bonafide certificate

Bonafide Certificate: Easy Steps to Apply in 2025

Published on July 17, 2025
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12 Min read time
bonafide certificate

Quick Summary

  • Bonafide is an official document used in education, employment, and visa applications, serving as crucial identification.
  • It contains the recipient’s name, issuing authority details, and specific information.
  • Bonafide is a significant certificate for seizing opportunities in education and employment.

Table of Contents

In an age of smart IDs and online profiles, one traditional document still holds undeniable value: the bonafide certificate. Whether you’re a student applying for a scholarship, an employee verifying your job status, or someone needing official documents for travel or government services, this simple certificate can make a big difference.

More than just a piece of paper, a bonafide certificate serves as trusted proof of identity and association with an institution. But what is it? Why do you need it? And how can you obtain one without hassle?

In this 2025 guide, we’ll cover the essentials of a bonafide certificate. We’ll explain what it is, why it’s necessary, the steps to apply, sample formats, and real-world uses that could benefit you today.

What is Bonafide Certificate?

A bonafide certificate is an official document issued by an organization, such as a school, college, or company. It verifies that an individual is a faithful member of that institution and acts as proof that the person is currently studying, working, or affiliated with the organization.

This certificate usually contains:

  • The individual’s full name,
  • The course or designation,
  • Duration of association,
  • Purpose of issuance,
  • Official signature and seal.

Whether you need to apply for a student visa, claim travel concessions, or verify your employment, the bonafide certificate is a reliable and necessary verification tool.

Who Should Have a Bonafide Certificate?

A bona fide certificate is usually required in different professions, institutions, and organizations. Let us see for whom a bona fide certificate is essential:

  • Students: All educational institutions require a bonafide certificate for any educational purpose. This is an essential document for students when they are applying for scholarships, programmes, and even further study abroad.
  • Government Organizations: Government organizations require a bona fide certificate to provide the facilities initiated by the government.
  • Banks: Banks require bona fide certificates to properly identify citizens when they apply for loans, deposit money, or open new accounts.
  • Employees and Employers: Employees and employers require a bona fide certificate for identity verification.
  • Immigration Offices: When someone applies for a visa, passport, or any immigration documents, a bona fide certificate is required in these procedures.

Importance of Bonafide Certificate

For Students

  • Educational purposes: Bonafide certificates are often required when applying to other schools, scholarships, or internships.
  • Travel: They may be necessary for visa applications, passport extensions, or to get travel concessions.
  • Financial aid: Students might need a bonafide certificate to apply for educational loans or other financial help.
  • Other benefits: Libraries, workshops, and other institutions may ask for a bonafide certificate for membership or participation.

For Employees

  • Job applications: Employers may request a bonafide certificate to confirm previous employment or qualifications.
  • Loan applications: Banks and financial institutions may need it to prove employment and income stability.
  • Travel and immigration: Like students, employees may require it for visa or passport applications.
  • Professional development: It can be necessary to attend conferences, seminars, or workshops.

Steps of a Bonafide Certificate

StepDescription
Gather Necessary InformationGather all necessary details like name, date of birth, address, and why the certificate is needed. Make sure to use the official letterhead of the issuing institution.
Draft the CertificateStart with a title like “Bonafide Certificate.” Person shoould be a genuine member of the institution and mention their role. Add the details you collected earlier, and include the date it was issued and how long it’s valid.
Review and AuthenticateDouble-check if any errors are in certificate. Get it signed by an authorized person, like the head of the institution. Add the official seal or stamp to make it valid.

Types of Bonafide Certificates

There are types of Bonafide certificate letters given to students and employees. Let’s know about both of them.

1. Student Bonafide Certificate

Issued by schools, colleges, or universities to confirm that a person is a genuine student of that institution.

Purpose:

  • For applying to scholarships.
  • For public transport discounts.
  • For passport applications.
  • For visa processing to study abroad.
  • For education loan applications.

Example: “This is to certify that [Name] is a regular student of Class 12 in our institution during the academic year 2025-2026.”

2. Employee Bonafide Certificate

Issued by an employer or HR department to confirm that the individual is an organization employee.

Purpose:

  • For applying for loans or credit cards.
  • For address or employment verification.
  • For visa application or passport formalities.
  • For tenancy or rental agreements.

Example: “This is to certify that [Name] is employed with our company as a [Designation] since [Date].”

3. Residential Bonafide Certificate

Issued by the local government authority or municipal body, this document verifies that a person lives at a specific address.

Purpose:

  • For school or college admission
  • To prove state residency
  • When applying for government schemes or caste certificates

Authority:

  • Municipal Corporation
  • Tehsildar office
  • Revenue Department

4. Bonafide Certificate for Internship/Training

Issued by educational institutions to confirm a student’s enrollment so they can apply for internships or training programs.

