SDM Attestation in Delhi: Process, Stamp, Signature and Time
SDM attestation is the Delhi stage that sits between the notary and the Ministry of External Affairs. An SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) office checks the notarised document and adds its stamp and signature, and the MEA then adds its apostille or attestation. We arrange the notary, the SDM stage and the MEA stage together, usually within 2–3 working days.
Sdm attestation: quick answer
SDM attestation means a Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office in Delhi attests a document after a notary has attested it. The SDM stamp and signature confirm the notary’s authentication, which is what the Ministry of External Affairs needs to see before it adds the MEA apostille or MEA attestation stamp.
For most destinations this Delhi route replaces the slower State HRD or Home Department step. Through INFINITYGRO the notary, SDM and MEA stages are normally finished within 2–3 working days after the document reaches our office.
What is SDM attestation?
An SDM is a Sub-Divisional Magistrate, an executive magistrate of the Delhi Government who heads a revenue sub-division. Among other duties, SDM offices attest documents. For documents going abroad, this is the step where the SDM office checks a notarised original or true copy and confirms it with an official stamp and signature.
The MEA does not authenticate a document that comes to it straight from the issuing office. It wants an Indian authority’s authentication first. In Delhi, the notary plus the SDM stamp provides that layer, and it is accepted for personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates and for educational documents such as degrees and marksheets, unless a receiving authority specifically asks for State HRD.
What the SDM stamp and SDM signature look like
Once the SDM stage is done, the document carries the notary’s stamp and signature and, next to it, the SDM office’s rubber stamp with the officer’s designation and office, and a signature. The MEA’s apostille sticker or attestation stamp is added after that, usually on the back. Our sample below shows an older apostille without a QR code, with the notary and SDM stamps visible.
- Notary stamp and signature: attests the original or a true copy.
- SDM stamp and signature: confirms the notary’s attestation.
- MEA apostille or attestation: the Ministry of External Affairs’ own authentication.
How SDM attestation in Delhi works, step by step
- 1Send or bring the documentOriginal (or true copy where allowed), not laminated, plus a passport copy, to our Delhi office.
- 2NotaryA notary attests the original or a true copy.
- 3SDM stamp and signatureThe SDM office checks the notarised document and adds its stamp and signature.
- 4MEAMEA apostille for Hague countries, MEA attestation for the rest.
- 5Embassy if neededOnly for non-Hague countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and China.
Documents that can take the SDM stamp
| Document | After the SDM stage |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | MEA apostille or attestation (birth certificate fees and process) |
| Marriage certificate | MEA apostille or attestation (marriage certificate fees and process) |
| Degree, diploma, marksheets | MEA apostille or attestation (degree fees and process) |
| Affidavit, Power of Attorney (personal) | MEA apostille or attestation, after notarisation on the right stamp paper |
| Company documents | Usually a Chamber of Commerce attestation instead of SDM |
| Police clearance certificate | No SDM needed: it goes directly to the MEA |
Laminated documents cannot be stamped. Send the original, not laminated, with a passport copy.
Difference between HRD and SDM attestation
| SDM (Delhi) | State HRD attestation | |
|---|---|---|
| Who does it | SDM office, Delhi Government | Education Department of the State that issued the degree |
| What it checks | The notary’s attestation of the document | The certificate with the university or board |
| Documents | Personal and educational | Educational only |
| Usual time | Part of our 2–3 working days | About 7 to 70 working days, depending on the State |
| When to use | The default for most countries | Only when your checklist names HRD |
We arrange State HRD for 16 States as well; the States, documents and times are on our HRD attestation page.
SDM attestation fees and time
| Service | Charges |
|---|---|
| Notary + SDM + MEA apostille | ₹1,000–₹1,500 per document |
| Notary and SDM only | Quoted on WhatsApp |
| Embassy attestation (non-Hague countries) | Per country: UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, China, Oman |
Mistakes that hold up the SDM stage
- Sending a laminated certificate: neither the SDM nor the MEA can stamp it.
- A name on the document that does not match the passport copy.
- An affidavit on plain paper when the country wants stamp paper.
- Asking for an SDM stamp on a PCC, which goes directly to the MEA.
Samples from our files
Sdm attestation: FAQs
What is SDM attestation?
SDM attestation is the attestation of a notarised document by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office in Delhi. It confirms the notary’s authentication so that the Ministry of External Affairs can add its apostille or attestation.
Is SDM attestation accepted by the MEA?
Yes. On our route, documents notarised and stamped by the SDM in Delhi are then apostilled or attested by the MEA. A few receiving authorities ask for State HRD instead; follow your checklist if it names HRD.
How long does SDM attestation take?
Through INFINITYGRO the notary, SDM and MEA stages usually take 2–3 working days in total after the document reaches us.
What are SDM attestation fees?
We usually charge the notary, SDM and MEA apostille together per document; the figure is in the charges table on this page. If you need only the notary and SDM stages, WhatsApp us for a quote.
Does a PCC need SDM attestation?
No. A police clearance certificate issued by the passport office goes directly to the MEA for the apostille or attestation.
Can I use the SDM route if I live outside Delhi?
Yes. Courier the original to our Delhi office; we arrange the notary, SDM and MEA stages and courier it back. We do not offer home pickup.
Is SDM attestation the same as HRD attestation?
No. The SDM stamp confirms a notary’s attestation and covers personal and educational documents. HRD attestation is done by a State education department, covers only educational documents and takes longer.
Send us a photo of your document
Tell us the country; we confirm the route, time and charges in writing.
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INFINITYGRO, C-5 A/2, New Ashok Nagar, Delhi 110096 · Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM · office drop-off or courier, no home pickup. INFINITYGRO is a private document facilitation agency, not a government office or embassy; apostilles and attestations are issued only by the MEA and the embassies concerned.
Reviewed October 2026 · sources: HCCH status table, MEA apostille