How to Get a Varisu Certificate in India: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Losing a loved one is emotionally overwhelming. Beyond the personal loss, families also have to deal with important legal formalities—property transfer, bank account settlement, pension claims, and various official changes.

One essential requirement during this time is the Varisu Certificate, also commonly known as the Waris Certificate or Legal Heir Certificate. This single document is crucial for proving a person’s legal heirs and enabling smooth transfer of assets and benefits.

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Succession Certificates in Delhi

What Is a Varisu Certificate?

A Varisu Certificate is an official government document issued by the State Revenue Department, usually by the Tahsildar, Taluk Office, or Deputy Commissioner’s Office.

It officially confirms:

1. The legal heirs of a deceased person

2. The relationship of each heir with the deceased

The certificate is used primarily for administrative and financial purposes, such as property mutation, bank settlement, pension claims, insurance transfers, and more.

Also Read: Legal Heir Certificate in Delhi : Everything You Need to Know

Is Varisu Certificate the same as Legal Heir Certificate?

Yes. In most states, these terms are interchangeable:

Also Read: Understanding Property Laws in New Delhi: How Property Dispute Lawyers Can Help?

Difference Between Varisu Certificate, Waris Certificate & Legal Heir Certificate

Many people get confused by the different names. Here is the simplified explanation:

• Varisu Certificate = Tamil term for “Legal Heir Certificate”

• Waris Certificate = Hindi/Urdu term for “Heir Certificate”

• Legal Heir Certificate = Formal English term used in government processes

All three serve the same purpose: identifying legal heirs.

Also Read: Legal Checklist for Buying Property in Delhi NCR in 2025 – Your Complete Guide

Why You Need a Varisu Certificate (Major Uses)

After a person’s death, almost every government or financial institution requires an official confirmation of legal heirs before transferring assets.

A Varisu Certificate is used for:

A. Property-related purposes

1. Mutation of land or house records

2. Transfer of Patta/Khata/RTC

3. Updating municipal property records

4. Claiming tenancy or leasehold rights

B. Bank and financial settlements

1. Withdrawal of bank balance

2. Transfer of fixed deposits

3. Release of locker contents

4. Claiming bonds or debentures

C. Employment and retirement benefits

1. Pension transfer to surviving spouse

2. GPF, EPF, PPF withdrawals

3. Gratuity claims

4. Salary arrears of a deceased employee

D. Insurance claims

1. Life insurance settlement

2. Accident claim settlement

3. Government scheme benefits

E. Utility and administrative updates

1. Transfer of electricity, water, and gas connections

2. Updating property tax records

3. Transfer of vehicle ownership (if required)

F. For legal and government services

1. Applying for compassionate appointment

2. Claiming government compensation

3. Verifying relationship in inheritance cases

Without a Varisu Certificate, most authorities will not process any claim, even if the relationship is obvious.

Also Read: What Are The New Rules For Property Registration In India

Who Can Apply for a Varisu Certificate?

Any legal heir of the deceased person can apply.

Recognized legal heirs include:

1. Spouse – Husband or wife

2. Children – Sons and daughters (including adopted children)

3. Parents – Mother and father

4. Siblings – In some states if parents are deceased

5. Grandchildren – If children of deceased are no longer alive

Important Rule:

One legal heir can apply on behalf of all, but all heirs must be mentioned in the application.

Hiding an heir can lead to:

1. Application rejection

2. Legal disputes later

3. Fraud allegations

Also Read: Legal Considerations to Keep in Mind Before Selling Your House

Required Documents for Varisu Certificate

Preparing documents in advance helps avoid delays.

A. Mandatory Documents

1. Death Certificate of the deceased

2. Applicant’s ID proof – Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID

3. Address proof – Aadhaar, Ration Card, Utility Bill

4. Proof of relationship

   1. Birth Certificate (children)

   2. Marriage Certificate (spouse)

   3. Family Ration Card

   4. School/college certificates showing parent’s name

B. Supporting Documents

5. Affidavit or self-declaration listing all heirs

6. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from other heirs (optional but helpful)

7. Photographs – Passport photos of applicant

8. Family Tree Certificate (required in some states)

9. Old property or revenue records (if applying for property purposes)

C. Identity proofs of all legal heirs (in some states)

Tip: Always carry original documents for verification during inquiry.

Also Read: Why You Need a Power of Attorney for Property? Know everything with LegalKart

Step-by-Step Offline Application Process (Traditional Method)

Despite digital initiatives, many families still prefer the offline process because local officers provide assistance.

