How to Apply for a Will Registration Certificate

Last updated: January 17, 2026 Type: Article

Disclaimer

Will registration procedures, formats, endorsements, fees, and jurisdictional rules vary from State to State and be governed by the respective State Registration Rules and administrative instructions.

Applicants are advised to register Wills only before the competent Sub-Registrar, following procedures notified on official Government portals.

What is Will Registration

Will Registration is the process of formally registering a Will with the Sub-Registrar of Assurances. Registration provides an official record and authenticity, though registration is optional – a Will can be valid even if unregistered.

Why Register a Will

Reduces risk of disputes and allegations of forgery
Safe custody in government records
Easier proof during probate or succession proceedings
Certainty about date and execution

Who Can Register a Will

The testator (person making the Will)
Or an authorised representative (where permitted)
Jurisdiction: Sub-Registrar Office where the testator resides or where property is located (state rules apply).

State-wise Reality: No Uniform "Certificate" Format

There is no standard national "Will Registration Certificate" format.
States issue a registration endorsement/receipt after registering the Will.
Formats, fees, and procedures vary by State.

Online and Offline Modes (State-wise Overview)

State/UT	Official Portal	Online/Draft Upload	Offline Registration	Fee	Time
Delhi	https://doris.delhigovt.nic.in/	Yes	Yes	Nominal	Same day
Maharashtra	https://igrmaharashtra.gov.in/	Yes	Yes	Nominal	Same day
Uttar Pradesh	https://igrsup.gov.in	Yes	Yes	Nominal	Same day
Karnataka	https://kaveri.karnataka.gov.in/landing-page	Yes	Yes	Nominal	Varies
Tamil Nadu	https://tnreginet.gov.in/portal/	Yes	Yes	Nominal	Few days
Other state	State Registration Dept portals	Yes	Yes	Nominal	Same day - few days

Online-Assisted Procedure (General)

Visit State Registration Department portal
Prepare Will draft
Book Sub-Registrar appointment
Upload draft (where enabled)
Visit office for execution and registration

Online booking saves time—not signatures.

Offline Procedure (General)

Draft the Will
Visit Sub-Registrar Office
Present Will with witnesses
Identity verification and biometrics
Registration endorsement issued

Witnesses matter more than paperwork here.

Documents Commonly Required

Original Will
Identity proof of testator
Two witnesses with ID proof
Address proof
Passport-size photographs

No property documents are mandatory for registration, but clarity helps.

Fees

Registration Fee: Nominal (state-notified)
Stamp Duty: Generally nil or minimal for Wills
Drafting Fee: Separate, if engaged

High fees for Will registration are a red flag.

Sample Will Registration Application / Endorsement (Illustrative)

Will Registration – Delhi (Illustrative)

The sample reflects Delhi Sub-Registrar practice, typically showing:

Details of testator
Date and place of registration
Registration number and book
Official seal and endorsement

FAQs – Will Registration

1. Is registration of a Will mandatory?: No. It is optional but advisable.
2. Can a registered Will be changed?: Yes. A new Will revokes the earlier one.
3. Are witnesses compulsory?: Yes. Minimum two.
4. Can registration be done at home?: In some States, special provisions exist for bedridden testators.
5. Does registration prevent challenges?: No, but it strengthens authenticity.
6. Is probate required for a registered Will?: Depends on local rules and property location.
7. Is there a validity period?: No. A Will operates until revoked.