Encumbrance Certificate (EC) Tamil Nadu: How to Apply, Download & Status Check

By Mayashree Acharya

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Updated on: Mar 27th, 2025

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4 min read

The Encumbrance Certificate Tamil Nadu is an essential legal document. It safeguards a buyer from legal disputes and helps property owners obtain loans and sell or lease their properties more easily.

If you are looking for detailed information on EC certificate TN, read this blog carefully. Here, you will learn about the types, how to apply, processing time, fees, and much more. 

Tamil Nadu Encumbrance Certificate (EC)

An Encumbrance Certificate Tamil Nadu is an official document issued by the Sub-Registrar's office where the property is located. This certificate provides vital information regarding ownership of the property, as well as any transactions associated with it, and if there are financial or legal claims against it. An Encumbrance Certificate TN serves as proof of the original owner of a property and helps prevent legal disputes.

Getting an Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu is essential when purchasing or selling real estate. It is also necessary when you apply for a home loan or use your property for a mortgage. The EC is required for all types of properties (residential), such as apartments, plots, and villas.

Types of Encumbrance Certificates in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has two main types of Encumbrance Certificates, which are provided below.

Form 15

Form 15 is issued when a property has registered encumbrances such as sale, loan, or partition. You need to obtain Form 15 if there are some transactions related to the property during a specific timeframe. This certificate provides a detailed account of all property transactions, including sales, purchases, mortgages, leases, and gifts. 

Form 15 generally covers a period of up to 30 years. It documents the history of the property, indicating any active legal or financial obligations against the property for the period for which it is obtained.

Form 16

Form 16 is issued when a property has no registered encumbrances during the specified time. You can get a Form 16 in case there are no recorded transactions against the property within a given period. This certificate indicates that the property is free from any legal dues or financial liabilities for that duration. 

Form 16 is useful, particularly for the buyers. It ensures that the property is free from disputes and liabilities. It covers a longer timeframe, usually exceeding 30 years. 

How to Apply for an Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu?

You can apply for Encumbrance Certificate Tamil Nadu in both online or offline methods:

Online Application Process

Step 1: Visit the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai website.

Step 2: If you do not have an account, you must create one by clicking the ‘New User’ link and entering the required information. After you register, you must log in using the credentials.

Step 3: Go to the ‘Services’ section and click the ‘Inspector General of Registration’ option from the list.

Step 4: Click on the ‘Issue of Encumbrance Certificate’ option.

Step 5: Fill out the required information, such as EC start and end dates, zone, sub-registrar office, district, and other details of your property and click ‘Submit’.

Step 6: Make the payment and print the receipt containing the department reference and transaction number.

Offline Application Process

Step 1: Go to your Sub-Registrar office, where the property is registered.

Step 2: Collect Form 22 and complete it with the necessary property details and personal information.

Step 3: Submit the required documents, such as Form 22, title deed information, address proof and other documents (if required).

Step 4: Pay the fees based on the encumbrance period you have requested.

Step 5: After submission, you will get an acknowledgement slip confirming your application.

Processing Time for Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu

When you apply for an Encumbrance Certificate online in Tamil Nadu, the processing takes approximately 2 to 5 working days. If you apply offline at a Sub-Registrar office, the processing time ranges from 15 to 30 days. This is due to manual handling and verification processes in offline applications.

How to Check Encumbrance Certificate Status in Tamil Nadu?

To check the status of your EC certificate, you have to follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai website.

Step 2: Login by clicking ‘User Login’ and entering your credentials.

Step 3: Click on the ‘Dashboard’ tab to view the status of the Encumbrance Certificate application in Tamil Nadu.

How to Download Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu?

To download an Encumbrance Certificate (EC) in Tamil Nadu, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai website.

Step 2: Login by clicking ‘User Login’ and entering your credentials.

Step 3: Go to the ‘Services’ section and click the ‘Inspector General of Registration’ option from the list.

Step 4: Click on the ‘EC Download’ option.

Step 5: Enter the application number and click ‘Calculate EC Fee details’ 

Step 6: Make payment and click ‘Submit’.

Step 7: Click ‘Print IGR EC Download’ to download the EC in PDF format.

Fees for EC Certificate in TN

The table provides fees for EC Certificate in Tamil Nadu:

ParticularsCharges
Application FeeRs. 1
General search over Subsequent YearsRs. 5 
General Search Fee (1st Year)Rs. 15
Computerised fees Since 1987 Rs. 100

Non-Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu

A Tamil Nadu Non-Encumbrance Certificate is a critical document indicating that the property has no financial obligations and legal cases. The certificate is crucial for several reasons, including obtaining home loans and facilitating clear property transactions. 

An Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu is essential, especially when you want to get a loan against your property or sell it to others. It details all the legal and financial transactions done against the property. It also indicates if the property is free from encumbrances and ensures that it is safe to proceed with the sale transaction of the property to the buyer.

Similar Articles:
1. Encumbrance Certificate (EC) Karnataka
2. Encumbrance Certificate (EC) AP
3. Encumbrance Certificate (EC) Kerala

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Encumbrance Certificate (EC) in Tamil Nadu?

An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) in Tamil Nadu is a legal document that verifies the ownership of a property and confirms that it is free from any legal or financial liabilities.

How to apply for an Encumbrance Certificate online in Tamil Nadu?

To apply for an Encumbrance Certificate online in Tamil Nadu, you can visit the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai website. You can register with your details, log into the website, click the ‘Services’ section and select the ‘Inspector General of Registration’ option. Next, click on the ‘Issue of Encumbrance Certificate’ option. Fill in the form, complete payment, and submit your application for processing.

How can I download the Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu?

To download the Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu, log into the Tamil Nadu e-Sevai website. Click the ‘Services’ section and select the ‘Inspector General of Registration’ option. Next, click on the ‘EC Download’ option. Enter the required information and click ‘Print IGR EC Download’ to download the EC.

How long will it take to get an Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu?

In Tamil Nadu, the Encumbrance Certificate (EC) typically takes 2-5 working days for online applications, while offline applications may require 15-30 days for processing. 

What is the validity of the Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu?

An Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu is valid for up to 30 years from the date of issue.

What documents are required for EC in Tamil Nadu?

The documents required for an Encumbrance Certificate in Tamil Nadu are property title deeds, property address proof, etc. You may also be required to submit any other relevant documents as requested.

About the Author

I am an advocate by profession and have a keen interest in writing. I write articles in various categories, from legal, business, personal finance, and investments to government schemes. I put words in a simplified manner and write easy-to-understand articles. Read more

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