How to Self-Attest a Document Online (Sign a Scanned Copy)
Self-attestation means writing the words 'Self Attested', along with your signature and the date, on a photocopy or scan to confirm it is a true copy of the original in your own possession. You can add this directly to a digital scan instead of printing it first.
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Self-attestation means writing "Self Attested" along with your signature and the date on a photocopy or scan of a document, to confirm that the copy matches the original you hold. You can do this directly on a digital scan, adding a typed or drawn signature and the date, instead of printing the page first.
Why self-attestation is asked for at all
Many forms and applications ask for copies of documents like your Aadhaar, PAN, marksheets or certificates, but do not want to hold onto your originals. Self-attestation is a simple way for you, the document holder, to formally state that the copy submitted is genuine and matches your original, without needing a notary, gazetted officer or other third party to verify it, for the situations where self-attestation alone is accepted.
The Government of India's Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has asked departments to accept self-attested copies in place of attestation by a gazetted officer or notary for many purposes, as part of its self-certification reform. The final word still rests with the office asking for the document.
Not every authority accepts self-attestation. Some specifically require attestation by a notary, a gazetted officer, or another authorised person, especially for higher-stakes processes like certain visa applications or legal matters. Always check what the specific form or authority asks for before assuming self-attestation is enough.
Step by step: self-attest a digital scan
- Scan or photograph the original document clearly, in good light, with all four edges visible.
- Open the sign PDF tool if your document is a PDF, or the add signature to image tool if it is a photo or scanned image.
- Add your signature, drawn, typed or uploaded from a saved signature image.
- Add the words "Self Attested" as text, along with today's date, near your signature.
- Place the signature and text in a clear space on the page, not overlapping any important printed information.
- Download the finished, self-attested copy.
Sign PDF
Draw, type or upload your signature, add the text Self Attested with the date, and place it in a blank area.
Runs in your browser. Your file never leaves your device. Open the full Sign PDF page
Add your signature and a "Self Attested" caption directly to a scan with the sign PDF tool or the image signature tool.
What the self-attestation should include
| Element | Typical placement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| The words "Self Attested" | Near your signature, on each page | Some authorities want it on every page, not just the first |
| Your signature | Below or beside the "Self Attested" text | Should match your usual signature style |
| The date | Beside the signature | Use the date you are attesting the copy, not the document's original date |
Multi-page documents
If the document has several pages, check whether the requirement is to self-attest every page individually or just the final page or a covering copy. When in doubt, attesting each page is the safer choice, since it leaves no room for a reviewer to question whether an unsigned page truly belongs to the same original.
Digital versus a wet-ink signature
Some processes are comfortable with a signature added digitally to a scan, treating it the same as a physical signature for their purposes. Others, particularly certain government departments, banks or legal processes, still expect a physical ink signature on a printed copy. If the instructions do not clearly say either way, and the stakes are high (such as a legal filing or an international visa application), it is worth confirming directly with the requesting authority rather than assuming a digital signature will be accepted.
Common mistakes
- Assuming self-attestation is accepted everywhere, when some processes specifically require notarisation or a gazetted officer's attestation instead.
- Signing only the first page of a multi-page document when every page needed attestation.
- Placing the signature or text over important printed details, like a certificate number or photo.
- Using an old date instead of the date you are actually attesting the copy.
- Skipping the check on whether a digital signature is acceptable for a high-stakes submission.
Common documents people self-attest
- Aadhaar, PAN and other ID proof copies attached to job applications, loan forms or KYC packets.
- Educational certificates and marksheets submitted alongside a job or admission application.
- Address proof documents like utility bills or rent agreements for various registrations.
- Passport copies for certain visa or travel-related processes, though passport applications and renewals themselves often have their own specific attestation rules worth checking directly with Passport Seva.
Self-attestation versus attestation by someone else
Self-attestation only works when you are confirming your own document. If a form specifically asks for attestation by a gazetted officer, a notary, or another authorised person, that is a different, formal process where a third party reviews and certifies the copy, usually with their own stamp, signature and official seal, not something you can substitute with your own signature.
Building a reusable self-attested set
If you frequently apply for jobs, loans or government services, it can help to keep a self-attested digital set of your most commonly requested documents, ready to attach whenever needed, rather than repeating the same signing steps for every new application. Refresh the date on these periodically, since some processes prefer a copy attested reasonably close to the date of submission rather than one signed years earlier.
A quick sanity check before you submit
Before attaching a self-attested copy to any application, open the final file and confirm every page is clear, the signature and date are visible without covering key details, and the file itself is under whatever size limit the portal states. A rushed self-attestation that looks fine on a small preview can still cause a rejection if a detail is actually obscured or the file is too large once you check it properly.
Tools for this
Frequently asked questions
What exactly should I write for self-attestation?
Write 'Self Attested' along with your signature and the current date, placed clearly near your signature on the copy, without covering any important printed content.
Can I self-attest a document digitally instead of printing it?
In many cases yes, adding a digital signature and the self-attestation text directly to a scan works. For higher-stakes submissions, confirm with the specific authority whether a digital signature is accepted or a physical ink signature is required.
Do I need to self-attest every page of a multi-page document?
This varies by requirement. When the instructions are unclear, self-attesting every page is the safer choice, since it removes any doubt about whether an unsigned page belongs with the rest.
Is self-attestation the same as notarisation?
No. Self-attestation is you personally confirming the copy matches the original. Notarisation involves a notary or another authorised third party formally verifying the document, which some processes specifically require instead of, or in addition to, self-attestation.
What if the form does not say whether self-attestation is enough?
Contact the requesting authority or check their official instructions directly rather than guessing, especially for anything with legal or financial consequences.
Sources
- DARPG, Self attestation (checked 2026-09)
- DARPG, Adoption of self-certification (checked 2026-09)
Rules and limits change. Always check the latest official notification or portal before you submit a form.