What Is a Waris Certificate (Varisu) and How to Get It in India?

When a person dies, their legal heirs often need proof of heirship to transfer property records, claim bank deposits, or obtain family pension.
For this purpose, states issue a Waris Certificate (also known as Varisu Certificate or Legal Heir Certificate).

It is one of the most important documents required in inheritance matters.
This blog explains its meaning, purpose, and how to obtain it.

🔹 1. What Is a Waris Certificate (Varisu Certificate)?

A Waris Certificate is an official document issued by the Tehsildar, SDM, or Revenue Department confirming who the legal heirs of a deceased person are.

It helps in establishing legal relationship and is commonly used for everyday inheritance processes—not for major disputed claims.

A Waris Certificate is required for:

• Transfer of property records (mutation)

• Claiming bank deposits and savings

• Issuing family pension

• Insurance settlement

• Claiming employment benefits

• Updating electricity/water/gas connections

• School or government record updates

It is proof of heirship, not proof of ownership.

🔹 2. Who Are Legal Heirs?

Legal heirs normally include:

• Wife or husband

• Sons

• Daughters

• Parents

• Siblings (only if spouse or children are not alive)

In some cases, grandchildren may also qualify depending on succession laws.

🔹 3. When Is a Waris Certificate Used?

A Waris Certificate is needed when the family wants to complete administrative processes such as:

• Pension withdrawal

• Transfer of service benefits

• Bank account settlement

• Mutation of land

• Taking over utility connections

• Insurance claim processing

For claiming movable assets like bank deposits or pension, the certificate is usually sufficient.
For contested cases or distribution of money/securities, a Succession Certificate may be required from court.

🔹 4. Difference Between Waris Certificate and Succession Certificate.

Both documents are different and serve different purposes.

Waris Certificate:

• Issued by Tehsildar or SDM.

• Used mainly to establish who the heirs are.

• Helpful for government records, property mutation, pension, insurance, and bank formalities.

• Faster and inexpensive.

• Not used for handing over large financial assets or securities.

Succession Certificate:

• Issued only by Civil Court.

• Necessary for claiming debts, securities, bonds, PF, or large bank amounts.

• Gives legal authority to manage or withdraw money belonging to the deceased.

• Takes longer and involves court fees.

• Used when there is a dispute or when banks require court approval.

Most families first obtain a Waris Certificate, and only apply for a Succession Certificate if specifically required.

🔹 5. How to Get a Waris Certificate? (Step-by-Step Process)

The process is simple but varies slightly from state to state.

Step 1: Submit Application

An application must be filed with:

• Tehsildar

• Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)

• Revenue office

• Municipal authority (in some states)

The application should mention:

• Name of the deceased

• Date of death

• Address

• Names of all legal heirs

• Relationship of each heir with the deceased

Step 2: Attach Necessary Documents

Documents typically required:

• Death certificate

• Aadhaar/ID proofs of all heirs

• Family tree or pedigree certificate

• Ration card or voter ID (optional)

• Affidavit of heirship

• Photographs of heirs

The Patwari/ward officer may also verify the information.

Step 3: Verification by Authorities

The Tehsildar/SDM verifies:

• Family structure

• Legal heir list

• Revenue records

• Local inquiry report

If no objection is raised, the file is approved.

Step 4: Issuance of Waris Certificate

After verification, the Waris Certificate is issued.

Processing time: generally 15–30 days (may vary by state).

🔹 6. Can You Apply for a Waris Certificate Online?

Yes. Many states offer online services:

• Punjab (e-District)

• Delhi (e-District Portal)

• Haryana (Saral Portal)

• Tamil Nadu (e-Sevai – Varisu Certificate)

• Uttar Pradesh (e-Nagar)

• Karnataka (Nadakacheri)

Applicants can upload documents and track the status online.

🔹 7. Common Issues in Getting a Waris Certificate

Families often face delays because of:

• Disputes among heirs

• Wrong or incomplete family tree

• Missing documents

• Objections from relatives

• Incorrect death records

• Patwari verification delays

Ensuring all heirs are correctly listed prevents legal problems later.

⭐ Conclusion

A Waris Certificate (Varisu Certificate) is an essential document for proving legal heirship after a family member's death.
It helps with property mutation, pension claims, bank settlements, insurance, and other administrative processes.
Although it does not transfer ownership by itself, it is the first and most important step in inheritance matters.