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Domicile Certificate — Proof of Residence in a State

A domicile certificate establishes that you are a permanent resident of a particular State. It is required for State quota admissions, State government recruitment and several State welfare schemes.

Issued by State revenue department — tehsildar, SDM or equivalent.

Last updated

Official source last verified 9 August 2026

At a glance

Also called
Residence certificate, permanent resident certificate
Issued by
Tehsildar, SDM or equivalent revenue officer
Typical requirement
Continuous residence in the State for a prescribed number of years
One State only
You can hold domicile of one State at a time
Cost
A nominal State-notified fee
National Government Services Portal — find your State’s certificate serviceThe official portal for this document.https://services.india.gov.in/(opens the official website in a new tab)

What it is for

  • State quota seats in medical, engineering and other professional courses, which are frequently reserved for State domiciles.
  • State government recruitment, where many posts require domicile of that State.
  • State scholarships and welfare schemes limited to residents.
  • Some State land and property provisions.

The residence requirement

Every State sets its own qualifying period of continuous residence, and they differ considerably. Some also allow domicile through a parent’s domicile, through birth in the State, or through a spouse.

Because the rules are State-specific, the only reliable source is your own State’s published requirement. A generic answer will be wrong somewhere.

How to apply

  1. Go to your State’s e-district or revenue services portal.
  2. Start an application for a domicile or residence certificate.
  3. Enter your details, including how long you have lived in the State and at what address.
  4. Upload proof of identity, proof of address, and documents establishing the length of residence — school leaving certificates, land records, voter roll entry or electricity bills are commonly accepted.
  5. Attach a self-declaration or affidavit in the format your State prescribes.
  6. Pay the notified fee, submit, and note the application number. Verification is normally done by the local revenue official.
  7. Download the digitally signed certificate once issued.

Frequently asked questions

What is a domicile certificate used for?
Mainly for State quota admissions to professional courses, State government recruitment, and State scholarships and welfare schemes restricted to residents. It proves that you are a permanent resident of that State rather than a temporary one.
How long must I have lived in a State to get one?
Each State sets its own qualifying period of continuous residence, and they differ. Several States also grant domicile through a parent’s domicile, through birth in the State, or through marriage. Check your State’s published rule rather than assuming a common standard.
Can I hold domicile of two States?
No. You can be domiciled in one State at a time. Holding certificates from two States to claim quota benefits in both is a false declaration and can lead to admission or appointment being cancelled.
Is a domicile certificate the same as a residence proof?
No. A utility bill or rent agreement proves your current address; a domicile certificate is a formal statement by the State revenue authority that you are a permanent resident of that State. Only the latter satisfies a State quota requirement.

Official sources

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