How to Apply for a Domicile / Residence Certificate in Karnataka
Apply for a Karnataka Residence / Domicile Certificate via Nadakacheri (Atalji Janasnehi Kendra) or Seva Sindhu — documents accepted, Village Accountant / Tahsildar verification, and how to download the e-signed certificate.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- nadakacheri.karnataka.gov.in ↗
In Karnataka, the Residence Certificate (used interchangeably with Domicile Certificate) is issued by the Revenue Department through Nadakacheri (nadakacheri.karnataka.gov.in) and listed on the umbrella citizen-services portal Seva Sindhu.
The certificate is required for state quota admissions in Karnataka medical / engineering colleges, state government jobs, and Karnataka-specific welfare schemes.
Field verification is done by the Village Accountant (VA) before the Tahsildar issues the certificate. Most applications are processed within a few working days when documents are clean — clean meaning Aadhaar with Karnataka address, residence proofs in your name, a school TC if applying via schooling, and a properly attested affidavit.
Eligibility
- You have been ordinarily resident in Karnataka for the prescribed minimum period (typically 7+ years), OR you were born in Karnataka.
- You hold valid identity and address proofs in Karnataka.
Required documents
Aadhaar
Primary identity + address proof, ideally with Karnataka address.
Proof of residence in Karnataka
Voter ID, ration card, electricity bill, rent agreement, or property tax receipt with Karnataka address.
Date-of-birth proof
Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or matriculation certificate.
School records
School TC from a Karnataka school strengthens the residence claim.
Parents' residence / domicile certificate (if applying via parental route)
Fast-tracks verification for applicants claiming 'by birth' or via parents.
Self-declaration / affidavit
Standard affidavit declaring continuous residence.
Passport-size photograph
Recent colour photo.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Open Nadakacheri or Seva Sindhu
Use either Nadakacheri (nadakacheri.karnataka.gov.in — the Revenue Department portal) or Seva Sindhu (sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in — the umbrella citizen-services portal).
nadakacheri.karnataka.gov.in ↗ - 2
Choose 'Residence Certificate'
Search 'Residence Certificate' (also called Domicile Certificate). Click Apply.
- 3
Fill the form
Enter name, parents' names, full Karnataka address, district, taluk, and residence period.
- 4
Upload documents
Upload Aadhaar, residence proofs, DOB proof, school TC, photo, and affidavit.
- 5
Pay the fee
Pay online via Karnataka's payment gateway.
- 6
Village Accountant / Tahsildar verification
Application moves to the Village Accountant for field verification, then to the Tahsildar for issue.
- 7
Download the certificate
The digitally signed Residence Certificate is downloadable from Nadakacheri with a unique application number and QR code.
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
nadakacheri.karnataka.gov.in
Common mistakes
- Choosing the wrong portal — Nadakacheri is the primary one; Seva Sindhu is the umbrella but routes back to Nadakacheri for issue.
- Affidavit not on Karnataka stamp paper format — common rejection reason.
- Missing school TC when claiming schooling-based residence.
- Aadhaar address not matching Karnataka address claimed in the form.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Residence and Domicile Certificate?▾
In Karnataka, they are functionally the same. The state Revenue Department issues a Residence Certificate that satisfies Domicile requirements for state quota admissions and government jobs.
Where do I apply offline?▾
At your local Atalji Janasnehi Kendra (Nadakacheri kiosk) or Taluk office.
What's the minimum residence period?▾
Typically 7+ years of continuous residence, but the exact period depends on the use case (education, employment) and current state rules. Check Nadakacheri service details before applying.
Will the certificate be in English and Kannada?▾
Yes. The certificate is bilingual.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.