Purpose:

  • Applying to industrial internships
  • Required by companies before hiring interns.

5. Bonafide Certificate for Travel Concessions

Issued explicitly to students, these passes provide discounts on public transport or railway services.

Purpose:

  • To obtain student concession passes for trains, buses, or airlines.

6. Bank Bonafide Certificate

Issued by: Educational institutions (schools, colleges, or universities)

Purpose:

  • To open a student bank account.
  • To access student-focused banking benefits like zero-balance accounts, education loans, or scholarships.

Used for:

  • Verifying that the applicant is a currently enrolled student.
  • Helping banks meet Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance requirements.

Example: “This is to certify that [Name], a student of [Course], is enrolled at [Institution Name] and this certificate is issued to open a bank account.”

7. Library Bonafide Certificate

Issued by: Educational institutions or libraries

Purpose:

  • For internal verification of a student’s or faculty’s eligibility to access library services

Used for:

  • Validating user identity to issue or renew library cards
  • Accessing restricted academic databases or interlibrary loan privileges

Example: “This is to certify that [Name] is a registered member of the [Library Name] and is eligible to use all available resources according to institutional policy.”

8. Insurance Bonafide Certificate

Issued by: Educational institutions or employers.

Purpose:

  • To confirm the identity and affiliation of the person applying for insurance benefits

Used for:

  • Student health insurance policies
  • Corporate group insurance plans
  • Travel insurance linked to institutional association

Example: “This certifies that [Name] is currently enrolled or employed at [Institution/Company Name]; this certificate is issued to allow for insurance coverage.”

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What is a Bonafide Letter from School?

When students want to transfer from their school to a foreign school, they need several documents. These include a transfer certificate, educational certificates, and a bonafide certificate.

Among these documents, a student must provide a bonafide letter for admission. This letter confirms that the student was a regular attendee at their school. A bonafide certificate is essential to notify the foreign school that the student is in this class.

Bonafide Certificate Application Format

1. Student Bonafide Certificate

[Institution Letterhead]
[Institution Name]
[Address]
[Phone | Email | Website]

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that Mr./Ms. [Full Name], child of [Parent’s Name], is a current student at [Institution Name]. He/She is enrolled in [Course Name], [Year/Semester], with Roll Number [Roll No.].

He/She has been attending this institution since [Date of Admission].

This certificate is issued at his/her request for [purpose, e.g., passport application/scholarship/bank account/transport concession].

Signature of Principal/Registrar
[Name & Designation]
[Seal of the Institution]

2. Employee Bonafide Certificate

[Company Letterhead]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[Phone | Email | Website]

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that Mr./Ms. [Employee Name], in the role of [Designation] in [Department Name], has been a permanent employee of our organization since [Joining Date].

This certificate is provided upon request for [purpose, e.g., bank loan/visa application/tenancy agreement].

Signature of HR/Manager
[Name & Designation]
[Company Seal]

3. Residential Bonafide Certificate

[State Government/Municipal Authority Letterhead]

Certificate No.: [Number]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that Mr./Ms. [Full Name], child of [Parent’s Name], is a valid resident of [Full Address including District, State, PIN Code].

According to the records, he/she has lived at the mentioned address since [Year].

This certificate is issued for [purpose, e.g., school admission/government scheme application/domicile proof].

Authorized Signature
[Name & Designation]
[Seal of the Authority]

4. Bonafide Certificate for Internship/Training

[Institution Letterhead]

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that Mr./Ms. [Student Name], Roll No. [Roll No.], is a bonafide student of [Course Name], [Year], at [Institution Name].

He/She is required to undergo an internship/training as part of the curriculum from [Start Date] to [End Date].

This certificate is issued for applying to an internship/training program.

Signature of Head of Department/Principal
[Name & Designation]
[Seal of Institution]

5. Bonafide Certificate for Travel Concessions

[Institution Letterhead]

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that Mr./Ms. [Student Name], Roll No. [Roll No.], is a bonafide student of [Institution Name], studying in [Class/Course], for the academic year [Year].

He/She travels regularly from [Home Location] to [Institution Location] using [Mode of Transport, e.g., train/bus].

This certificate is issued for the purpose of availing travel concession on public transportation.

Signature of Principal/Registrar
[Name & Designation]
[Institution Seal]

6. Bank Bonafide Certificate

[Institution Letterhead]

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that Mr./Ms. [Student Name], Roll No. [Roll No.], is a regular bonafide student of [Institution Name] pursuing [Course Name].

This certificate is issued for the purpose of opening a student bank account at [Bank Name].

Signature of Principal/Registrar
[Name & Designation]
[Seal of Institution]

7. Library Bonafide Certificate

[Institution Library Letterhead]

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that Mr./Ms. [Student/Faculty Name], ID No. [Library ID or Roll No.], is a bonafide member of [Library Name] at [Institution Name].

