You are about to hand a stranger your original degree or company documents and pay them to legalize them. Choosing a genuine provider is not optional — it protects your documents, your money and your plans. Here is a practical checklist to verify an apostille or attestation agency before you commit.
- A real, verifiable presence
A legitimate provider has a physical office you can visit or verify, a proper company identity, and contactable staff — not just a phone number or a social-media page. An established address and history are basic signs of accountability.
- Recognized credentials
Look for recognized certifications and licensing — for example, ISO certification and, for overseas recruitment-linked services, a Ministry of External Affairs license. Genuine firms are transparent about who they are and how they operate.
- A clear, explained process
A trustworthy provider will explain the exact chain your document follows — state or Chamber of Commerce verification, MEA, and apostille or embassy attestation — and give you realistic timelines. Vagueness or evasiveness is a red flag.
- Transparency and a paper trail
Expect proper receipts, tracking, and clear communication at each stage. Reputable providers document their work; scammers avoid accountability.
- A verifiable result
The ultimate test: the apostille you receive must carry a unique number verifiable online through the official e-Sanad portal. A genuine provider is happy for you to verify their work; a fake one is not.
- Reasonable, not unrealistic, promises
Be cautious of anyone promising dramatically faster or cheaper service than everyone else. Legitimate verification takes time, and prices reflect real work. Too-good-to-be-true usually is.
Vetting a provider takes a few minutes and can save you weeks of trouble and the loss of irreplaceable documents. Insist on a real presence, clear process, transparency and a verifiable result — and you can proceed with confidence.
Quick FAQ
How do I know an attestation agency is legitimate?
Check for a verifiable physical office, recognized credentials (such as ISO certification), a clearly explained process, proper receipts and tracking, and an apostille you can verify online.
Should I be worried about very cheap or very fast offers?
Yes — unrealistically low prices or “instant” promises are common red flags. Legitimate verification takes time and reflects real work.
What is the single best check?
Confirm the final apostille has a unique number verifiable online through the official e-Sanad portal.
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 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 – +917738980318 / Chennai – +91 96770 59423 / Pune -+91 9970466594 | info@manavconsultants.com | www.manavconsultants.com