Domicile Certificates: Meaning, Types, Benefits, Documents, Download & Application Process

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Securing a domicile certificate in India is an essential step for citizens, providing essential proof of permanent residence and offering various benefits. Domicile is your fixed, permanent home, indicating where you intend to live. It helps students to get admission in state-funded educational institutions, it also helps individuals to buy real estate in the state along with other benefits.

This blog will discuss the meaning of a domicile certificate, its uses, eligibility criteria, and the application process.

What is Domicile Certificate

A domicile certificate is an important official document establishing an individual's residency in India's specific state or Union Territory (UT). This certificate is proof of your permanent residence, issued by designated authorities like Tehsildar officers, District Magistrates (DM), or revenue department officers.

It holds substantial importance for accessing government schemes, scholarships, and benefits. Whether for securing admission, scholarships, or government job quotas, you need to rely on this certificate as proof of residency, irrespective of caste, creed, language, or religion.

Feature & Benefits of Domicile Certificate

Property Purchase:

A domicile certificate is necessary for acquiring government-scheme properties like land or houses. When you reside in a state or UT in India, it becomes mandatory for you to submit your domicile certificate when buying a land/house to the respective local authorities.

KYC Document:

It serves as a valid KYC (Know Your Customer) document, providing information about an individual's permanent residency. This verification helps in various financial transactions, official procedures, and interactions with institutions, ensuring compliance with regulations and confirming the individual's identity.

Loan Application:

It acts as residential address proof when applying for loans. Banks in your state and other local financial institutions can ask for a domicile when applying for home loans.

Business Establishment:

A domicile certificate is also required for setting up businesses funded by state government institutions.

Quota Benefits:

Last but not the least, with a domicile certificate, you can avail resident quota benefits in government jobs and educational institutions in your state or UT.

Types of Domicile Certificates

Domicile by Birth: This certificate is issued to individuals born in a particular state. It remains valid until they choose to establish permanent residency in any other state in India, even for education or work purposes.
Domicile by Choice: This certificate is granted to individuals who move out of their birth state and apply for a domicile certificate of another state after fulfilling the necessary conditions.
Domicile of Dependence: Children or wives of individuals holding a domicile certificate in a state can apply for this certificate. It makes them eligible for the certificate based on their parents' or husband's domicile.

However, a residence certificate must not be confused with a domicile certificate. There is a difference between domicile and residence certificate, which means that a residence certificate proves that an individual resides in the current residence, which can be permanent or temporary.

Documents Required for Domicile Certificate

Now, if you are thinking about what documents are required for a domicile certificate, Here's a general list of essential documents (although the requirements may vary by state):

Identity Proof (any one):
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Voter card
- Driving licence
- Passport
- Ration card
Address Proof (any one):
- Bank passbook
- Rent agreement or similar document
- Utility bills (telephone, gas, electricity, etc.)
Additional Documents:
- Application form with self-declaration
- Birth certificate
- Two passport-size photographs
- School leaving certificate
- Affidavit from the court or Tahsildar

Eligibility Criteria for Domicile Certificate

Before we discuss how to make a domicile certificate, it is important to know the eligibility criteria. Now, it may also vary from state to state, but here are some standard criteria:

Parental Residency: The applicant's parents must be permanent residents of the state/UT, or the applicant must reside there for a specified duration (usually three to 15 years, depending on the state).
Property Ownership: Applicants should own property within the state/UT.
Voters List Inclusion: The applicant's name must be on the voter's list of the state/UT.
Marital Residency: Female applicants can apply for a domicile certificate based on their husband's residence after marriage.

How to Apply for a Domicile Certificate Online/ Offline?

To obtain a domicile certificate, eligible applicants can follow a simple process, whether applying online or offline. Here's a general guide:

Online Application:

Below is how to apply for domicile certificate online:

Visit the official website of the state/UT (e-District Portal).
Register on the website and log in.
Choose 'Services' and then 'Domicile Certificate.'
Complete the application form, upload required documents, pay fees (if applicable), and submit.
Receive an acknowledgement number after submission.
The authorities will review the application and issue the domicile certificate.

Offline Application:

Below is how to secure a domicile certificate offline:

Collect the domicile application form from designated government offices.
Fill out the form and submit it, along with the required documents and fees, to offices like Tahsildar, the Revenue office, or the District Magister.
Receive an acknowledgement number upon submission.
The respective authority will verify the application and issue the domicile certificate within a specified period (usually 7-15 days).

Note: These steps may vary slightly by state, so applicants should follow the guidelines provided by their respective state/UT.

How to Download a Domicile Certificate Online in Uttar Pradesh

Here’s how to get your domicile certificate in Uttar Pradesh online:

Begin the download of domicile certificate process by visiting the official e-District website of UP government, log in, and choose ‘Citizen Login (eSaathi)’ option.
Enter your application number, and the e-certificate will appear.
Click 'Download' to get your certificate in PDF format.

Also Read: Bhulekh Odisha : Guide About Checking Land records, Verfication of naksha, ROR Online

FAQs About Domicile Certificate

1. How Can I Obtain A Document Of Maharashtra Domicile Online?

Here’s how to do it online:

Visit Aaplesarkar's official site.
Register or log in, choose your district.
Select 'Revenue Department.'
Click 'Domicile Certificate,' then 'apply.'
Fill the form accurately.
Double-check and submit.

2. How To Download Domicile In West Bengal?

To download your domicile certificate in West Bengal, visit the official e-District website, log in with 'Citizen Login (e-Saathi),' and enter your application number. Once displayed, click 'Download' to obtain the certificate in PDF format.

3. Is A Domicile Permit Necessary To Purchase Real Estate In India?

No, it is not necessary to have a domicile to purchase real estate in India. However, the significance of a domicile certificate varies from state to state.

4. Is a domicile certificate compulsory in Bihar?

A Bihar Domicile Certificate is essential to access the benefits offered by different government schemes in Bihar.

5. How much time does it take to get a domicile certificate in Uttar Pradesh?

The time to obtain a domicile certificate in Uttar Pradesh ranges from 15 to 20 days, after you submit the application form.

What is Domicile Certificate Meaning, Required Document How to Apply & Download Online