An official certificate that establishes that one is a permanent resident of a particular state or union territory in India is an important document needed for various government related work. In this guide, we talk about the domicile certificate, its importance, how to apply for it online and offline.
What is a domicile certificate?
A domicile certificate is one that certifies that a person is a permanent resident of a particular state or union territory in India. This is issued irrespective of the caste, creed, language or religion.
Do you need domicile certificate for buying property?
This is an important certificate that has to be mandatorily submitted if you wish to avail of any state government backed housing scheme – for instance, the Cidco Lottery offering affordable houses across Navi Mumbai or the Mhada Lottery that is held all over Maharashtra through one can buy housing at affordable prices. In this way, it is an important official document that is required for buying a property.
Are domicile certificate and residence certificate the same?
No. A domicile certificate and a residence certificate are not the same. A domicile certificate gives proof of permanent residency in a state or an union territory and it is mandatory in order to apply for any government housing schemes. On the other hand, a residence certificate verifies the current place of residence place and not the permanent address.
Different types of domicile certificate
There are three different types of domicile certificate:
- Domicile by birth: This domicile certificate is issued to people who are born in a particular state. It is valid even if the person goes to another state for purpose of work. However, if he chooses another state as place of permanent residence, then this domicile certificate will cease to be valid.
- Domicile of dependence: This type of domicile certificate is issued to a woman who is marrying a permanent resident of another state. For instance, if a woman from Tamil Nadu marries a man from Maharashtra, she can apply for domicile certificate of Maharashtra. This is also issued to the children of the person as the parent has domicile of the state.
- Domicile by choice: This type of domicile certificate is issued to people who move out of the state they were born in and moved to another state which became their permanent residence state. The domicile certificate is issued after fulfilling all conditions needed for obtaining a domicile certificate.
What are the advantages of domicile certificate?
- A domicile certificate is needed to buy a land or house announced under the government scheme.
- A domicile certificate has the permanent address that can be used proof of address while applying a home loan.
- A domicile certificate is a KYC document that is used for identification purposes.
Eligibility criteria for applying for domicile certificate
The eligibility to be able to apply for domicile certificate are listed below:
- The applicant or his parents should be a resident of the state or the union territory for at least three to 18 years. This varies according to the rules of the state.
- A domicile applicant should be owner of a property in the state or union territory.
- The applicant’s name should be on the voter’s list of the state or union territory.
How to apply for domicile certificate online?
- Log on to the e-district portal of the state.
- Under services option, look for domicile certificate.
- Fill the application form.
- Upload the supporting documents.
- Pay the fees if required using online payment option.
- Submit the application and you will get acknowledgement number.
- Once the documents are verified, the authorities will issue the domicile certificate.
How to download domicile certificate?
- Enter the portal of the state in which you applied for domicile certificate.
- The certificate will be under download certificate
- Enter the acknowledgement number and you can check the e-certificate, which can be downloaded.
How to apply for domicile certificate offline?
- Visit one of these offices of the authorities who can issue a domicile certificate.
- Fill the form and attach supporting documents.
- Pay the any applicable fees if needed and submit the form.
- Submit the document and get the acknowledgment number.
How to find the domicile certificate number?
You can find the domicile certificate number at the upper corner of certificate. This is either made of numbers, alphabet or is alphanumerical, as per the state’s decision.
What are the details to be filled in a domicile certificate?
A domicile certificate should include:
- Name, gender, address, email, and contact number
- Date of birth, age
- Educational qualifications
- Current address and permanent address
- Place of birth
- Details of parents/ spouse
- Residence details for the number of years based on the eligibility asked by the state
- Details of the property
- Declaration form
- Documents required
What are the documents required for applying for domicile certificate?
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address
- Birth certificate, passport size photos, school leaving certificate, affidavit from court of from the Tahsildar.
Who are the designated authorities to issue domicile certificate?
A domicile certificate can be issued by a
- Tehsildar officer
- Revenue department officer
- District magistrate
- Sub divisional officer (SDO)
- Sub divisional magistrate (SDM)
- Circle officer
Where to apply for domicile certificate for the different states?
| State | Online portal to apply | Offline | Time to get the domicile certificate |
| Andhra Pradesh | https://ap.meeseva.gov.in/IMeeSeva2/IMeesevaHome.aspx | Mandal revenue officer | 7 days |
| Assam | https://edistrict.assam.gov.in/eDistrict/ | Village administrative officer/ Office of the circle officer | 14 days |
| Bihar | https://serviceonline.bihar.gov.in/ | Village administrative officer/ revenue inspector/ circle officer | 15 days |
| Maharashtra | https://aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in/en | Sub-divisional officer/ additional collector/ tahsildar | 15 days |
| Karnataka | https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in/ | Tahsildar/ deputy tahsildar | 7 days |
| Tamil Nadu | https://www.tnesevai.tn.gov.in/ | Sub-Divisional Magistrate/tahsildar office/revenue department/district collector office | |
| Telangana | https://ts.meeseva.telangana.gov.in/meeseva/home.htm | Tahsildar | 7 days |
| Uttar Pradesh | https://edistrict.up.gov.in/edistrictup/index2-en.aspx | District magistrate office | |
| West Bengal | https://edistrict.wb.gov.in/PACE/login.do | Additional district magistrate/ district magistrate/ deputy magistrate/ SDO/deputy collector/ BDO | 3 days |
Housing.com POV
Domicile certificate is one of the most important documents for purchase of property as it is a proof of residency. This document once issued has a lifetime validity, till the time the person decides to move to another state and make a permanent residence there. Note that if there is any disparity in the domicile certificate, one may lose the property in the government scheme that he is looking at buying. It is important that all the information entered for applying of the domicile certificate is correct so that there is no discrepancy.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |