A Waris Certificate or Legal Heir Certificate is a critical document in Bihar that identifies the legal heirs of a deceased person who died without a will (intestate succession).
This certificate ensures a smooth succession process, essential for transferring assets, claiming financial benefits, and resolving legal matters.
This guide details eligibility, required documents, application methods (online and offline) and actionable tips for obtaining it efficiently.
What Is a Waris Certificate in Bihar?
A Waris Certificate, also known as a Legal Heir Certificate, is issued by government authorities to confirm the legal heirs of a deceased individual.
It verifies their relationship to the deceased, enabling inheritance of movable assets (e.g., bank accounts) and immovable assets (e.g., property).
It is vital in intestate succession cases where no will or nominated beneficiaries exist.
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Why a Waris Certificate Matters in Bihar?
The Waris Certificate is indispensable for:
- Asset Transfer: Enables legal transfer of property, bank accounts, shares and other assets to heirs.
- Financial Claims: Required for accessing Provident Fund (PF), pensions, gratuity, insurance or bank funds.
- Utility Updates: Facilitates transferring electricity, water, gas or phone services to heirs’ names.
- Property Mutation: Supports updating government property records to reflect new ownership.
- Compassionate Appointments: Proves eligibility for government jobs for families of deceased employees.
- Dispute Prevention: Lists all heirs to minimize inheritance conflicts.
- Legal Proceedings: Serves as preliminary proof of heirship in courts or administrative processes.
People Also Read: How to get a Warison Certificate from the Panchayat?
Who Can Apply for Waris Certificate in Bihar?
Eligibility is governed by personal laws (e.g., Hindu Succession Act, 1956; Indian Succession Act, 1925; Muslim Personal Law) and includes:
- Spouse
- Children (biological or adopted)
- Parents
- Siblings (if no spouse, children or parents)
- Grandchildren (if no closer heirs)
- Legal guardians or Power of Attorney holders (for minors)
The hierarchy of heirs varies by the deceased’s religion or personal law.
Issuing Authorities
Waris Certificates are issued by:
- Tahsildar/Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO): Common in rural areas.
- District Collector/Magistrate: For specific jurisdictions.
- State Revenue Department: Primary administrative body.
- Municipal Corporation/Panchayat: In urban or village settings.
- Civil Court: Issues Succession Certificates for complex cases.
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Documents Required for Waris Certificate in Bihar
Applicants typically need:
- Application Form: Completed and signed, available from authorities or state portals.
- Death Certificate: Original or certified copy from Municipal Corporation or Panchayat.
- Identity Proof (Applicant): Self-attested Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport or Driving License.
- Address Proof (Applicant): Self-attested Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card, utility bill or rent agreement.
- Relationship Proof: Birth certificate, marriage certificate or government document verifying ties to the deceased.
- Address Proof (Deceased): Ration Card, Voter ID or utility bills.
- Heirs’ Date of Birth Proof: Birth certificates or Aadhaar Cards.
- Affidavit: Notarized, listing all heirs and their relationships.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos of the applicant.
- Family Tree: If required for complex cases.
Tip: Self-attest copies and keep originals ready for verification.
Application Process for Waris Certificate in Bihar
The process varies by state, with online and offline options. Offline applications are often faster in areas with limited digital infrastructure.
Online Application
States like Maharashtra offer online portals:
- Access the state’s citizen service portal.
- Register or log in.
- Select “Legal Heir Certificate” or “Waris Certificate.”
- Fill in details about the deceased and heirs.
- Upload scanned documents (JPEG/PDF).
- Pay the fee (₹10–₹100) via card, net banking or UPI.
- Submit and note the acknowledgment number.
- Await verification (may include residence visits).
- Download the certificate or collect it physically upon approval.
Tip: Track status using the acknowledgment number.
Offline Application
Ideal for rural areas or those preferring in-person submission:
- Collect the form from the Tehsildar, Revenue Department or District Collectorate.
- Complete the form with details of the deceased and heirs.
- Submit self-attested documents and a court fee stamp (₹10–₹100).
- Receive an acknowledgment slip.
- Undergo verification by a Village Administrative Officer or Revenue Inspector.
- Collect the certificate post-verification (15–30 days).
Tip: Visit during office hours and follow up if delayed.
Fees and Processing Time
- Fees: ₹2–₹100, covering administrative costs and stamp paper, varying by state.
- Time: 15–30 days, faster for straightforward cases, longer if disputes arise.
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Downloading the Certificate
For online issuance:
- Log into the state portal (e.g., Sakala).
- Check “Application Status” or “Download Certificate.”
- Enter the application number.
- Download the PDF if approved.
Tip: Verify certificate details before printing.
Validity
A Waris Certificate is valid indefinitely but can be challenged in court if new claims emerge.
Waris Certificate vs. Succession Certificate in Bihar
Feature | Waris Certificate | Succession Certificate |
Purpose | Identifies heirs for assets and benefits. | Manages movable assets (e.g., bank accounts). |
Authority | Tahsildar or Revenue Department. | Civil Court. |
Law | State rules. | Indian Succession Act, 1925. |
Scope | Immovable property, benefits. | Movable assets. |
Process | Administrative, quick. | Judicial, lengthy. |
Time | 15–30 days. | 45 days–6 months. |
Fees | ₹2–₹100. | Asset-based court fees. |
Disputes | Preliminary proof, may need court. | Definitive for movable assets. |
Tip: For disputes, consult ezyLegal to determine the right certificate.
Practical Tips
- Verify Documents: Ensure accuracy to avoid rejections.
- Apply Directly: Avoid intermediaries to save costs.
- Track Status: Use acknowledgment numbers for updates.
- Notarize Affidavits: Prevent delays with proper attestation.
- Prepare for Verification: Be available for official visits.
- Check State Rules: Confirm requirements on portals like Aaple Sarkar.
- Seek Expert Help: For complex cases, contact ezyLegal.
Sample Waris Certificate
To Whom It May Concern
This certifies the legal heirs of:
Deceased Details
- Name: [Full Name]
- Father’s Name: [Father’s Name]
- Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Date of Death: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Address: [Full Address]
- Death Certificate Number: [Number]
- Issued By: [Municipal Authority]
Legal Heirs
- [Name, Relationship, DOB, Address]
- [Name, Relationship, DOB, Address]
Purpose: [e.g., Property Transfer]
Verified By:
[Signature, Name, Designation, Stamp]
Place: [City]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Trusted Legal Advisors for Waris Certificate Matters in Bihar
Obtaining a Waris Certificate in Bihar is an essential legal step for heirs looking to establish their rightful claim over the property or assets of a deceased family member. This certificate, issued by local authorities, plays a crucial role in matters like property transfer, insurance claims, or banking formalities. Due to the bureaucratic process and legal complexities involved, consulting a qualified lawyer ensures the documentation is handled accurately and promptly. Below are experienced lawyers in Bihar who specialize in Waris Certificate matters and can assist you every step of the way.
1. Advocate Rajesh Menon
- Services: Specializes in Waris Certificate, Legal Heir documentation, Succession Certificates, and family property disputes
- Address: Kankarbagh, Patna
- Contact: +91-8588887480
- Qualification: LLB from Chanakya National Law University
- Experience: 10+ years
- Description: Advocate Menon is known for his practical approach and has helped numerous families acquire Waris Certificates smoothly, minimizing procedural delays.
2. Advocate Shalini Kumar
- Services: Waris Certificate assistance, mutation process guidance, inheritance rights consultation
- Address: Boring Road, Patna
- Contact: +91-8588887480
- Qualification: LLB from Delhi University
- Experience: 9 years
- Description: Advocate Shalini is adept at navigating through the documentation process and is well-versed in district-level administrative procedures for Waris Certificates.
