustworthy.
Mumbai – +91 7738980318 / Chennai – +91 96770 59423 / Pune -+91 9970466594 | info@manavconsultants.com | www.manavconsultants.com