Aliya KhanAttestation of documents is a formal process in which the document undergoes a process aimed at ensuring that it is genuine and has been signed by a competent authority. This process usually takes the form of a number of legalizations performed by various authorized bodies: notaries, educational institutions, regional and national government departments, as well as embassies or consulates.
These authorities authenticate that the document and details provided in it is true and legal so that the document will be accepted in the legal, educational or professional world in any other country. Attestation of documents is needed mostly for educational and personal or non-educational certificates, commercial documents and, generally, any document that has to be used in another country.
Attestation of documents acquires certain legal credibility making it feasible to be utilized in such areas as visa applications, new job, higher education, training opportunities and buying of property in foreign countries.
Certificate Attestation is a process by which an official recognizes the accuracy of the certificates. It is employed in the cases where admissibility of the document is in question, for example in court or at the commerce transactions. Thus, only some specific people or organizations are allowed to perform attestation. This document will act as a general guideline that will in one way or the other enumerate the people that have the legal right to attest on certificates.
Notaries Public
Notaries Public are people who, by law, can authenticate documents or attest to genuineness of signatures. They are appointed by their government and within their jurisdiction they have the power to authenticate documents. Notaries Public draw a great deal of recognition and are frequently used for attestation functions.
Authorized Officers
The attesting officers in some jurisdictions are appointed to this special duty in attesting documents. These people are most of the times civil servants or employees of the government with special permission to attest documents. They can be officially assigned by the government, state authority or by formally accredited organizations.
Lawyers
Lawyers have assignments that can be granted is to attest documents. They are frequently relied upon to give legal advice on the executed documents and dispatches since they also affirm signatures and the contents of legal documents. However, it is necessary to recognize the fact that all lawyers do not process this attestation only few of them have authorization that may differently depend on the legal jurisdiction and the area of practice.
Other Professionals
Other people besides notaries public, authorized officers, and lawyers may also have the legal right for attestation of documents. Such persons may be accountants, engineers, architects or other such experts in their respective fields who on attaining a certain certification or license to attest documents of that sort in their field of specialty.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs or MOFA
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the country where the document is produced affirms the document’s validity to the international standards as noted in the document. According to our constitution and provision of the national government, MOFA Attestation is responsible for ensuring the attestation of documents meant for international use.
Embassies and Consulates
The embassy or consulate of the country where the document will be used offers attestation of documents to confirm the document’s authenticity and the previous attestations received. The embassies and consulates render out the said consular services inclusive of attestation of documents.
Therefore, depending on the jurisdictions, those who are allowed to attest certain documents may be the notaries public, authorized officers, lawyers, and other persons who are recognized and have the right to certify certain documents. As often the case with legal issues, it is advisable to turn to the specific legislation of the country or region and find on which authority rests the responsibility of notarizing the document.
