What is a Domicile Certificate?

Ever tried applying for a government job or college seat in your home state and got told, “Please attach your Domicile Certificate”? Most people in India only hear about domicile certificates when they really need one, and by then, they’re already confused. Think of a domicile certificate like your state’s personal entry badge. It proves that you're not just living in the state, but that you truly belong there, either by birth, by roots, or by long-time residence. Here we will discuss about what is a domicile certificate.

About Domicile Certificate

A Domicile Certificate is an official document issued by the state government in India. It proves that a person is a permanent resident of that specific state or union territory, no matter their caste, religion, language, or background. This certificate is super important if you want to:

• Apply for state government jobs.
• Use the state quota in colleges and universities.
• Get scholarships or benefits provided by your state.

It basically says: "Yes, this person truly belongs to our state."

In simple words, imagine your state is a WhatsApp group. The Domicile Certificate is your group admin’s approval to stay in the group permanently. Without it, you’re just a guest.

Now, think, if you live in Maharashtra and want to prove you truly belong there, you’ll need this certificate. It usually means:

• You were born in Maharashtra, or
• You’ve lived there for many years, or
• Your parents or grandparents are from there.

Even if you weren’t born in the state, you can still apply.

For example, if someone from Punjab marries a person from Kerala and settles there, they may be eligible for a Domicile Certificate of Kerala after living there for a certain number of years. So yes, whether you're a student, jobseeker, investor, or just applying for a government scheme, the Domicile Certificate is your "I belong here" card.

Who Can Get a Domicile Certificate?

Not everyone who has just moved to a state can get a domicile certificate. The government needs to be sure that you really belong there. You’re usually eligible if:

• You were born in the state, or
• You’ve lived there continuously for a certain number of years (often 10–15 years)
• Your parents or grandparents are from that state.

For example, let’s say Ravi is originally from Bihar. He moved to Mumbai two years ago for work. Now he wants to apply for a Maharashtra government job. So, can he get a Domicile Certificate for Maharashtra?

Nope. Two years isn't enough. Most states, like Maharashtra, require at least 10 to 15 years of residence, or some proof of ancestral connection.

Note: Some states allow domicile through schooling, marriage, or family roots, even if you weren’t born there. Always check your state's local rules.

Types of Domicile Certificates

Yes, there’s more than just one type of Domicile Certificate. Depending on how you qualify, there are different categories. Here are the different types of DC, so here are the ones given below,

Domicile by Birth

This is the most common type. It’s issued to a person who was:

• Born in the state
• And whose parents are also permanent residents of that state

Valid even if the person moves to another state for education or work. It remains active until they officially change their permanent residence.

For example, if Riya was born in Tamil Nadu and her parents also live there, she’ll get a Domicile Certificate of Tamil Nadu, even if she moves to Delhi for a job.

Domicile by Choice

This is for people who:

• We were born in another state, but
• Have lived in a new state for a certain number of years
• And now wish to settle permanently

They can apply for a domicile certificate in their new home state after meeting the eligibility rules (like 10–15 years of continuous residence).

For example, Aman was born in Uttar Pradesh but has lived in Maharashtra for 12 years. He can apply for a Maharashtra Domicile Certificate, provided he has the required documents.

Domicile by Dependence

This is for family members of someone who already has a domicile certificate, usually:

• Children
• Wives (in some states, even husbands can apply if the wife is a permanent resident)

For example, if Ravi has a domicile certificate from Gujarat, then his wife and kids can apply for Domicile by Dependence in Gujarat, even if they moved there recently.

Eligibility for a Domicile Certificate

Not just anyone can apply for a domicile certificate. You need to tick a few boxes, depending on where you're applying. Here are the general eligibility conditions followed by most Indian states and union territories. You may be eligible for a domicile certificate if:

• You own a property in a state or union territory.
• Your parents are permanent residents of that state/UT.
• You’ve lived in the state for a specific period, usually 3 years, 10 years, or even 15 years, depending on the state
• You're a married woman, and your husband is a permanent resident of that state.
• Your name is listed on the voter list of the state/UT (Or your parents’ names are, if you're underage)

Benefits of a Domicile Certificate

Here are some benefits of having a Domicile certificate, so let’s have a look at the benefits:

• Used as a KYC document: Needed while opening bank accounts, applying for government schemes, or stock market platforms like Zerodha and Groww.
• Helps in Starting a Business: Required when you're setting up a small business or applying for government startup funding or subsidies in your state.
• Needed for Buying Property Under State Schemes: If you’re buying land, a house, or a flat under any state government allotment scheme, this certificate is a must.
• Resident Quota in Education: Essential for students applying to colleges under state quota seats. Without it, you’ll be treated as an outsider.
• Reserved Quota in Government Jobs: State-level government jobs (like MPSC, UPPSC) often have a resident quota, and this document proves your eligibility.
• Required for Student Scholarships: Especially for post-matric, minority, or merit-based scholarships offered by your state government.
• Used as Residential Address Proof for Loans: Whether it's a home loan, education loan, or personal loan, banks often ask for a domicile certificate as address proof.

