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Learn How to Apply for a Domicile Certificate: Online/Offline Procedure, Eligibility Criteria, Required Documents

Learn How to Apply for a Domicile Certificate: Online/Offline Procedure, Eligibility Criteria, Required Documents

Last Updated : July 20, 2023, 4:06 p.m.

The government at the state level or Union Territory administration issues a domicile certificate to the locals of a respective state. It shows your permanent residency in the area you reside. Any Indian citizen residing in any state can apply for the same. Coming back to the question, what is domicile certificate? The article will cover the domicile certificate meaning, online application, documents, status check, and how to download the certificate. So, keep reading the article to learn more about the domicile certificate meaning.

What is Domicile Certificate?

So, what is domicile certificate meaning? A domicile certificate is an official document to prove your residency in your respective State or Union Territory. You need the certificate to benefit from government schemes and for admissions or scholarships to schools, colleges, and universities. To obtain a domicile certificate, you should meet the eligibility criteria, which differ from state to state and submit the necessary documents.

What is domicile certificate? A domicile certificate permits you to reside anywhere in a state or Union Territory. You can send your application for a domicile certificate if you have lived in a particular state for above three years and if your parents are also citizens.

How to Apply for a Domicile Certificate?

You can apply for a domicile certificate online and offline. The application procedure differs. The process mentioned below is a general application procedure for a domicile certificate online and offline. Follow the below steps to apply for a domicile certificate:

Online Application Procedure

Follow the steps to apply for a domicile certificate online are as follows:

  • Visit the official State Government or Union Territory Administration portal.
  • Click the Apply Certificates Online option.
  • Register on the official portal if you are a new applicant.
  • Log into your account on the official state government or union territory administration portal with the help of your username and password.
  • Click Services and tap the Domicile Certificate option.
  • The screen will display the application form. Fill out the form and upload the documents.
  • Pay the fees, if applicable and submit it.
  • You’ll receive an acknowledgement number after successfully submitting your application.

Offline Application Procedure

To apply for a domicile certificate online, you can visit the government offices mentioned below and get an application form:

  • Tahsildar Office
  • Office of the Collector or Deputy Collector
  • Revenue Office
  • Office of the District Magistrate
  • Office of the Sub-divisional Magistrate
  • Citizen Service Corners (CSC)
  • Mamlatdar office
  • Office of the Registrar or Sub-registrar

After collecting the form, fill it out, attach the relevant documents, and submit it. Pay the fees to the respective government office. The respective government officer will issue an acknowledgement number upon successfully submitting the form and issue the domicile certificate within the specified tenure.

Eligibility Criteria for a Domicile Certificate

The eligibility requirements for a domicile certificate are as follows:

  • The applicant’s parents should be permanent residents of a state or union territory, or the applicant should be a state resident for three to 15 years (differs depending on the state or union territory it is applied).
  • People applying for the domicile certificate should own residential property.
  • The applicant’s name should be on the state or union territory’s voter list.
  • Females can apply for the certificate of the State or Union Territory where their husbands live after marriage.

Documents Required for Domicile Certificate Application

The documents needed while applying for the domicile certificate are as follows:

Proof of Identification Identification

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Voter Identification Card
  • PAN Card
  • Passport
  • Driving Licence
  • Ration card or any identical identification

Proof of Residential Address

  • Bank Passbook
  • Utility bills, like telephone (postpaid, prepaid or landline), gas, electricity, etc
  • Rent agreement or any identical document

Additional Documents

  • Application form with self-declaration
  • 2 passport-size photographs
  • Affidavit from Court or Tahsildar
  • Certificate of School Leaving
  • Certificate of Birth

How to Check the Application Status of Domicile Certificate?

The status check procedure is as follows:

  • Visit the official State government or Union Territory portal from where you’ve applied for the certificate.
  • Log into your account.
  • Click Track Application/Status, and enter the acknowledgement or the application reference number.
  • The screen will present the status of your domicile certificate application.

How to Download a Domicile Certificate?

The steps to download a domicile certificate are as follows:

  • Visit the official State government or Union Territory portal from where you’ve applied for the certificate.
  • Click the Download Certificate’, Verify Certificate, or ‘Certificate Verification option.
  • Enter the acknowledgement or the application reference number.
  • The screen will display the digital domicile certificate. You can click the ‘Download’ option and download the certificate in a portable document format.

Conclusion

To conclude, what is domicile certificate, a domicile certificate is an authorisation given to the natives of a particular state so that the locals can avail of resident quotas in government schemes, preference in employment, and educational establishments. Even though states offer domicile certificates online, it includes numerous important facts. The designated authorities of the government at the state level, like the revenue department officer, DM, SDO, SDM, or circle officer, issue the certificates. The article answers your query about the domicile certificate meaning.

FAQs

1. How much time does it require to make a domicile certificate?

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

2. How can you get a duplicate domicile certificate online?

If you misplaced your domicile certificate, you can apply for it on the official state government portal.

3. What is the difference between domicile and residence certificates?

The domicile certificate proves that a person is a permanent state resident. In contrast, a residence certificate proves that a person resides in the current residence, permanent or temporary residence. The domicile certificate can be issued only for one permanent address. In contrast, a residence certificate can be issued for permanent or temporary residence addresses.

4. Is a domicile certificate necessary for the NEET exam?

Yes, a domicile certificate is necessary for the NEET exam. It is mandatory when you go for the NEET status quota counselling.

5. What is the legality of a domicile certificate?

Even though a domicile certificate is valid for a lifetime, a few states issue them for one to six years, based on the purpose.

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