Can You Attest a Degree Certificate Without the Original? Here’s the Answer

Degree certificate attestation is a crucial process for individuals planning to work, study, or settle abroad. Governments and institutions require this verification to ensure the authenticity of educational credentials. A common question many applicants have is whether they can attest a degree certificate without providing the original document. This article delves into the answer, exploring the requirements, possible alternatives, and solutions for those who may not have access to their original degree certificate attestation.

Understanding Degree Certificate Attestation

Attestation is a verification process that confirms the authenticity of a document by having it stamped or signed by designated authorities. It is essential for various legal and official purposes, such as employment, higher education, visa processing, and migration. The attestation process generally involves multiple steps, including notarization, verification by the issuing institution, and authentication by government bodies like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and embassies.

Why is the Original Degree Certificate Required?

Most countries and authorities require the original degree certificate for attestation to prevent forgery and misrepresentation. The authentication process typically involves the following:

1. University Verification: The institution that issued the degree must verify its legitimacy.
2. Notary Public Attestation: A notary public certifies the document before further verification.
3. State or Local Government Attestation: The relevant state department authenticates the degree before forwarding it for national-level attestation.
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation: The MOFA of the issuing country verifies the document for international recognition.
5. Embassy Attestation: The embassy of the destination country finalizes the attestation process.

Due to these multiple verification steps, the original degree certificate is often mandatory to confirm authenticity. However, exceptions and alternative solutions exist in certain cases.

Can Attestation Be Done Without the Original Degree Certificate?

In most cases, attestation without the original degree certificate is not possible. However, alternative approaches can be considered under specific circumstances:

1. Losing the Original Degree Certificate If the original certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you may need to obtain a duplicate from the issuing university. Many universities issue duplicate degree certificates upon request, provided the applicant submits necessary documents such as an affidavit, police report (for lost certificates), and identification proof. Once the duplicate degree is issued, it can undergo the attestation process.
2. University Issued Attested Copies Some universities issue attested copies of the degree certificate directly. These copies carry an official seal and signature, verifying their authenticity. In rare cases, authorities may accept university-attested copies in place of the original certificate for attestation.
3. Notarized Copies for Attestation In some instances, notarized copies of the degree certificate may be accepted, particularly if the original is unavailable due to unavoidable circumstances. However, this depends on the country and the specific authority handling the attestation. The notary public must verify the document, after which government departments proceed with further authentication.
4. Electronic or Digital Verification Some universities and institutions offer electronic verification services. If the degree certificate can be verified online through a secure portal, some authorities may accept this verification instead of requiring the original. However, this is not a widespread practice and varies by country.
5. Attestation via Third-Party Services Professional attestation service providers often facilitate the process by coordinating with relevant authorities. They may offer solutions for applicants who do not possess the original degree certificate by guiding them on obtaining duplicates or alternate verification methods. However, they cannot bypass the legal requirements.

Country-Specific Attestation Policies

Different countries have varying policies regarding document attestation. Below are some examples:

1. United Arab Emirates (UAE) The UAE requires original degree certificates for attestation. However, if the original is lost, a duplicate must be obtained and attested. Some universities offer attested copies that may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
2. Saudi Arabia Saudi authorities mandate original degree certificates for attestation. University verification is often a prerequisite before submitting the document for further attestation.
3. United Kingdom (UK) The UK may accept notarized copies in some cases, but original degree certificates are generally preferred.
4. United States (USA) The US Department of State and embassies typically require original documents for authentication. Digital verification from accredited institutions may be accepted in certain cases.
5. India In India, attestation is done by the HRD (Human Resource Development) department of the respective state before MOFA authentication. The original degree is usually required, but university-attested copies may be accepted in some cases.

Steps to Take if You Do Not Have the Original Degree Certificate

If you do not possess the original degree certificate but need attestation, follow these steps:

1. Check University Policies Contact the issuing university to inquire about obtaining a duplicate certificate or an attested copy.
2. Obtain a Notarized Copy If allowed, get a notarized copy of your degree certificate and check if authorities accept it for attestation.
3. Seek Alternative Verification Methods If digital verification is available, confirm with the attesting authority whether they accept it.
4. Consult an Attestation Service Provider Professional attestation agencies can provide guidance and assist in navigating the process efficiently.
5. Request Embassy Guidance If you are overseas, contact your home country’s embassy for assistance on obtaining a duplicate degree and attestation options.

Conclusion

While most certificate attestation processes require the original degree certificate, alternatives exist in specific situations, such as obtaining a duplicate certificate, using university-attested copies, or relying on notarized documents. Policies vary by country and institution, so it is essential to check with the relevant authorities before proceeding. Seeking assistance from professional attestation services can also help streamline the process, ensuring that your degree certificate is authenticated for international use.