How to Obtain Domicile Certificate

An official document used to prove that a person is a resident of a particular State/Union Territory is known as a domicile certificate. It is also referred to as a residence certificate. This piece of paper is issued by the respective state government or union territory administration, which allows the individual to utilize all the facilities provided by the State and reside peacefully. A domicile certificate is issued to any citizen from any caste, category or group who has been continuously staying in the State for 15 years. An individual can only obtain domicile from one State, and if it is found that they have obtained domicile from more than one State, it will be considered to be an offence.  

Each state or union territory has its issuing authority, the designated authorities of the state or union territory issue a domicile certificate. When a woman marries a person who is a permanent resident of a particular state or UT, she automatically becomes eligible to submit the application for domicile for the same State. The authority to issue domicile can be the Revenue Department Officer, Tehsildar Officer, District Magistrate, SDO, SDM or Circle Officer. A domicile certificate is also needed for admission in educational institutions and plays a crucial role in availing benefits of the scholarship schemes implemented by the state governments.

To get the domicile certificate, an application can be made either online or offline. Most of the states issuing authorities have switched to online processes of the application, making it simpler. An application can be made online using the respective portal provided by each State. However, though many states have started using online modes of application, there are still a few states who prefer offline modes of application made through the designated authorities. 

Online Application 

If an individual is willing to apply for a domicile certificate offline, they need to refer to the respective State's portal. An individual has to be a permanent resident to apply for the same. For example, one can apply online for Maharashtra, through Aaple Sarkar Portal of the Maharashtra Government. Login ID has to be created with completed application requirements to proceed with the application. 

Offline Application

The candidates who prefer to apply offline for a domicile certificate through the concerned state government or union administration can apply through one of the following concerned authorities –

• Tehsildar Office
• Revenue Office

• SDM Office
• Collector/ Deputy Collector Office
• District Magistrate Office
• Mamlatdar Office
• Citizen Service Corners (CSC)
• Registrar/ Sub-Registrar Office

To get the domicile, few documents are required; Identity proof like Aadhaar card, Pan card, voter id, passport and so on, Residence proof like bank passbook, electricity bill, rent agreement, etc., Passport size photo, Self-declaration form, Date of birth certificate and an affidavit.  However, The duration of the residence may differ from State to State. 

Thus to get a domicile/residence certificate, one needs a few essential documents. They can either apply online or offline as per the state rule.