Step 1: Visit the Local Revenue Office

Go to the office having jurisdiction over the deceased person’s last residence:

1. Taluk Office

2. Tahsildar Office

3. Revenue Inspector Office

4. Village Administrative Office

Step 2: Collect the Varisu Certificate Application Form

Some states allow handwritten applications; others require a prescribed form.

Provide details such as:

1. Name of the deceased

2. Date of death

3. Address

4. Names of legal heirs

5. Relationship to the deceased

Step 3: Attach Required Documents

Attach photocopies of documents and keep originals ready.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Submit your form to the revenue staff. You will receive an acknowledgment slip or application number.

Step 5: Verification & Local Inquiry

This is the most important stage.

The Revenue Officer may:

1. Verify documents

2. Ask Village Administrative Officer/VRO to conduct a field inquiry

3. Interview neighbours to confirm family details

4. Verify ration card or family documents

5. Publish notice inviting objections (in some states)

Step 6: Issuance of Varisu Certificate

Once verification is complete, the certificate is issued.

Time required:

1. Usually 15 – 30 days

2. Additional time if inquiry is complex

You can collect the certificate in person or through the local revenue office.

Also Read: NGDRS: Revolutionizing Property Registration Legalkart

Step-by-Step Online Application Process (2025 Update)

Most states now offer online Varisu Certificate services.

Common state portals include:

1. Tamil Nadu: e-Sevai

2. Karnataka: Seva Sindhu

3. Maharashtra: MahaOnline

4. Uttar Pradesh: e-District UP

5. Delhi: e-District Delhi

6. Bihar: RTPS Bihar

7. Odisha: e-District Odisha

8. West Bengal: Banglarbhumi / e-District WB

Step 1: Register on the State Service Portal

Create an account using:

1. Mobile number

2. Aadhaar authentication

3. Email ID (in some states)

Step 2: Select “Varisu Certificate / Legal Heir Certificate”

Provide details such as:

1. Name of deceased

2. Date of death

3. List of legal heirs

4. Address and contact information

Step 3: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of:

1. Death certificate

2. ID proofs

3. Relationship proof

4. Address proof

5. Family declaration

Tip: Make sure documents are readable to avoid rejection.

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

Most states charge a minimal fee:
₹10 to ₹100 depending on the state.

Payment options: UPI, Net Banking, Cards.

Step 5: Track Application Status

Use your application number to check updates such as:

1. Verification in progress

2. Documents pending

3. Certificate approved

Step 6: Download the Certificate

After approval, download your digitally signed certificate.
This is valid for all official transactions.

Processing Time, Validity & Fees

A. Processing Time

B. Validity of Varisu Certificate

A Varisu Certificate does not expire unless:

1. A new heir is discovered

2. A legal dispute arises

3. A court order supersedes it

C. Fees

Government fees are nominal:

1. ₹10 to ₹60 in most states

2. Additional charges if applying through a service center

Difference Between Varisu Certificate and Succession Certificate

Many people confuse the two, but they serve distinct legal purposes.

Important Note:

If there is a family dispute, banks or courts will require a Succession Certificate, not a Varisu Certificate.

Common Reasons for Delay or Rejection

Applications are often delayed due to avoidable mistakes.

A. Missing documents

1. Absence of death certificate

2. No relationship proof

3. Incomplete affidavit

B. Incorrect family details

1. Missing names of legal heirs

2. Wrong spelling or date mismatch across documents

C. Objections by other heirs

If any heir disputes the claim, the revenue officer may withhold issuance.

D. Address mismatch

The deceased’s address must match municipal records.

E. Poor quality document scans (for online applications)

State-Wise Availability of Online Varisu Certificate (2025 Update)

Here is the latest overview (2025):

Helpful Tips to Speed Up Approval

1. Prepare documents in advance

2. Ensure all legal heirs are listed correctly

3. Submit a family tree document if available

4. Use Aadhaar-based verification if the portal allows

5. Follow up with VAO/Tahsildar during verification

6. Provide NOC from other heirs to avoid objections

If applying online:

1. Use clear scanned documents

2. Check status regularly

3. Respond quickly to “document correction” requests

Final Thoughts

Obtaining a Varisu Certificate is an important step in settling the affairs of a deceased family member. Although the process might seem bureaucratic, it is straightforward when approached with the right preparation.

By understanding:

1. What the certificate means

2. Why it is important

3. Which documents you need

4. The exact step-by-step application process

—you can complete the procedure smoothly and with full confidence.

Whether applying online or offline, ensure accuracy, transparency, and proper documentation. This will help avoid delays, rejections, and unnecessary stress during an already sensitive time.