Succession Certificate in India - Process, Fees, and Documents

Updated on October 11, 2025 10:56:41 AM

When a person passes away, transferring their assets (bank balances and securities) thus requires the appropriate legal documents. If a will is not created the process can get complicated. A Succession Certificate is where you need it. In the area of inheritance, the courts use such a document to give the legal heirs of their grant, the right to handle or inherit the assets of the deceased without any hassle. Succession certificate process helps in the hassle-free transfer of ownership, offering clarity and safeguarding the interests of everyone involved.

In this article, we will walk you through the whole process of the succession certificate from eligibility criteria to required documents. For Expert help Contact professional utilities today to make the process less complicated and easier. You require a succession certificate consultant for legal proceedings and to streamline the legal process involved. The entire process of drafting and filing petitions is simplified by our expert professionals. Our think tanks save you from administrative lag and time issues by coordinating and assisting in handling objections and payments. Consultants also assist you with advice on sureties if needed. With the help of reliable consultants at Professional Utilities, you can expect a trouble-free, fast, and enhanced way of getting a succession certificate.

To apply for a Succession Certificate in India, it is essential to submit all the documents required for succession certificate. Here are given the list of documents you must provide:-

• Death Certificate of the Deceased: A valid death certificate is issued by the relevant government authority to confirm the death.
• Proof of Relationship: Documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other records proving the applicant’s relationship with the deceased.
• Legal Heir Certificate: Lists all legal heirs to establish the rightful claimants to the deceased’s assets.
• Identity Proof of the Applicant: Documents like Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License for verifying the applicant’s identity.
• Residential Address Proof of the Deceased: Voter ID, Driving License, or Bank Passbook of the deceased to establish jurisdiction.
• Affidavit: An affidavit attesting to the truthfulness of the claims and the applicant’s legal standing as an heir.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): From other legal heirs, if applicable, stating they have no objection to the issuance of the certificate to the applicant.
• Details of the Deceased’s Assets: Information about the deceased’s assets, such as bank balances and securities, for a clear understanding of the claims.
• Copy of the Petition: The petition submitted to the district court, certified copy thereof, containing such essential data as the date and place of death, last known address of the deceased, and the rights and claims of the petitioner.
• Court Fee Receipt: A receipt for payment of court fees, generally a percentage of the value of the assets claimed.

Many people confuse Succession Certificates with Legal Heir Certificates. When choosing between the two, it is essential to consider the type of asset and the purpose of the documentation.

• Legal Heir Certificate: Identifies the legitimate heirs of a deceased person but does not provide rights to manage or transfer assets. Typically used for family pensions or insurance claims.
• Succession Certificate: Provides the authority to inherit and manage debts and securities.

A Succession Certificate Format for Legal Heirs should be prepared with care in accordance with legal rules so that it is accepted by the court. It typically includes details such as:

• Name of the deceased
• List of heirs
• Description of assets
• Claims made by the applicant

The certificate mainly applies to movable assets like bank deposits and securities. For Immovable Property, it may not always be necessary. Some states have specific rules that do not require a Succession Certificate for transferring immovable assets.

Succession Certificate Not Required for Immovable Property: In such cases, other legal documents may suffice for property transfer.