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What is Domicile Certificate: A Comprehensive Overview

Writer's picture: Dipali WaghmodeDipali Waghmode

A domicile certificate is a formal document that certifies an individual's residency in a specific state or territory. This certificate is issued by the concerned state governments or UT administration. People need this certificate to receive the benefits of government programs and to be eligible for admission or scholarships to universities or colleges. A domicile certificate's definition, online application process, and download procedure are all covered in this article.

 

Table of Content

 

What is a Domicile Certificate?

In India, residents of each state, regardless of caste, creed, language, or religion, are granted a domicile certificate by the state government. According to the certificate, the person resides in that state permanently. When a woman marries a permanent resident of another state, she may apply for that state's domicile certificate. A domicile certificate is a formal document that attests to an individual's continuous residency in a state or Union Territory (UT) in India. In most cases, the domicile certificate is issued by the designated authorities of the state government or UT, such as the circle officer, Tehsildar officer, revenue department officer, district magistrate (DM), sub-divisional officer (SDO), or sub-divisional magistrate (SDM).

Obtaining the benefits and scholarship programs that the state governments have added depends heavily on the domicile certificate. To be eligible for resident or domicile quotas in government service, employment, and educational institutions, people must present their domicile certificate as proof of residency.  


Why is a Domicile Certificate Needed?

A domicile certificate has many advantages in many facets of life, from buying a home to going to school. Here is a thorough examination of each benefit:


  • Purchase of Real Estate: A domicile certificate is necessary to demonstrate residency eligibility for transactions involving the purchase of real estate, such as land or a home, especially under government allocation programs.


  • As a KYC Document: The domicile certificate is an essential Know Your Customer (KYC) document that confirms an individual's identity and place of residence for banking and other financial services.


  • Benefits of Education: Important for students, the domicile certificate is necessary for admission to local or state-run schools and is crucial for securing scholarships, which guarantee that students take advantage of state educational programs.


  • Loan Application: This certificate expedites the verification process for personal, educational, or home loans by providing reliable proof of residential address.


  • Business Establishment: To receive special benefits and subsidies for residents, entrepreneurs wanting to launch businesses with state government assistance must obtain a domicile certificate.


  • Benefits of the resident quota: Access to resident quota benefits in government employment and educational institutions is essential for enabling people to take advantage of opportunities unique to their community.


Comprehending the purpose of a domicile certificate and applying for one online can significantly streamline access to these advantages, making it an essential document for citizens across multiple states.


Types of Domicile Certificates

The following are the various forms of domicile certificates:


  • Domicile by birth: People born in the state are granted the title of "domicile by birth." Until the person decides to live permanently in another Indian state, this is still in effect. It remains valid if the individual relocates out of state for employment or education.


  • Domicile by choice: People who relocate outside of their birth state and apply for a domicile certificate from another state after meeting the requirements for obtaining one in that state are granted a domicile by choice.  


  • Domicile of dependence: Children or spouses of a person with a domicile certificate in a state are offered a domicile of dependence. Since their parents or spouses reside in that state, respectively, the children or spouses are qualified to obtain the domicile certificate.


Eligibility for a Domicile Certificate

Although each state and UT has different requirements for eligibility, the following general requirements must be fulfilled by the applicant in order for their domicile certificate application to be accepted:

  • Depending on the UT or state, the applicant's parents must have lived there permanently for at least three or fifteen years.


  • The candidate must be a property owner in the state or UT.


  • The voter's list of the applicable state or territory must include the applicant's name.


  • If the applicant is a woman, she may apply for the domicile certificate of the state or territory her husband has lived since they were married.


Documents Required for a Domicile Certificate

States have different requirements for the documents submitted with the domicile certificate. Nonetheless, the following is a typical list of documents for a domicile certificate:

Identity proof, which can be any of the documents listed below:


Address proof, which can be any of the documents listed below:

  • Rent agreement, 

  • Bank passbook, or comparable document

  • Utility bills, including gas, electricity, and phones, among others


Other documents:

  • Self-declaration application form

  •  Birth certificate

  • Two photos the size of a passport

  • Certificate of school leave  

  • a court or tahsildar affidavit.


Steps to Apply for a Domicile Certificate Online


  • Step 1: Go to the state/UT e-District Portal, the UT's official website. 


  • Step 2: Create an account on the state/UT website. 


  • Step 3: Sign in to the state's or Utah's official website.


  • Step 4: Choose "Domicile Certificate" from the "Services" menu.


  • Step 5: Complete the application for a domicile certificate, attach supporting documentation, pay any applicable fees, and submit it.


  • Step 6: Following application submission, an acknowledgement number is given.  

After examining the application, the appropriate authorities will issue the domicile certificate.