How to Apply for a Domicile Certificate Online?

Applying for a Domicile Certificate online is simple if you follow the right steps. Every state or union territory has its own e-District Portal where you can apply.

1. Visit the official website
   Go to the e-District portal or the State Service website of your state/UT.
2. Register yourself
   Click on the “Register” or “New User” option. Fill in basic details like your name, mobile number, Aadhaar, etc.
3. Log in to your account
   Once registered, log in with your username and password.
4. Select the Domicile Certificate service
   Go to the “Services” section or use the search bar, then select “Domicile Certificate” from the list.
5. Fill out the application form
   Enter your personal details, permanent address, duration of stay, and any other info asked.
6. Upload the required documents
   Scan and upload documents like Aadhaar, address proof, birth certificate, etc. (PDF format, usually under 1MB).
7. Pay the application fee (if any)
   Most states charge a small fee, around ₹10 to ₹50. Some may offer it for free.
8. Submit the form
   Double-check everything, then click Submit.
9. Get the acknowledgment number
   Once submitted, you’ll get a unique application/acknowledgment number. Save it, you’ll need it to track your status.

Some states also offer SMS or email updates, so make sure your contact info is correct. In most cases, the certificate will be available to download online in 7–15 working days.

How to Apply for a Domicile Certificate Offline?

If you’re not comfortable with online forms or don’t have internet access, no worries, you can still apply for a Domicile Certificate (DC) offline by visiting your local government office. But first, you need to collect your domicile application form, which you can collect from any of the following government offices:

• Revenue Office
• Mamlatdar Office
• Tehsildar Office
• Citizen Service Centre / Corner
• District Magistrate Office
• Sub-Division Magistrate Office
• Registrar or Sub-Registrar Office
• Collector or Deputy Collector's Office

Offline Application Process

1. Go to your nearest government office (like the Tehsildar or Revenue Office).
2. Ask for the Domicile Certificate application form.
3. Fill the form correctly, include your name, address, years of stay, and family details
4. Attach the required documents: Aadhaar card, address proof, birth certificate/school leaving certificate,  passport-size photo, or any additional documents asked by your local office.
5. Pay the application fee (usually ₹10–₹50, depending on the state).
6. Submit the form and documents to the officer.
7. You will receive an acknowledgment number. Keep it safe to track your application.

After submission, the Domicile Certificate is usually issued within 7 to 15 working days, depending on your state or local office. Always take photocopies of your original documents and carry an extra photo just in case. It can save you from unnecessary return trips.

Document Required in the Domicile Certificate 

While the exact list of documents may vary slightly from state to state, most states in India ask for similar types of proof. Here's the commonly accepted document list you’ll need when applying for a Domicile Certificate (DC).

 Identity Proof

You need to submit any one of the following:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Voter ID
• Passport
• Driving License
• Ration Card

Address Proof

For this, provide any one of these documents that clearly shows your residence:

• Rent Agreement (if you're staying in a rented house)
• Electricity Bill
• Water Bill
• Landline/Telephone Bill
• Bank Passbook with updated address

Additional Supporting Documents

These may be requested depending on your age, background, or local government rules:

• Birth Certificate
• School Leaving Certificate (SLC)
• Application form with self-declaration (signed by the applicant)
• Two passport-size photographs
• Affidavit from the Tehsildar or a First-Class Magistrate (in case of missing records or proof)

Note:

• Always carry originals for verification, even if you're submitting photocopies.
• Scan your documents into PDF format for online applications (under 1MB, ideally).
• Check your state's official portal for any extra requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, here we have mentioned all such details that you have to know about the DC.  And also discusses different types of domicile certificates, how to apply for a Domicile Certificate Online, and many more. We hope the information given in this blog about “What is a Domicile Certificate” is helpful and informative.