An apostille is only useful if it is genuine — and a forged or invalid one can cause serious problems abroad, from visa refusal to legal trouble. Fortunately, checking an Indian apostille is quick and free. Here is how to verify yours before you rely on it.
Every genuine apostille is verifiable
A real MEA apostille carries a unique apostille number and is designed to be checked. This is the whole point of the system: a receiving authority anywhere in a Hague member country can confirm the apostille is authentic. If an apostille cannot be verified, treat it as suspect.
How to verify online
- Use the e-Sanad portal: India’s official platform allows online verification of apostilles and attestations. Enter the apostille number and required details to confirm authenticity.
- Match the details: check that the name, document type and issuing details on the verified record match your physical apostille.
- Look for the standard features: a genuine apostille is a numbered, computer-generated sticker with standard fields, applied by the MEA.
Warning signs of a fake
- No apostille number, or a number that cannot be verified online.
- Details on the sticker that do not match the document or your records.
- A sticker that looks hand-made, altered or inconsistent with the standard format.
- It came from a provider who resisted letting you verify it independently.
Why verification matters so much
Submitting a document with a fake apostille abroad is worse than submitting none at all — it can be treated as fraud, causing visa refusal and lasting damage. A two-minute online check protects you from a provider’s dishonesty or error.
Never assume an apostille is genuine just because you paid for it. Verify the number online through the official portal, confirm the details match, and only then submit it abroad. A trustworthy provider will always be happy for you to check.
Quick FAQ
How do I verify an Indian apostille?
Use the official e-Sanad portal to check the apostille number online, and confirm the verified details match your physical document.
What if my apostille can’t be verified?
Treat it as suspect — do not submit it abroad. An unverifiable apostille may be fake and can cause visa refusal.
Does a genuine apostille always have a number?
Yes — a real MEA apostille is a numbered, computer-generated sticker designed to be verified online.
How Manav Corporate Consultants can help
At Manav Corporate Consultants (MCC), we handle the complete apostille and attestation journey — checking your documents for issues before submission, then managing notarisation, state and Chamber of Commerce verification, MEA apostille and embassy legalisation — with doorstep pick-up and drop across India and genuine, online-verifiable results. As an ISO 9001:2015-certified, MEA-licensed firm, we help you avoid the errors that cause rejections and delays.
Mumbai – +91 7738980318 / Chennai – +91 96770 59423 / Pune – +91 9970466594 | info@manavconsultants.com | www.manavconsultants.com