SarkariData is an independent public information reference portal and is NOT an official government agency, portal, or representative of any Central or State Government department. We do not collect fees, process document applications, or issue certificates.
All applications, statutory fee payments, and official queries must be submitted directly through designated government departments or the authoritative portal.
Statutory Citizen Documentation Guide
Citizen Documents & Certificates Directory
Statutory prerequisites, required document checklists, issuing authorities, and official application portals for national identity documents and government certificates. Designed to be evergreen and factual without unstable fee schedules.
Total Catalogued13 Documents & Certificates
Primary Identity Cards5 Documents
Civil & Revenue Certificates8 Certificates
Select Category:
Showing 13 of 13 citizen documents
Identity DocumentsLifelong validity for adults (mandatory biometric updates required for children at ages 5 and 15).
Aadhaar Card (Unique Identification Number)
Universal proof of identity and address across India, essential for direct benefit transfers (DBT), government welfare subsidies, banking KYC compliance, mobile SIM verification, and PAN-Aadhaar linkage.
Where Issued: Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs), designated Post Offices, nationalized Bank branches, and authorized Common Service Centers (CSCs).
Identity DocumentsValid for lifetime across India for individuals.
Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card
Primary financial and tax identification number used to track tax payments, file income tax returns (ITR), open bank accounts, buy/sell immovable property above specified thresholds, and invest in mutual funds and securities.
Where Issued: Dispatched by India Post directly to applicant's address via Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL, or downloaded instantly online as e-PAN.
Identity DocumentsLifelong validity; remains active as long as the citizen remains on the electoral roll at the registered address.
Voter ID Card (EPIC - Electoral Photo Identity Card)
Serves as proof of enrolment in the electoral roll enabling Indian citizens to cast votes in Parliamentary, Legislative Assembly, and local body elections, as well as valid general photo identity proof.
Where Issued: Electoral Registration Office (ERO) / Booth Level Officer (BLO) distribution, or downloaded digitally as e-EPIC.
Identity Documents10 years for adults (renewable); 5 years or until attaining 18 years of age for minors.
Indian Passport (Ordinary / Tatkaal)
Authoritative travel document required for international travel, visa applications, consular protection abroad, and the highest-grade proof of Indian citizenship and identity domestically.
Where Issued: Passport Seva Kendras (PSK), Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK), and Regional Passport Offices (RPO).
Identity DocumentsValid for 20 years or until the holder attains 40 years of age (whichever is earlier); subsequent renewals every 10 or 5 years.
Driving Licence (DL)
Legal authorization for operating two-wheelers, light motor vehicles, or commercial transport vehicles, as well as authoritative age and identity proof nationwide.
Where Issued: Regional Transport Office (RTO) / District Transport Office (DTO) under State Transport Departments.
CertificatesPermanent lifelong validity; does not expire.
Birth Certificate
Universal foundational identity document establishing legal age, parentage, date and place of birth. Indispensable for school admission, Aadhaar enrolment, passport application, voter registration, and inheritance claims.
Where Issued: Municipal Corporation / Municipal Council office in urban areas; Gram Panchayat / Village Officer / Primary Health Centre (PHC) in rural jurisdictions.
CertificatesPermanent lifelong validity; does not expire.
Death Certificate
Essential legal certificate required to settle inheritance claims, transfer property titles, claim life insurance policies, close bank accounts, transfer pension benefits, and manage the deceased's legal estate.
Where Issued: Municipal Corporation / Ward Health Department in urban jurisdictions; Gram Panchayat / Primary Health Centre (PHC) in rural areas.
CertificatesTypically valid for 1 financial year (April 1 to March 31) or as determined by state revenue rules.
Income Certificate
Establishes financial eligibility for government scholarships, tuition fee waivers, subsidized healthcare schemes, reservation quotas (EWS/OBC-NCL), and social welfare pension benefits.
Where Issued: Tehsil / Taluka Office, Revenue Circle Office, or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Office.
CertificatesSC/ST certificates are valid for life; OBC Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificates require periodic annual income renewal.
Caste Certificate (Community Certificate)
Essential document for availing constitutional reservations in public employment, legislative representation, educational admissions, fee remissions, and social welfare schemes.
CertificatesPermanent validity throughout the holder's life unless domicile is voluntarily shifted to another state.
Domicile Certificate (Resident Certificate)
Claiming state-specific educational reservation quotas (e.g. 85% state quota in NEET/JEE medical and engineering seats), regional government employment eligibility, and state welfare schemes.
Where Issued: Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) / Tehsildar / District Collector Office.
CertificatesValid for one financial year; must be renewed annually based on preceding year's income and assets.
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Certificate
Availing 10% statutory reservation quota in central civil posts and services, admissions to central universities, IITs, IIMs, and state institutions for general category economically weaker citizens.
Where Issued: Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) / Tehsildar / District Magistrate Office.
CertificatesPermanent lifelong validity; does not expire.
Marriage Certificate
Definitive legal proof of marriage required for spouse visa applications, passport spouse name endorsement, joint home loans, opening joint bank accounts, family health insurance, and legal inheritance.
Where Issued: Office of the Sub-Registrar / Registrar of Marriages in the jurisdiction where the marriage was solemnized or where either spouse resided.
Universal single-window document for availing disability welfare benefits: travel concessions in Indian Railways, bus transport subsidies, reservation in education and government jobs, assistive devices, and disability pensions.
Where Issued: District Hospital / Office of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) / Medical Superintendent.