Self-attested copies: what they mean and how to upload them
Updated 11 October 2026
Many forms ask you to upload "self-attested copies" of your certificates. Earlier, attestation meant finding a gazetted officer or notary to sign and stamp your photocopies, which cost time and sometimes money. Today, for most central government purposes, you can attest your own copies. Here is what that means and how to do it properly.
What is self-attestation?
Self-attestation means you sign a copy of your own document to declare that it is a true copy of the original. You are taking responsibility for its authenticity. If the copy turns out to be false, the consequences are yours. The original is normally checked later, for example at document verification or joining.
The move to self-certification
Around 2014 and 2015, the Government of India pushed ministries and departments to accept self-attested copies and self-declarations in place of attestation by gazetted officers and affidavits wherever possible. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) issued guidance to this effect, and many state governments followed with their own orders. The aim was to cut paperwork and trust citizens, with verification of originals at the final stage.
In practice, this means most central recruitment and many state processes are happy with self-attested copies. However, some processes still specifically ask for attestation by a gazetted officer or a notarised affidavit, for example for certain legal declarations. Always follow what your notice or form says.
How to self-attest a document
- Make a clear photocopy or print of the original. Do not write on the original.
- Write "Self-attested" or "True copy" on the copy, in a blank area that does not cover any text, seal or photo.
- Sign below it with the same signature you use on the form. Use a blue or black ballpoint pen.
- Add the date if the form or department asks for it. Many people also add their name under the signature.
- For multi-page documents, sign every page.
Scanning and uploading a self-attested copy
For online forms, you upload a scan of the signed copy. Follow these steps:
- Scan with a phone app that crops and straightens the page; see scanning documents with your phone.
- Use greyscale or colour, not pure black-and-white, so your blue-ink signature does not fade into the background.
- Make sure the signature and the words "Self-attested" are fully inside the crop.
- Compress to the limit with Compress PDF, or if the form wants an image, with Compress Image.
Worked example
A form asks for a self-attested copy of your Class 10 certificate as a PDF, maximum 200 KB. You print the certificate, write "Self-attested" and sign in the bottom margin, then scan it in greyscale with Google Drive. The scan is 780 KB. Compressing the single page to medium quality at about 1240 pixels wide brings it to roughly 100 to 150 KB, safely under 200 KB with the signature still clear at 100% zoom.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it causes trouble | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Signing on the original certificate | Defaces the original, which you will need to show later | Always sign a photocopy or print |
| Signature covers the seal, photo or marks | Officer cannot read the key details | Sign in an empty margin |
| Different signature from the one on the form | Can raise doubts at verification | Use your usual signature; see signatures for online forms |
| Only first page signed | Other pages are not attested | Sign every page |
| Black-and-white scan makes the signature vanish | Attestation not visible | Scan in greyscale or colour |
| Uploading an unsigned copy | Does not meet the requirement | Check the label says "self-attested" and sign before scanning |
Self-attested vs gazetted-officer attested vs notarised
- Self-attested: you sign your own copy. Accepted widely, especially for central government processes.
- Attested by a gazetted officer: a Group A officer signs and stamps the copy. Some departments and older processes still ask for this.
- Notarised: a notary public certifies the copy or an affidavit. Used for some legal declarations and for some documents used abroad.
When in doubt, read the exact wording of the requirement. If it says only "self-attested copy", your own signature is enough.
Is self-attestation a risk?
It is a declaration, so honesty matters. Submitting a false or altered document with your signature as "true copy" can lead to cancellation of candidature and legal action. Since originals are checked at document verification, there is no advantage in cutting corners. Keep your originals safe and organised; the document checklist can help.
Questions people ask
- What does self-attested mean?
- It means you sign a copy of your own document to declare it is a true copy of the original. The original is usually checked later at document verification.
- How do I self-attest a document?
- On a photocopy, write "Self-attested" in a blank area, sign below it with your usual signature, and add the date if asked. Sign every page of a multi-page document.
- Can I sign a self-attested copy in blue ink?
- Yes, blue or black ballpoint is normal. Scan in greyscale or colour so the blue ink does not fade.
- Is a gazetted officer still needed for attestation?
- For most central government processes, self-attested copies are accepted. Some processes still ask for gazetted or notarised attestation, so follow your notice.
- Should I sign the original certificate?
- No. Never write on the original. Sign only the copy you scan or submit.