This certificate is issued for record/verification purposes.

Signature of Librarian
[Name & Designation]
[Library Seal]

8. Insurance Bonafide Certificate

[Institution or Employer Letterhead]

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that Mr./Ms. [Full Name], [Student/Employee ID], is a bonafide [student/employee] of [Institution/Company Name] and has been associated with us since [Start Date].

This certificate is issued for the purpose of applying for [insurance type, e.g., student health insurance/corporate insurance benefits].

Signature of Authorized Official
[Name & Designation]
[Seal of Institution/Company]

Uses of Bonafide Certificate

A bonafide certificate serves as proof of membership in an organization. It is often required in the following situations:

  • Companies may partner with businesses to offer extra benefits. For example, a company might work with a taxi service to provide employee discounts. Workers can prove their eligibility with this certificate.
  • Students looking to get student discounts from public transport agencies, such as city buses, local trains, and metros, may need to present this certificate when applying for the discount.
  • This certificate may also be necessary when applying for a passport.
  • Visa applications sometimes need this certificate, especially if students studying abroad require a separate student visa or an employee needs a work visa.
  • Some lending institutions offer loans to students at lower rates. Students may need to show this certificate to access this benefit.
  • When applying for a driving license, applicants may need to provide a bonafide certificate as extra ID proof.
  • Certain conferences, seminars, or similar events are exclusively for students or employees, and access to these events may require this certificate.
  • It is also used to apply for various student scholarships.
  • The bonafide certificate plays a significant role in many administrative tasks. This includes changing schools, gaining admission to an educational institution, applying for loans, switching jobs, and obtaining travel documents like passports or visas.

Who Demands a Bonafide Certificate?

A genuine certificate is an essential document frequently used in locations where authorization from the individual’s present institution or organization is needed. Because of this, a legitimate certificate is commonly required by a large number of institutional and organizational organizations as well as individuals. Below are some instances of organizations and individuals that need a legitimate certificate.

  • Government Organizations: Government organizations may need legitimate certificates for various reasons, such as confirming a student’s or worker’s eligibility for grants, scholarships, or other government benefits. They might also be used as documentation of residency to obtain ration cards or local identity cards.
  • Banks and Financial Institutions: When opening bank accounts, applying for loans, or obtaining other financial services, banks and financial institutions rely on genuine certificates to confirm the applicant’s name, address, and position as a student or employee. This verification procedure lowers risks and helps to verify the applicant’s legitimacy.
  • Employers: Employers frequently ask to see genuine certificates during the hiring process to confirm a candidate’s employment status, title, and experience. These certifications may also be essential for processing leave requests, obtaining employee benefits, and running background checks.
  • Educational Institutions: Educational institutions use genuine certificates to track students’ academic progress, maintain correct student data, and keep internal records. They are also essential in the issuance of formal documents that require student identity verification, such as migration certificates and transcripts.
  • Immigration Authorities: Genuine certificates are frequently needed when people apply for passports, visas, or other travel-related documentation. These credentials offer proof of the applicant’s affiliation with a school or organization, which helps determine their eligibility and the purpose of travel.
  • Students: Genuine certificates are proof of current enrollment and are necessary paperwork for various academic pursuits. These are frequently needed to participate in conferences or seminars, apply for scholarships, obtain education loans, pursue further education overseas, and take competitive tests. Furthermore, students may require them for validation purposes, including dorm accommodations, student discounts, or involvement in programs exclusive to them.

Bonafide Certificate Attestation

  1. Attestation is necessary to prove the authenticity of documents needed for submission to a foreign university, school, or company for education or employment.
  2. A bonafide certificate, such as a degree certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance certificate, or any other document that goes through the attestation process, is attested to confirm its authenticity.
  3. The relevant State Government Department attests this document, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the embassy of the country you are going to.
  4. If you plan to use a bonafide certificate in any UAE state, you also need a MOFA attestation and other attestations.
  5. Government authorities accept applications for certificate attestations through an authorized agency, Superb Enterprise Pvt. Ltd (SEPL).
  6. This agency is officially approved by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to assist people in completing their document attestation without any issues.
  7. If you need attestation on your certificate, you can either courier it or visit an SEPL service center located in every state of India.

Process for Bonafide Certificate Attestation in India

To make your Bonafide certificate valid and genuine, you must also use the attestation service on the certificate. You must follow legal procedures to make your certificate valid. Here are the steps to complete the attestation service for a Bonafide certificate in India:

1. Notary Attestation (Local Level)

Where to go: The nearest local notary office is usually in a district court or legal complex.

What happens:

  • Present your original Bonafide Certificate.
  • A Notary Public verifies the document.
  • The notary stamps and signs the certificate.

Purpose: Confirms that a legitimate institution issues the certificate and that you are the rightful holder.

2. SDM Attestation (Sub-Divisional Magistrate)

Where to go: SDM office of your district.

