e-Sanad is a digital service launched by the Ministry of External Affairs on 24th May 2017. This service is expanding as more document issuing authorities (DIAs), including the National Academic Depository (NAD), join in. The platform simplifies the process of document apostille and attestation in India by offering a paperless way for citizens and foreigners with Indian documents to authenticate personal, educational, and business documents.
While e-Sanad provides an efficient solution, it requires documents to be in a digital format and may have limitations. Let’s explore in detail:
What is e-Sanad?
e-Sanad is an online service offered by the Ministry of External Affairs for secure and efficient attestation and apostille of documents. It’s available for both Indian citizens and foreigners who have Indian documents. The platform eliminates the need for paperwork and in-person visits by making the process paperless, contactless, and cashless.
To use e-Sanad, the document must be stored in a digital repository, such as the National Academic Depository (NAD) or Digi Locker. After verification, the Ministry of External Affairs attests or apostilles the document and provides a digital copy to the applicant.
e-Sanad Website
You can visit the e-Sanad website for more information.
Which Documents Are Attested and Apostilled at e-Sanad?
e-Sanad facilitates the attestation and apostille of the following documents:
- Educational Documents: Transcripts, degree, and certificates required for foreign studies or employment.
- Personal Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical certificates, or police clearances for visas and legal matters.
- Business Documents: Export invoices, board resolutions, GST records, etc., for international business dealings.
e-Sanad Status — How to Keep Track of Your Application?
Users can track the progress of their document authentication through:
- Online Portal: Check updates directly on the e-Sanad platform.
- Email Notifications: Receive alerts via email.
- SMS Alerts: Opt for real-time updates through SMS.
- Customer Service: Contact support for assistance with tracking.
- Online Tracking Page: Monitor the application status online.
Who Can Use e-Sanad?
e-Sanad is available to:
- Indian Citizens: Residing in India for document attestation and apostille.
- Foreigners: With documents issued by Indian authorities.
When to Choose e-Sanad?
Consider using e-Sanad if you:
- Have digital copies of all required documents in a digital repository.
- Understand the verification steps like notarization, HRD attestation, SDM verification, etc.
- Are comfortable with online processes.
For a simplified process, consult professional apostille agencies if you encounter uncertainties.
Should You Choose e-Sanad or the Traditional Apostille Method?
The decision depends on your needs. Here’s a comparison:
e-Sanad Advantages:
- Online convenience and accessibility.
- Faster processing times.
- Reduced paperwork and physical visits.
- Transparent and traceable process.
e-Sanad Disadvantages:
- Requires digital copies of documents.
- Limited availability for certain document types.
- Restricted coverage in specific regions.
Traditional Apostille Advantages:
- Suitable for documents that cannot be digitized.
- Can be processed in person for those who prefer that method.
Traditional Apostille Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming with multiple office visits.
- Involves more paperwork and administrative procedures.
The Best Way to Get Digital Apostille/Attestation in India
For a hassle-free experience, opt for our document legalization services:
- We collect and prepare your documents for verification.
- Handle attestations by SDM, Home Department, HRD, and CoC.
- Complete MEA apostille or embassy attestation processes.
- Deliver attested/apostilled documents to your doorstep.
Contact us for professional assistance with the entire apostille and attestation process!
