Domicile Certificate – Eligibility, Application Process & Benefits : A domicile certificate is a legal certificate that confirms someone’s residency in a specific state or union territory. It’s issued by the respective state government or union territory administration. People need this certificate to access government schemes, school admissions, or college scholarships. This article covers a domicile certificate, how to apply for one online, and how to download it.
What is a domicile certificate?
In India, state governments provide domicile certificates to residents, regardless of their caste, creed, language, or religion. These certificates confirm that the person is a permanent resident of that state. If a woman marries a permanent resident of another state, she can apply for a domicile certificate.
A domicile certificate is an official document that proves someone’s permanent residency in a state or Union Territory (UT) in India. Usually, authorities like the Tehsildar officer, revenue department officer, District Magistrate (DM), Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), or circle officer issue these certificates on behalf of the state government/UT.
Having a domicile certificate is crucial for accessing benefits and scholarships provided by state governments. It’s needed as proof of residency to qualify for resident or domicile quotas in government jobs, services, and educational institutions.
There are different types of domicile certificates:
Domicile by birth: This is given to people born in a specific state. It remains valid until they choose to establish permanent residency in another state in India, even if they move out of state for education or work.
Domicile by choice: This is for people born in one state but moved to another and fulfill the requirements to obtain a domicile certificate there.
Domicile of dependence: This is for children or spouses of someone who holds a domicile certificate in a state. They can get a domicile certificate based on their parent’s or spouse’s domicile in that state.
Benefits of domicile certificate
A domicile certificate serves several purposes:
1) It’s needed to buy property like land or a house under a government scheme or allotment.
2) It’s used as a KYC document.
3) Students need it for admission and scholarships in schools, universities, or other educational institutions.
4) It can be used as proof of residential address when applying for a loan.
5) Businesses funded by state government institutions may require it for establishment.
6) Accessing resident quota benefits in government jobs and educational institutions is necessary.
Domicile certificate eligibility
The eligibility criteria for obtaining a domicile certificate differ from state to state. However, here are the general requirements:
1) Either the applicant’s parents must be permanent residents of the state/UT, or the applicant must have lived in the state/UT for a certain period, typically three to 15 years (this varies by state).
2) Applicants should own property in the state/UT.
3) The applicant’s name must be on the voter’s list of the state/UT.
4) Women can apply for a domicile certificate in the state/UT where their husband resides after marriage.
How to get a domicile certificate?
Eligible applicants can apply for a domicile certificate online or offline process. The application process may differ depending on the state. Here’s a general overview of how to apply for a domicile certificate online and offline.
How to apply for a domicile certificate online?
Here’s how to apply for a domicile certificate online:
1. Go to the official website of the state/UT (e-District Portal).
2. Register on the website.
3. Log in to your account.
4. Select the ‘Services’ option and choose ‘Domicile Certificate’.
5. Fill out the application form, upload the required documents, pay any fees (if applicable), and submit.
6. After submitting, you’ll receive an acknowledgment number.
Once the application is reviewed by the respective authorities, they will issue the domicile certificate.
How to apply for a domicile certificate offline?
Applicants can apply for a domicile certificate offline by obtaining the application form from various government offices, including:
1) District magistrate office or Sub-divisional magistrate
2)Collector or deputy collector office
3) Tahsildar office
4) Revenue office
5) Citizen Service Corners (CSC)
6) Registrar or sub-registrar Office
Applicants need to complete the domicile application form and submit it along with the required documents and fees (if applicable) to the relevant government offices. Once the form is submitted, the respective officer will provide an acknowledgment number. The authorities will then verify the application and issue the domicile certificate within a specified period, typically 7-15 days, depending on the state where it’s applied for.
Documents required
The documents needed for a domicile certificate vary from state to state. However, the typical list includes:
1) Domicile certificate application form
2) Proof of identity (passport, Aadhaar card, driving license)
3) Applicant’s self-declaration
4) Proof of residence (passport, driving license, ration card, PAN card, Aadhaar card)
5) Age proof (birth certificate, school certificate)
6) Passport-size color photograph of the applicant
7) Proof of education
8) Aadhaar card
9) Stamp as advised by authorities if required
Domicile certificate status check
To check the status of a domicile certificate application online, applicants can log in to the official website of the state/UT where they applied. They need to select the ‘Track Application/Status’ option and enter the application reference or acknowledgment number. The status of the domicile certificate will then be displayed on the screen.
Domicile certificate download
To download the domicile certificate online, applicants can log in to the official website of the state/UT where they applied. They should then select the ‘Download Certificate’, ‘Verify Certificate’, or ‘Certificate Verification’ option and enter the application reference or acknowledgment number. The e-certificate will be displayed, and applicants can download it in PDF form by clicking the ‘Download’ option.
Domicile certificate validity
Normally, a domicile certificate stays valid for life unless the individual moves to another state/UT. Yet, in some cases, states issue domicile certificates based on the intended use. The minimum validity can range from six months to a year.