Sending a Maryland document to India? Because India applies the Hague Apostille Convention, the apostille is the only certification it needs. The question is which Maryland route your document takes to get one.
India has applied the convention since July 14, 2005. Offices there that receive foreign documents, such as civil registries, courts, universities and consulates, check for the apostille rather than an embassy stamp.
The apostille only confirms the signature and seal on your document. Each office in India still sets its own rules about how recent the document must be and whether it needs a translation into Hindi.
Vital records for India
- Certified copySigned and sealed by a Maryland official
- Maryland Secretary of State16 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 · $5 per document
- Apostille attachedValid in every Hague Convention country
Notarized documents for India
- Sign before a Maryland notaryThe notary's stamp names their county.
- Clerk of the Circuit Court (notary’s county)Authenticates the notary · about $1 per document
- Maryland Secretary of State16 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 · $5 per document
- Apostille attachedValid in every Hague Convention country
Cost for India
| Option | Per document |
|---|---|
| Vital record, you mail it yourself | $5 |
| Any Maryland document, we file it | $50 |
| Notarized, we handle the clerk too | $50 + $1 |
| Federal (FBI check) | $57 |
India: common questions
Is a Maryland apostille accepted in India?
Sending a Maryland document to India? Because India applies the Hague Apostille Convention, the apostille is the only certification it needs. The question is which Maryland route your document takes to get one.
Do I need a translation for India?
Often. Official business in India is conducted in Hindi and English. If your document is in English, the receiving office may ask for a certified translation into Hindi, usually made after the apostille is attached.
Can I apostille a birth certificate for India myself?
Yes. A certified Maryland birth certificate goes straight to the Secretary of State with a $5 fee. Our free guide explains each step.
What if my document for India is notarized?
Then the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the notary's county must authenticate it first. We handle both offices for you.