Like other Indian states, the legal heir or “Varisu” certificate, as called in Tamil Nadu, is issued by the local revenue departments or Tahsildars’ offices, depending on their area of jurisdiction. The legal heir certificate facilitates the transfer of a deceased person’s assets to the rightful heirs or inheritors. The legal heirs could be the spouse, children, and close relatives, paternal or maternal. This certificate is issued when the dead relative has not left a will or trust behind.

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What does The Certificate Prove?

The certificate endorses the individuals legally entitled to inherit a property, ensuring a smooth transfer of assets. The Varisu certificate is crucial in establishing property ownership, identifying legal heirs, claiming benefits, and preventing disputes. The legal heirs of an intestate deceased individual, such as a spouse, children, parents, and siblings, can apply for the certificate online.

Why One Needs the Certificate

The Varisu certificate is a legal document required for transferring a deceased person’s assets to the legal heirs, claiming benefits, securing family pensions, collecting salary arrears for government employees, securing compassionate employment opportunities for dependents, transferring deposits and investments, and transferring utility services. It is essential for claiming benefits like insurance policies, provident funds, gratuity payments, and family pensions.

Types of Varisu Certificates

The Varisu certificate comes in two types: one issued by the Tahsildar and another by the court. To apply online, the legal heirs must submit a self-undertaking affidavit, identity proofs, like an Aadhaar and voter ID card, driver’s license, PAN card, etc., for address proof, utility bills, passport, as well as the dead relative’s death and birth certificates and address proof.

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Obtaining the Certificate From Tahsildar’s Office

To obtain a legal heir certificate:

1. Visit your local Taluk Tahsildar office and obtain the application form.
2. Complete the form with accurate details, ensuring you have a clear relationship with the deceased.
3. Attach Rs 2 stamp and sign it before submission.
4. Apply along with all required documents with the designated authority. You will receive a token for a meeting with the village administration officer (VAO) and revenue inspector (RI).

After a few days:

5. Visit the VAO office and provide two sets of forms.
6. Collect contact details from 10 individuals in your locality for reference.
7. Return the application to the VAO office, which will verify the information and sign it.
8. Submit the signed application to the revenue inspector, who will visit your residence to verify your address and the identities of the legal heirs.
9. Submit the forms signed by the RI and VAO to the Tahsildar office; you will receive a token number showing the waiting period before the certificate is issued.

Applying Online

To apply online, visit the state government’s website, tnesevai.tn.gov.in, navigate the “Services” section and select “Varisu Certificate” (REV-114). Fill out the application with your name, father’s name, and reference numbers. If you don’t have one, register for one. Upload the scanned documents and pay the necessary fees online. Upon successful payment, you’ll receive an acknowledgement receipt with an application number to track the status of your request.