Domicile Certificate: Everything You Need to Know

A domicile certificate is an official document that proves that a person is a resident of a particular state or union territory (UT) in India. The respective state governments or UT administration issues this certificate. Individuals require this certificate to avail the benefits of government schemes and for admission or scholarships in schools or colleges.

Key Takeaways

• A domicile certificate is an official document to prove that a person is a resident of a particular state/UT.
• The respective state governments/UT administration issues this certificate.
• Individuals require this certificate to avail the benefits of government schemes and for admission or scholarships in schools or colleges.

What is a Domicile Certificate?

The state governments issue a domicile certificate to the residents of the respective state. The certificate indicates that the individual is a permanent resident of that state. Generally, the designated authorities of the state government/UT issue the domicile certificate, such as the Tehsildar officer, revenue department officer, District Magistrate (DM), Sub Divisional Officer (SDO), Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or circle officer.

The domicile certificate plays a significant role in availing of the benefits and scholarship schemes implemented by the state governments. Individuals must produce the domicile certificate as proof of residence to avail of resident or domicile quotas in government service, jobs, and educational institutions.

Benefits of Domicile Certificate

The various purposes of a domicile certificate are as follows:

1. It is required to purchase property, such as land or house, under a government scheme or government allotment.
2. It acts as a KYC document.
3. It is crucial for students while taking admission or for obtaining scholarships in schools, universities, or educational institutions.
4. It can be given as residential address proof while applying for a loan.
5. It is required for establishing businesses funded by state government institutions.
6. It is required to avail resident quota benefits in government jobs and educational institutions.

Eligibility for Domicile Certificate

The eligibility for obtaining a domicile certificate varies from state to state. However, below are the general eligibility requirements to apply for a domicile certificate:

1. The applicant’s parents must be permanent residents of the state/UT, or the applicants must reside in the state/UT for at least three or 15 years (varies according to the state in which it is applied).
2. Applicants should own property in the state/UT.
3. Applicants’ names must be on the voter’s list of the state/UT.
4. Female applicants can apply for the domicile certificate of the state/UT where the husband resides after marriage.

Who can apply for Domicile Certificate?

The eligibility criteria for obtaining a domicile certificate varies from state to state. However, below are the general eligibility requirements to apply for a domicile certificate:

1. The applicant’s parents must be permanent residents of the state/UT, or the applicants must reside in the state/UT for at least three or 15 years (varies according to the state in which it is applied).
2. Applicants should own property in the state/UT.
3. Applicants’ names must be on the voter’s list of the state/UT.
4. Female applicants can apply for the domicile certificate of the state/UT where the husband resides after marriage.

Documents required for application

The documents required to apply for a domicile certificate vary from state to state. However, below are some of the common documents that are required:

1. Proof of identity such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID card, etc.
2. Proof of address such as electricity bill, water bill, telephone bill, etc.
3. Birth certificate or school leaving certificate.
4. Passport size photographs.

How to Apply for a Domicile Certificate?

Eligible applicants can apply for a domicile certificate online and offline. The process to apply for a domicile certificate varies from state to state. Below is the general application process for a domicile certificate online and offline.

Online Application Process

1. Visit your respective state’s official website.
2. Click on “Apply Online” under “Domicile Certificate.”
3. Fill out all necessary details such as name, address, date of birth, etc.
4. Upload all required documents such as identity proof, address proof, etc.
5. Submit your application form.

Offline Application Process

1. Visit your nearest Tehsildar office or revenue department office.
2. Collect an application form from there.
3. Fill out all necessary details such as name, address, date of birth, etc.
4. Attach all required documents such as identity proof, address proof, etc., with your application form.
5. Submit your application form.

How to check Domicile Certificate status?

The process to check the status of a domicile certificate varies from state to state. However, below is the general process:

1. Visit your respective state’s official website.
2. Click on “Check Status” under “Domicile Certificate.”
3. Enter your application number and other necessary details.
4. Click on “Submit.”

How to download Domicile Certificate?

Eligible applicants can download their domicile certificates online and offline.

Online Download Process

1. Visit your respective state’s official website.
2. Click on “Download” under “Domicile Certificate.”
3. Enter your application number and other necessary details.
4. Click on “Submit.”
5. Download your domicile certificate.

Offline Download Process

1. Visit your nearest Tehsildar office or revenue department office.
2. Collect your domicile certificate from there.

What is the difference between a domicile certificate and a residence certificate?

A domicile certificate and a residence certificate are two different documents that serve different purposes. A domicile certificate is an official document that proves that a person is a resident of a particular state or union territory (UT) in India. The respective state governments or UT administration issues this certificate. On the other hand, a residence certificate is proof that an individual resides in the current residence, which can be permanent or temporary ¹².

In summary, while a domicile certificate proves that an individual is a permanent resident of a particular state/UT, a residence certificate proves that an individual resides in the current residence, which can be permanent or temporary.

Conclusion

A domicile certificate is an essential document that proves one’s residency in India’s respective states and UTs. This article provides information about what it is, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to obtain it both online and offline.