What Does Self Attested Mean?
Self attested means you sign a copy of your own document yourself to confirm it is a true copy of the original. No officer, notary or stamp is involved.
What is a self attested copy?
A self attested copy is a photocopy or scan of a document that belongs to you, such as a marksheet, Aadhaar or caste certificate, which you have signed and dated yourself. Most people also write “Self Attested” or “True Copy” above the signature. The signature is your declaration that the copy has not been changed.
“Attest” means to confirm something is genuine. Earlier, Indian forms often required a gazetted officer or notary to do that. “Self” attestation moves that responsibility to the document holder.
Need one now? Sign it on your phone, free, without uploading the file anywhere:
- An ID card or a single certificate: self attested photocopy maker
- A multi-page PDF or several scans: self attested document maker
- A passport size photo for a form: self attested photo maker
Why offices accept it
Since 2014 the Government of India has asked its departments to accept self attested copies in place of attestation by a gazetted officer for most applications, so that people do not have to find an officer to sign their papers. The original is checked later, at verification or at joining. Many state governments, universities and banks follow the same practice.
Self attested vs. other kinds of attestation
| Who signs | Cost | Used for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self attested | You, the document holder | Free | Most applications, admissions, KYC copies |
| Gazetted officer attested | A Group A or B government officer, with seal | Free, but needs a visit | Some state forms and older processes |
| Notarised | A notary public, with stamp and register entry | Fee charged | Affidavits, agreements, some court use |
| Apostille or embassy attestation | Ministry of External Affairs or an embassy | Fee charged | Documents used abroad |
When a self attested copy is not enough
- Affidavits and declarations that the law says must be sworn before a notary or magistrate.
- Documents for use in another country, which need apostille or embassy attestation.
- Any form whose instructions name a specific attesting authority.
Ready to do it? Follow how to self attest a document, or sign a passport photo with the self attested photo maker.
Questions
What is a self attested copy?
A photocopy or scan of your own document that you have signed and dated yourself, usually with the words “Self Attested” or “True Copy”, to declare that it matches the original.
Is self attestation legally binding?
By signing, you take responsibility for the copy being genuine. Submitting a false self attested copy can be treated as making a false declaration, so only attest copies of documents that are really yours and unaltered.
Does self attested mean I don’t need a gazetted officer?
For most central government forms and many state and institutional forms, yes. The office can still ask for the original or for formal attestation when it needs extra assurance.
Can a self attested copy be digital?
Yes. Online portals routinely ask for scans of self attested copies, either signed on paper and scanned or signed digitally on the image. The receiving office decides which it accepts.
What does “duly self attested” mean on a form?
The same thing: each copy should carry your own signature and date. “Duly” only stresses that it should be done properly, on every page.