Domicile Certificate - Meaning, Apply Online, Documents Required, Status Check, Download

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. This article provides the meaning of a domicile certificate, applying for a domicile certificate online and the process of domicile certificate download.

What is a domicile certificate?

In India, the respective state governments issue a domicile certificate to the residents of the respective state, irrespective of caste, creed, language or religion. The certificate indicates that the individual is a permanent resident of that state. Women marrying permanent residents of another state can apply for a domicile certificate of that state.

A domicile certificate is an official document that acts as evidence of the permanent residence of a person in a state or Union Territory (UT) in India. 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.  

There are different types of domicile certificate, which are as follows:

• Domicile by birth: This is issued to persons born in the respective state. This is valid until the person chooses a permanent residence in any other state in India. It is valid even if the person moves out of state for education or work.
• Domicile by choice: This is issued to persons who move out of the state they are born in and apply for the domicile certificate of another state after fulfilling the required conditions for obtaining a domicile certificate in that state. 
• Domicile of dependence: This is issued to the children or wives of the person with a domicile certificate in a state. The children or wives are eligible to get the domicile certificate as their parents or husband has the domicile of that state, respectively.

Benefits of domicile certificate

The various purpose of a domicile certificate is as follows:

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

Domicile certificate eligibility

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:

• 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). 
• Applicants should own a property in the state/UT.
• Applicants' names must be on the voter's list of the state/UT.
• Female applicants can apply for the domicile certificate of the state/UT where the husband resides after marriage.

How to get 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.

How to apply for a domicile certificate online?

Step 1: Visit the official website of the state/UT (e-District Portal of the state/UT). 

Step 2: Register on the official website of the state/UT. 

Step 3: Log in to the official website of the state/UT.

Step 4: Select the ‘Services’ option and select the ‘Domicile Certificate’.

Step 5: Fill out the domicile certificate application form, upload the documents, pay the fees (if any) and submit it.

Step 6: An acknowledgement number is provided after submitting the application form. 

The respective authorities will issue the domicile certificate after reviewing the application.

How to apply for a domicile certificate offline?

Applicants can apply for a domicile certificate offline by getting the domicile application form from the below government offices:

• Tahsildar office
• Revenue office
• District magistrate office or Sub-divisional magistrate
• Collector or deputy collector office
• Mamlatdar office
• Citizen Service Corners (CSC)
• Registrar or sub-registrar Office

Applicants must fill out the domicile application form and submit it with the documents and fees (if any) to the respective government offices. The respective officer will issue the acknowledgement number upon submission of the form. The respective authority will verify the application form and issue the domicile certificate within the specified period (usually 7-15 days, depending on the state in which it is applied).

Domicile certificate form

Applicants must generally fill in the following information on the domicile certificate application form:

• Name, gender, email and contact number.
• Date of birth and age.
• Permanent and current address with PIN code. 
• Father’s/husband’s details.
• Address of place of birth.
• Educational details.
• Particulars of stay of last 3, 7 or 15 years (varies according to the state in which it is applied)
• Business and property details.
• Signature for a declaration that the information on the form is true and correct.

Documents required for domicile certificate

The documents required to be given with the domicile certificate vary from state to state. However, the common list of documents for a domicile certificate is as follows:

• Identity proof, which can be any one of the below documents:
  • Aadhaar card
  • PAN card
  • Voter card
  • Driving license
  • Passport
  • Ration card 
• Address proof, which can be any one of the below documents:
  • Bank passbook
  • Rent agreement or similar document
  • Utility bills, such as telephone, gas, electricity bills, etc.
• Additional documents:
  • Application form with self-declaration 
  • Birth certificate
  • Two passport-size photographs
  • School leaving certificate
  • Affidavit from court or Tahsildar

Domicile certificate status check

Applicants can check the domicile certificate application status online by logging into the official website of the state/UT (the same website where they can apply for a domicile certificate). They should select the ‘Track Application/Status’ option and enter the application reference or acknowledgement number. The status of the domicile certificate will be displayed on the screen. 

Domicile certificate number

The domicile certificate number is the serial number printed on the domicile certificate. It is usually in numeric, alphabetical or alphanumeric order (varies from state to state). The residence certificate number is printed on the upper corner or on the right-hand side of the certificate. It may also be printed at the bottom of the certificate. Applicants can get the domicile certificate number from the domicile certificate issued to them.

Domicile certificate download

Applicants can download the domicile certificate online by logging into the official website of the state/UT (the same website where they can apply for a domicile certificate). They should select the 'Download Certificate', or 'Verify Certificate', or 'Certificate Verification' option and enter the application reference or acknowledgement number. The e-certificate will be displayed, and applicants can download it in PDF form by clicking the 'Download' option.  

Domicile certificate format

Below is a sample format of a domicile certificate. However, please note that the domicile certificate format varies from state to state. 

Domicile certificate validity

Usually, a domicile certificate is valid for a lifetime unless the individual moves to another state/UT. However, some states issue the domicile certificate depending on the purpose for which an individual requires it. The minimum validity of a domicile certificate is six months to one year.   

FAQs on Domicile Certificate

How to immediately get a domicile certificate?

You can get a domicile certificate immediately by filling the domicile certificate application online on the official state government website. However, it takes a minimum of 7-15 days to process the application and issue the certificate. 

How to download a domicile certificate?

Any individual can download the domicile certificate by logging into the state's official website, clicking on the 'Download Certificate' or 'Verify Certificate' option, and entering the acknowledgement number.

What documents are required for a domicile certificate?

The documents required to get a domicile certificate differs from state to state. Generally, identity proof, address proof and birth certificate must be submitted for a domicile certificate.   

Is a domicile certificate required for the NEET exam?

Yes, a domicile certificate is required for the NEET exam application when you go for NEET state quota counselling.

How much time does it take to make a domicile certificate?

The time to make a domicile certificate varies from state to state. It usually takes around 7-15 days to process and issue the domicile certificate. 

How to check domicile certificate status?

Any individual can check the domicile certificate by logging into the state's official website, clicking on the 'Track Application/Status' option, and entering the acknowledgement number.

Are domicile and residence certificates the same?

No. The domicile certificate is proof that an individual is a permanent resident of a state, but a resident certificate is proof that an individual resides in the current residence, which can be permanent or temporary. The domicile certificate shows that an individual has a permanent residence in a state/UT, whereas a residence certificate shows that an individual has a current/temporary residence in a state/UT. The residence certificate can be issued for temporary or permanent addresses, whereas a domicile certificate can be issued only for a permanent address.

Who issues a domicile certificate?

The Tehsildar officer, revenue department officer, District Magistrate (DM), Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), or circle officer of the respective state/UT issues a domicile certificate. 

How to get a duplicate domicile certificate online?

You cannot get a duplicate domicile certificate online. However, if you have lost your domicile certificate, you can apply for it again on the state government's official website.

Is a domicile certificate required for DU admissions?

No. A school passing certificate is required for DU admissions and not a domicile certificate.

What is the validity of a domicile certificate?

Generally, a domicile certificate has lifelong validity. However, some states issue them for at least six to one year, depending on the purpose. 

Is a domicile certificate required to buy a property?

Generally, a domicile certificate is not required to buy a property in India. However, the relevance of a domicile certificate varies from State to State. However, some states may insist on a domicile certificate to purchase property. Therefore, it is necessary to check the documents required from the Sub-Registrar of the area before finalising the purchase of the property.

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Domicile Certificate in West Bengal
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