Notarized, registered or self-attested — which does your document need?

Self-attestation — the default since 2014

Central policy (DARPG directives, 2014 onward) tells departments to accept SELF-ATTESTED photocopies — "True copy" plus your signature — for routine services, with originals shown once at the final stage. Most states followed. If a form asks for "attested copies" without naming an authority, self-attestation is usually what it means. Affidavits survive only where a specific law prescribes them.

Notarization — proof of WHO signed

A notary (Notaries Act, 1952) verifies identity and witnesses execution; the seal and register entry make it hard to later deny a signature. Affidavits are sworn before a notary, Oath Commissioner or magistrate, typically on small-value stamp paper (₹10–₹100 — state-set, verify locally). The deponent signs in the officer's presence, and a false affidavit is punishable as perjury under the false-evidence provisions.

What notarization does NOT do: it never substitutes for registration, and a rent agreement needs no notarization at all to be valid — correct stamping matters far more. Treat the notary's seal as evidence insurance, not as a legal transformation of the document.

Registration — the compulsory tier

Registration with the Sub-Registrar (Registration Act, 1908 s.17) is COMPULSORY for sales and gifts of immovable property and leases of 12 months or more. An unregistered gift deed of land transfers nothing — however beautifully notarized. Registration means stamp duty, fees, both parties (or attorneys) appearing, and a public record that beats every private paper in a dispute.

Quick decision guide

Photocopies for a government form → self-attest. Affidavit demanded by a rule (name change, lost documents, some court filings) → notarize. Sale, gift, or a lease of a year or more → register, no shortcuts. 11-month rent agreement → correct stamp paper; notarization optional comfort; in Maharashtra, register leave-and-licence regardless.