Each state provides certain benefits to its residents and therefore, it is important to know who are residents of a particular state. Domicile certificate plays an important role in determining the state-wise resident status. This enables people to take the benefit of state government schemes and even to students for admission to schools, colleges and universities. Let’s understand the domicile certificate meaning, its significance and how you can obtain one.
What is a Domicile Certificate?
Domicile certificates are state-level residency certificates. These are issued by the state governments to the residents of their respective states irrespective of religion, language, caste or creed. The purpose of a domicile certificate is to indicate that the person is a permanent resident of that state. A woman who marries a permanent resident of another state can apply for the domicile certificate of that state.
The domicile certificate is the official legal document that acts as evidence of the permanent residence of any person in a particular state or Union Territory (UT). It is generally issued by the revenue department officer, Tehsildar Officer, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), District Magistrate (DM), Sub District Magistrate (SDM) or the circle officer.
Different Types of Domicile Certificates
The following are the different types of domicile certificates that can be issued to the residents:
1. Domicile by Birth
This certificate is issued to people born in a respective state. Domicile by Birth certificate remains valid till the person chooses permanent residence in any other state in India. The certificate remains valid even if the person moves out of the state for work or education.
2. Domicile by Choice
This certificate is issued to the persons who move out of the state they are born in and choose to apply for the domicile certificate of another state. They shall fulfil the requisite conditions for obtaining the domicile certificate in other states.
3. Domicile by Dependence
This certificate is issued to the wives and children of the person with a domicile certificate in a state. The wives and children are eligible to get the domicile certificate, as their husbands and parents have the domicile certificate of that state.
Benefits of Domicile Certificate
Following are some of the key benefits of having a domicile certificate of any state or Union Territory:
1. Educational Purposes
Domicile certificates are often required for admission to educational institutions, especially for seats reserved for local residents. Further, many states provide scholarships and fee concessions to local students. A domicile certificate becomes essential to availing of these benefits.
2. Employment Opportunities
Some government jobs and services in states have specific quotas or preferences for local residents. You should have a domicile certificate to claim these reservations. Also, certain professional courses and examinations may have domicile requirements for eligibility.
3. Residential Quotas
Domicile certificates may be necessary for applying to state government housing schemes or availing subsidies for housing. Some states also provide reserved quotas for local residents when allocating residential plots or lands.
4. Government Services and Welfare Programs
Domicile certificates are often required for availing benefits under various government welfare programs and schemes. State governments launch programs to benefit the residents of their states and therefore, it is important to present the domicile certificate.
5. Legal Rights
While a domicile certificate is not the same as a voter ID, it can be used as one of the documents to establish residence for voter registration.
6. Caste and Community Benefits
Domicile certificates are sometimes linked to caste and community certificates, making individuals eligible for reservations and benefits based on their social category. Further, certain financial aids and assistance are provided based on the individual’s caste and community status and a domicile certificate may be required to establish eligibility.
7. Social and Cultural Activities
Domicile certificates may be necessary for participating in local cultural and social events, especially those organised or sponsored by the state or local authorities. It also serves as a form of recognition and acknowledgement of one’s association with a particular state or union territory.
How to Get a Domicile Certificate?
You can get a domicile certificate online as well as offline. The process differs with UT/state, so be sure to check your specific UT/state’s process for a hassle-free and easy domicile certificate application.
Domicile Certificate Eligibility
While the eligibility criteria for obtaining a domicile certificate varies with UT/state, here are some general criteria that the applicant should meet for a successful domicile certificate application:
- The applicant’s parents must have been permanent residents of the UT/state for a minimum of three years or 15 years, depending on the UT/state.
- The applicant must own a property in the relevant UT/state.
- The applicant’s name must be mentioned in the voter’s list of the relevant UT/state.
- In case the applicant is a female, she can apply for the domicile certificate of the UT/state where her husband resides post marriage.
Documents Required for Domicile Certificate
The documents required for a domicile certificate can vary with UT/state. Here is a general list of documents you might need for a successful application:
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter card, driving license, passport, ration card.
- Address Proof: Utility bills (electricity, gas, etc.), bank passbook, rent agreement or similar documents.
- Additional Documents: Application form with self-declaration, two passport-size photographs, birth certificate, affidavit from the court or Tahsildar, school leaving certificate.
How to Download a Domicile Certificate Online?
The process of downloading a domicile certificate online can vary with UT/state. However, here are some general steps to follow:
Step 1: Navigate to your UT/state’s official e-district website
Step 2: You might be required to sign up or log in to your account on the website to download the certificate.
Step 3: Follow the steps on your screen and download the domicile certificate.
How to Apply for a Domicile Certificate?
By now, you have understood the purpose of a domicile certificate. You can apply for the domicile certificate both online and offline. Here’s the process of online and offline application for a domicile certificate:
A) Online Application
1 – Visit the official website of your state government or Union Territory
2 – Search and select the option ‘Apply Certificates Online’
3 – Sign in with your user ID or password. If you haven’t created your account, then search for the ‘Register’ or ‘Create Account’ option.
4 – Select ‘Apply for Services’ under the ‘Apply Online’ tab.
5 – Click on ‘Apply’. An application form will appear.
6 – Fill in all the details as required in the application form. Then submit the application.
7 – An acknowledgement number will be generated after submitting the application form. 8 – Save the acknowledge number for future reference and for downloading the domicile certificate. You can also track your application status online.
B) Offline Application
You need to make an application in any of the following government offices:
1 – Revenue Department Officer
2 – Tehsildar Officer
3 – Sub Divisional Officer (SDO)
4 – District Magistrate (DM)
5 – Sub District Magistrate (SDM)
6 – Mamlatdar Office
7 – Collector or Deputy Collector’s Office
8 – Registrar or Sub Registrar Office
9 – Citizen Service Corners (CSC)
You need to apply by filling in all the relevant details and submitting all the required documents. The concerned officer will provide you with the acknowledgement after submission of the form.
In a Nutshell
The importance of a domicile certificate cannot be undermined if you wish to avail yourself of the governmental benefits and your state-specific schemes. This acts as proof of your residential status in a specific state. Different types of domicile certificates allow you to transfer your residential status from one state to another. This ensures that you don’t face any hurdles in education or work in other states as well. You can check the domicile certificate format on the government website. For more useful information, visit TATA Capital blogs!
FAQs on Domicile Certificate
How Can I Obtain A Document Of Maharashtra Domicile Online?
Here’s how you can obtain the document:
Step 1: Visit the official Aaplesarkar’s website.
Step 2: Register or log into your account and select your district.
Step 3: Click on ‘Revenue Department’.
Step 4: Select ‘Domicile Certificate’ and click ‘Apply’.
Step 5: Fill out the application form, cross-check all details and click ‘Submit’.
How to immediately get a domicile certificate?
You can apply for your domicile certificate immediately by filling out the application online on your UT/state’s official website. However, it can take a few days for your application to be processed and the certificate to be issued.
Is a domicile certificate required for the NEET exam?
Yes, a domicile certificate is required for the NEET exam’s application in case you’re applying for state quota seats in a medical or dental educational institute.
How to check domicile certificate status?
You can check your domicile certificate’s status by logging into your UT/state’s official website, selecting the option of tracking application or status and feeding in your acknowledgement number.
Who issues a domicile certificate?
The domicile certificate is issued by a designated UT/state authority such as the Tehsildar officer, District Magistrate (DM), Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), revenue department office, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or circle officer of the relevant UT/state.
09 September 2024
8 mins read
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