Domicile Certificate: What It Is and How to Obtain One, All You Need to Know
A Domicile Certificate, also known as a residence certificate, is an important document that certifies a person's permanent residence. This certificate is necessary if you have been living in a state for the past 15 years. If you do not have this certificate and need it for any purpose, you can obtain it easily either online or offline.
Documents Required for Domicile Certificate
To create your domicile certificate, you will need the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card: This is the most essential document, as it verifies your identity.
- Ration Card: Having a ration card makes the process of obtaining a domicile certificate much easier.
- Voter ID Card: This important identification document is also required.
- Birth Certificate: You will need a birth certificate. If you don’t have one, you should get it made.
- Passport-Sized Photos: You will need 2 to 3 passport-sized photographs for the application.
If you are from a rural area, you will also need a report from the local patwari.
How to Apply for a Domicile Certificate
Follow these steps to apply for a domicile certificate:
Step 1:
Visit the official website of your state. For instance, if you are a resident of Delhi, go to Edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in.
Step 2:
New users need to register. During registration, you will be asked for information such as your name and phone number.
Step 3:
After creating your account, search for the Domicile Certificate option and click on it. A form will open up.
Step 4:
Fill out the form with the required information, including your name, address, Aadhaar number, etc. After uploading the necessary documents, click on the submit option. You will need to pay a fee ranging from ₹50 to ₹100.
Step 5:
Once your fee and the information you provided are verified, the process will be completed. You can download your Domicile Certificate online after 10 days.
Benefits of Domicile Certificate
- It is a necessary document for land registration.
- Required when purchasing a vehicle.
- Needed for admission to educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and schools.
- Required for applying for loans.
Eligibility for Domicile Certificate
To be eligible for a domicile certificate, the applicant usually needs to have resided in the state or union territory for at least three years, or their parents must be local residents. Note that these eligibility criteria can vary by state and union territory. For example, in Karnataka, an applicant must reside there for seven years before applying.
With this information, you can proceed to obtain your domicile certificate effectively.

