3 min
16 January 2025
In Kerala, apossession certificateis a legal document issued by the local revenue authorities that verifies the physical possession of a property. It is an essential document used in property transactions, as it signifies the lawful ownership or possession of a particular piece of land or property. Thepossession meaningrefers to the occupation of land, proving that the owner or claimant has been in control of the property. Possession certificates are particularly crucial when applying for financial services, such as aloan against property, or for resolving disputes regarding ownership or title.
Possession certificates are not only important for the buyer or seller but also for government purposes such as tax assessments and land-related legal matters. In this guide, we will explore the importance of possession certificates, eligibility criteria, the application procedure, and other related aspects.
Proof of ownership: The possession certificate serves as an official document that confirms the possession of a property. It is often required by banks or financial institutions when applying for aloan against property.
Property dispute resolution: In case of disputes regarding the ownership or possession of property, the possession certificate helps in resolving conflicts by proving who currently possesses the land.
Taxation and legal formalities: This certificate is often required for various legal formalities like property tax assessment and title verification during property transfer.
Simplifying property transactions: Having a possession certificate simplifies the buying and selling process, as it acts as a clear indication of the property's possession status, ensuring a smooth transaction.
Ownership of the property: The applicant must either own or be in possession of the property. This applies to both individuals and legal entities like companies or trusts.
No outstanding land disputes: The property must not have any legal disputes or claims from third parties. If there are any ongoing disputes, the certificate may not be issued.
Clear land title: The land should have a clear title without any encumbrances or issues related to the property’s legal standing.
Land classification: The land must fall under residential, commercial, or agricultural classifications as per government regulations.
Residential status: In some cases, the applicant must be a resident of Kerala or have proof of permanent residence status in the state.
Step 1:Visit the local revenue department
The first step is to visit the localrevenue departmentor the office of theVillage Officer(VO) in your area.
Step 2:Fill out the application form
Obtain and fill out the possession certificate application form. Ensure that all details are accurate and legible.
Step 3:Submit required documents
Along with the application form, submit the necessary documents, including proof of ownership and tax receipts. These are essential to verify your claim.
Step 4:Verification by authorities
The concerned authorities will verify your details and inspect the property to confirm possession. This process can take a few days to weeks depending on the case.
Step 5:Issuance of certificate
Once the verification is complete and everything is in order, the possession certificate will be issued.
Proof of ownership: This could include thetitle deed,sale deed, orgift deedto prove legal ownership of the property.
Identity proof: Valid government-issued IDs likeAadhaar Card,Voter ID,Passport, orDriving License.
Proof of residence: Documents such asration card,electricity bill, orwater billto confirm the applicant’s residential address.
Property tax receipts: Recent tax receipts, usually for the last few years, to prove the property is registered and taxed.
Land survey details: A copy of theland survey report(if applicable) to confirm the boundaries and details of the property.
Photograph of the property: A recent photo of the property, for visual verification during inspection.
Application form: The completed possession certificate application form.
Visit the official website: Go to the official Kerala Revenue Department website.
Create an account: If you haven’t already, register on the portal.
Fill in the application form: Complete the application form for the possession certificate.
Upload documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
Payment of fees: Pay the required fees online.
Submit application: After completing the form and uploading the necessary documents, submit your application.
Visit the village officer's office: Go to the nearest Village Officer’s office or the local Revenue Department.
Obtain the application form: Collect the possession certificate application form from the office.
Submit documents: Submit all the necessary documents (listed earlier) along with the completed form.
Pay the fees: Pay the applicable fees at the counter.
Wait for verification: The authorities will conduct a verification process, after which the certificate will be issued.
Note: Fees are subject to change depending on the revenue department's policies.
Visit the official portal: Go to the Kerala Revenue Department’s website.
Log in to your account: Use your credentials to log in.
Track application status: Find the option to track the application status and enter your application number or reference ID.
Check the status: The system will display the current status of your application.
Incorrect information: Double-check all the details in your application form for accuracy.
Failure to pay fees: Ensure that the application fee is paid correctly and on time.
Not following the procedure: Make sure to follow the steps in the correct order, whether applying online or offline.
Possession certificates are not only important for the buyer or seller but also for government purposes such as tax assessments and land-related legal matters. In this guide, we will explore the importance of possession certificates, eligibility criteria, the application procedure, and other related aspects.
Importance of possession certificate in Kerala
A possession certificate holds significant importance in Kerala, especially when it comes to property transactions, legal ownership verification, and availing loans. Here’s why it is critical:Proof of ownership: The possession certificate serves as an official document that confirms the possession of a property. It is often required by banks or financial institutions when applying for aloan against property.