Steps to Apply for a Domicile Certificate Offline

Candidates can obtain a domicile application from the government offices listed below to apply for a domicile certificate offline:

  • Tahsildar office

  • Revenue office

  • Sub-divisional or District magistrate office

  • Collector or Deputy 

  • Collector office 

  • Mamlatdar office

  • Citizen Service Corners (CSC) 

  • Office of the Tahsildar

  • Registrar or Sub-Registrar Office

Applicants must fill out the domicile application form and submit it, along with any required documentation and fees, to the relevant government offices. Following the submission of the form, the acknowledgement number will be provided by the relevant officer. The authority will evaluate the application and issue the domicile certificate within the specified time frame, 7 to 15 days, depending on the state applied.


Domicile Certificate Form

Typically, applicants need to complete the following fields on the application for a domicile certificate:

  • Name, sex, email address, and phone number.

  • Age and birthdate.

  • A PIN-protected address that is current and permanent.

  • Details of the husband or father.

  • Place of birth address.

  • Information about education.

  • Details of the previous three, seven, or fifteen years of stay (depending on the applicable state)

  • Details of the business and property.

  • A signature attests to the accuracy and veracity of the information on the form.


Downloading a Domicile Certificate

Applicants can download the certificate online by visiting the state/UT official website, where they can also apply for a domicile certificate. They must enter the application reference or acknowledgement number and choose either the "Download Certificate," "Verify Certificate," or "Certificate Verification" option. After displaying the e-certificate, applicants can click the 'Download' option to download it in PDF format.  


Status Check of a Domicile Certificate

Applicants can access the state/UT official website, which is also where they can apply for a domicile certificate, to check the status of their application online. After choosing the "Track Application/Status" option, they must input the acknowledgement number or application reference. The screen will show the domicile certificate's current status.


Conclusion

It is crucial to have a domicile certificate if you want to take advantage of state-specific programs and government benefits. It serves as evidence of your residency status within a particular state. With different domicile certificates, you can change your residential status from one state to another. It assures that you won't run into any difficulties while working or studying in other states. The government website has the domicile certificate format available for you to view.


FAQ

Q1. What is the use of a domicile certificate?

The domicile certificate is used for several things, including applying for state-sponsored scholarships, applying for government jobs within the state, and getting admitted to educational institutions under the state quota.


Q2. How can I quickly obtain a domicile certificate?

By submitting an online application through the online domicile certificate application section of your state's official government website, you can obtain a domicile certificate quickly. Please be aware that processing times can range from seven to fifteen days.


Q3. Can I apply for a domicile certificate for another family member?

If you have the required paperwork, including identification and proof of residency, you can apply on behalf of a family member. It is helpful for elderly family members or children.


Q4. Is a domicile certificate the same as a residence certificate?

No, these documents are not the same. While a residence certificate may only reflect current living status and may be temporary, a domicile certificate certifies permanent residence in a state or union territory.


Q5. How do I check the status of my domicile certificate application?

Visit the 'Track Application/Status' section on the state's official application portal to check the status. It can be viewed by entering your application reference or acknowledgement number.


Q6. What is a domicile certificate number?

The serial number printed on the domicile certificate is the number associated with it. Although this varies from state to state, it is typically in alphanumeric, numeric, or alphabetical order. The residence certificate number appears on the right-hand side or in the upper corner of the document. Additionally, it could be printed at the certificate's bottom. The domicile certificate issued to applicants contains the domicile certificate number.


Q7. Where do I find my domicile certificate number after issuance?

The issued certificate has your domicile certificate number at the top or side. Having this number on hand is essential for legal and official purposes.


Q8. What is the validity of a domicile certificate?

A domicile certificate lasts a lifetime unless the person relocates to another state or territory. Nonetheless, some states grant the domicile certificate based on a person's needs. A domicile certificate must be valid for at least six months to a year.    


Q9. Is a domicile certificate required for the NEET exam?

You require a domicile certificate to apply for the NEET exam and attend NEET state quota counselling.


Q10. Is a domicile certificate required for DU admissions?

No. Admission to DU requires a school passing certificate rather than a domicile certificate.


Q11. Is a domicile certificate required to buy a property?

 Purchasing real estate in India does not require a domicile certificate. States differ in how important a domicile certificate is, though. To buy real estate, some states, however, might require a domicile certificate. As a result, before the purchase of the property, it is essential to verify the documents that the local Sub-Registrar requires.


Q12. Who issues a domicile certificate?

A domicile certificate is provided by the Tehsildar officer, revenue department officer, district magistrate (DM), sub-divisional officer (SDO), sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), or circle officer of the relevant state or territory.  


Q13. How to get a duplicate domicile certificate online?

It is not possible to obtain a duplicate domicile certificate online. You can, however, reapply for your domicile certificate on the official website of the state government if you have misplaced it.






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