What happens:

  • Submit your notary-attested Bonafide Certificate.
  • The SDM office checks the document further.
  • The SDM or assigned officer gives an official seal and signature.

Purpose: SDM attestation adds another layer of government validation before central-level attestation.

3. MEA Attestation (Ministry of External Affairs)

Where to go: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or its approved outsourcing agents like VFS Global or BLS International.

What happens:

  • Submit the SDM-attested document.
  • MEA officials check the previous attestation chain.
  • An official MEA stamp and signature are applied.

Purpose: MEA attestation is required for using documents internationally (for studying, working, or settling abroad).

4. Embassy Attestation (Country-Specific)

Where to go: Embassy or Consulate of the country where you plan to use the certificate.

What happens:

  • Submit your MEA-attested Bonafide Certificate.
  • The embassy reviews all previous attestations.
  • The document gets a final embassy seal, signature, or sticker.

Purpose: Confirms that the certificate is now valid in the host country’s legal system.

Summary of the Attestation Flow

Bonafide Certificate ➝ Notary ➝ SDM ➝ MEA ➝ Embassy

Documents Required for Bonafide Application

For Students

  1. A Copy of the School ID
  2. Application Form
  3. Admission Receipt
  4. Fee Receipt
  5. Marksheet

For Employees

  1. Employee ID card
  2. Pay Slip
  3. PAN Card

Bonafide Certificate Application for Aadhaar Card & Passport

  • This letter should contain your name, age, and contact details. It should also mention that you need the certificate to apply for an Aadhar card, provided you have all the other required documentation. The letter should also include the reason you are requesting an Aadhar number.
  • While drafting an application for a Bonafide certificate for a passport, keep the following points in mind: You must first write an application with the format specified. Ensure that all the required data is present and that it is both comprehensible and easy to read. The application must be addressed to the head of your department. Also, be sure to submit all relevant supporting documentation, such as your student ID card, achievement certificates, marksheets, etc.

Get Your Bonafide Certificate Today!

Our world is brimming with opportunities, particularly for the youth and aspiring individuals. This certificate is so valuable because it allows one to follow one’s goals and desires. It is important in a student’s life, and employees at any level of their careers might also need it.

This certificate allows and enables you to pursue promising opportunities, further education, or request a loan, passport, or visa. No other paper is as meaningful and beneficial as this one in that regard. So, without any delay ask your concerned institute or company to issue your Bonafide certificate letter as soon as possible.

And for more career tips and useful information view our more blogs on Career Advice.

Conclusion

In a world increasingly focused on digital verification and strict documentation, a bona fide certificate remains a vital proof of identity and association. Whether you are a student applying for a scholarship, an employee needing official verification, or someone accessing public services, this simple document can create many opportunities.

By understanding its format, purpose, types, and how to apply for it, you can avoid unnecessary delays and show that you are organized and prepared. As organizations become stricter with their documentation requirements, having a valid bona fide certificate ready can save you time, stress, and missed chances.

The next time you are asked for one, whether for travel concessions, a visa, or a job application, you will know exactly what to do.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Why is a Bonafide certificate important?

Ans. Generally, this certificate serves as evidence of the institution, organization, or business of which a person was a part, possibly as a student or an employee. Therefore, to put it simply, this certificate demonstrates that a person was formerly in association with a specific institution. In addition, it’s necessary for various additional causes, such as applying for student loans, getting a new job, and taking advantage of government initiatives.

How do I issue a Bonafide certificate?

Ans. This certificate is provided by a company attesting that a specific individual is a part of that organization. Typically, this certificate is for students from academic institutes. It is also for workers of companies. For students to get this certificate, they must speak with the admin office of their school. Employees need to ask their HR to make the certificate.

What is the need for Bonafide Certificate?

Ans. The following circumstances may necessitate the use of these certificates:

For Students
1. Submitting a college application
2. Application for visa and passport
3. Applications for scholarship programs
4. Extension of visa
5. Participating in conferences, workshops, and lectures at other colleges

For Working Personnel
1. Searching for a new role at your place of employment
2. Changing jobs
3. Applications for loan
4. Establishing a bank account

Do colleges give Bonafide certificate?

Ans. Yes, colleges issue the certificate for the students enrolled in their institute. Both regular and off-campus students can apply for this certificate. For example, applying for college, visa, passport bank loan, bank account enrolment in a library, workshop, job change, and many other reasons.

Are Bonafide and TC the same?

Ans. A Transfer Certificate (TC) is issued after a student leaves an institution, confirming their attendance during specific dates. In contrast, a bonafide certificate is issued while the student is still enrolled, verifying their current status and class.

Who will issue a bonafide certificate?

Ans. A Bonafide certificate from an accredited institution verifies that a student is currently enrolled. It’s a legal document used for admissions to other institutions.

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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