Property dispute resolution: In case of disputes regarding the ownership or possession of property, the possession certificate helps in resolving conflicts by proving who currently possesses the land.
Taxation and legal formalities: This certificate is often required for various legal formalities like property tax assessment and title verification during property transfer.
Simplifying property transactions: Having a possession certificate simplifies the buying and selling process, as it acts as a clear indication of the property's possession status, ensuring a smooth transaction.
Eligibility criteria for obtaining a possession certificate
To obtain a possession certificate in Kerala, certain eligibility criteria need to be met. These criteria are as follows:Ownership of the property: The applicant must either own or be in possession of the property. This applies to both individuals and legal entities like companies or trusts.
No outstanding land disputes: The property must not have any legal disputes or claims from third parties. If there are any ongoing disputes, the certificate may not be issued.
Clear land title: The land should have a clear title without any encumbrances or issues related to the property’s legal standing.
Land classification: The land must fall under residential, commercial, or agricultural classifications as per government regulations.
Residential status: In some cases, the applicant must be a resident of Kerala or have proof of permanent residence status in the state.
Step-by-step guide to applying for a possession certificate
Obtaining a possession certificate in Kerala is a process that requires careful attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide:Step 1:Visit the local revenue department
The first step is to visit the localrevenue departmentor the office of theVillage Officer(VO) in your area.
Step 2:Fill out the application form
Obtain and fill out the possession certificate application form. Ensure that all details are accurate and legible.
Step 3:Submit required documents
Along with the application form, submit the necessary documents, including proof of ownership and tax receipts. These are essential to verify your claim.
Step 4:Verification by authorities
The concerned authorities will verify your details and inspect the property to confirm possession. This process can take a few days to weeks depending on the case.
Step 5:Issuance of certificate
Once the verification is complete and everything is in order, the possession certificate will be issued.
Required documents for possession certificate application
To apply for a possession certificate in Kerala, you will need to submit the following documents:Proof of ownership: This could include thetitle deed,sale deed, orgift deedto prove legal ownership of the property.
Identity proof: Valid government-issued IDs likeAadhaar Card,Voter ID,Passport, orDriving License.
Proof of residence: Documents such asration card,electricity bill, orwater billto confirm the applicant’s residential address.
Property tax receipts: Recent tax receipts, usually for the last few years, to prove the property is registered and taxed.
Land survey details: A copy of theland survey report(if applicable) to confirm the boundaries and details of the property.
Photograph of the property: A recent photo of the property, for visual verification during inspection.
Application form: The completed possession certificate application form.
Online application procedure for possession certificate
The Kerala government has made it easier to apply for a possession certificate through the online portal. Here’s how you can apply:Visit the official website: Go to the official Kerala Revenue Department website.
Create an account: If you haven’t already, register on the portal.
Fill in the application form: Complete the application form for the possession certificate.
Upload documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
Payment of fees: Pay the required fees online.
Submit application: After completing the form and uploading the necessary documents, submit your application.
Offline application procedure for possession certificate
If you prefer the traditional route, here’s how you can apply offline:Visit the village officer's office: Go to the nearest Village Officer’s office or the local Revenue Department.
Obtain the application form: Collect the possession certificate application form from the office.
Submit documents: Submit all the necessary documents (listed earlier) along with the completed form.
Pay the fees: Pay the applicable fees at the counter.
Wait for verification: The authorities will conduct a verification process, after which the certificate will be issued.
Fees associated with possession certificate application
The fees for applying for a possession certificate can vary depending on the area and the type of property. Here is a general fee structure:| Type of property | Fee (INR) |
| Residential property | 50 – 100 |
| Agricultural land | 100 – 200 |
| Commercial property | 100 – 300 |
Note: Fees are subject to change depending on the revenue department's policies.
Processing time for possession certificate in Kerala
The processing time for a possession certificate in Kerala typically ranges from15 days to 2 months. The time may vary depending on the complexity of the application, verification process, and the volume of applications being processed.How to check the status of your possession certificate application
To check the status of your possession certificate application, follow these steps:Visit the official portal: Go to the Kerala Revenue Department’s website.
Log in to your account: Use your credentials to log in.
Track application status: Find the option to track the application status and enter your application number or reference ID.
Check the status: The system will display the current status of your application.
Common mistakes to avoid during application
Incomplete documents: Ensure all required documents are submitted, as missing documents can delay the process.Incorrect information: Double-check all the details in your application form for accuracy.
Failure to pay fees: Ensure that the application fee is paid correctly and on time.
Not following the procedure: Make sure to follow the steps in the correct order, whether applying online or offline.
