A domicile certificate is a legal and official document that proves the residency of any individual in any specific State or Union Territory. The State/UT Government issues this certificate to individuals to obtain Government scheme benefits and also for scholarships/admissions in colleges or schools at times. The certificate states that the individual is a permanent resident of the State/UT in question.
Knowing more about the domicile certificate
Here are some other vital aspects of domicile certificates:
• Designated Government authorities issue these certificates, including the revenue department officer, Tehsildar, District Magistrate, Sub Divisional Magistrate, circle officer, or Sub Divisional Officer among others.
• The domicile certificate has to be shown as residence proof to get domicile/resident quotas in Government jobs/service and educational institutions.
• It may be necessary for buying a house or land under any Government allotment or scheme.
• It functions as a KYC document, often helping while applying for a loan.
• Students may require the same for getting scholarships in educational institutions.
• The domicile certificate is also vital while setting up any business that has obtained funding from the State Government.
Eligibility Guidelines
Here are the usual eligibility guidelines (they may vary across Indian States):
• Applicant’s parents should be permanent residents of the UT/State. Alternatively, the applicant should be residing in the UT/State for at least 3/15 years (varies as per the State).
• Applicant should own property in the UT/State.
• The name of the applicant should be in the voter list of the UT/State.
• Female applicants may apply for the domicile certificate in the UT/State where their husbands stay after marriage.
Getting a Domicile Certificate
Applicants may apply both offline and online. The procedure varies across States. The usual steps may include the following:
• Applicants have to register on the official UT/State website and then login with their details.
• They will find Domicile Certificate in the Services or other relevant tabs.
• They have to fill up the form and upload documents before submitting the same.
• They should keep the acknowledgment number carefully.
• The certificate will be issued by the authorities after the application is reviewed.
If applying online, the certificate may be obtained from the DM/SDM/Collector/Deputy Collector/Revenue/Tehsildar office. It may also be available from the registrar/sub-registrar office or the CSC/Mamlatdar office. Applicants should get the form, fill it up, and submit it with all required documents and fees if necessary. The acknowledgement number will be issued accordingly. The domicile certificate is usually issued within 7-15 days, depending on the UT/State.
Documents Required
Some of the documents required (they may vary from one State to another) usually include:
• Identity Proof (Aadhar/PAN/Driving License/Passport/Voter ID Card/Ration Card)
• Address Proof (Rent Agreement/Bank Passbook/Utility Bills)
• Application Form and Self-Declaration
• Birth Certificate
• School-Leaving Certificate
• Affidavit from Tehsildar or Court
• Two Passport-Sized Photographs
How long is it valid?
The domicile certificate will have legal validity for the lifetime of the individual, unless he/she shifts and permanently resides in any other Union Territory or State. Some States also issue these certificates based on the purpose of the application of the individual. The minimum validity in these cases will be 6-12 months or more.
It is evident that the domicile certificate is a crucial document for permanent residents of any State or Union Territory. You should know the procedure to obtain the same whenever necessary.