3. Advocate Vivek Pratap
- Services: Waris Certificate, property succession planning, legal notices and affidavits
- Address: Gaya Road, Gaya
- Contact: +91-8588887480
- Qualification: LLB from Banaras Hindu University
- Experience: 11 years
- Description: With over a decade of legal experience, Advocate Pratap brings reliability and clear communication in Waris Certificate filing and follow-up procedures.
4. Advocate Meena Ranjan
- Services: Waris Certificate, family legal documentation, succession & inheritance law
- Address: Rajendra Nagar, Patna
- Contact: +91-8588887480
- Qualification: LLB from Symbiosis Law School
- Experience: 8 years
- Description: Advocate Meena’s methodical handling of heirship claims and timely execution of documentation makes her a preferred choice among local clients.
5. Advocate Imran Hussain
- Services: Waris Certificate, succession disputes, and legal consultation for heirs
- Address: Anisabad, Patna
- Contact: +91-8588887480
- Qualification: LLB from Aligarh Muslim University
- Experience: 12 years
- Description: Advocate Imran specializes in resolving complex family legal matters and has a track record of efficiently procuring Waris Certificates for clients across Bihar.
Waris Certificate Services by ezyLegal in Major States of India
How to Get a Waris Certificate in West Bengal, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Tamil Nadu, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Himachal Pradesh, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Andhra Pradesh, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Madhya Pradesh, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Uttar Pradesh, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Kerala, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Chhattisgarh, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Punjab, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Telangana, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Uttarakhand, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Odisha, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Jharkhand, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Haryana, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Bihar, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Karnataka, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Maharashtra, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Rajasthan, How to Get a Waris Certificate in Gujarat, How to Get a Waris Certificate in India
Conclusion
A Waris Certificate is essential for managing a deceased person’s estate in Bihar, ensuring smooth asset transfers and benefit claims.
By following the outlined steps and tips, applicants can secure it efficiently. For disputes or complex cases, ezyLegal offers expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a Waris Certificate and its purpose?
Ans1. A Waris Certificate or Legal Heir Certificate, is a government-issued document identifying the legal heirs of a deceased person. It is used for transferring assets, claiming financial benefits and updating legal records.
Q2. Who can apply for a Waris Certificate?
Ans2. Eligible applicants include the deceased’s spouse, children, parents, siblings or grandchildren, depending on personal laws. Legal guardians or Power of Attorney holders may apply for minors.
Q3. What documents are needed for a Waris Certificate?
Ans3. Key documents include the death certificate, identity and address proofs, proof of relationship, affidavit and photographs. A family tree may be required in complex cases.
Q4. How do I apply for a Waris Certificate online?
Ans4. Visit your state’s portal (e.g., Aaple Sarkar), register, fill the form, upload documents, pay the fee and track the status.
Q5. Can I apply for a Waris Certificate offline?
Ans5. Yes, visit the Tehsildar or Revenue Office, submit the form and documents, pay the fee and collect the certificate after verification.
Q6. How long does it take to get a Waris Certificate?
Ans6. Processing typically takes 15–30 days, but delays may occur in disputed or complex cases.
Q7. Is a Waris Certificate valid forever?
Ans7. Yes, it is valid indefinitely but can be challenged in court if new claims arise.
Q8. What’s the difference between a Waris Certificate and a Succession Certificate?
Ans8. A Waris Certificate identifies heirs for general purposes, while a Succession Certificate, issued by a court, authorizes management of movable assets like bank accounts.
Q9. Do I need a lawyer to apply for a Waris Certificate?
Ans9. No, the process is DIY-friendly. However, for disputes or complex cases, consult ezyLegal.
Q10. How much does a Waris Certificate cost?
Ans10. Fees range from ₹2 to ₹100, covering stamp paper and administrative costs, varying by state.
Q11. Can a Waris Certificate be used for property disputes?
Ans11. It serves as preliminary proof but may require a Succession Certificate or court resolution for contested cases.
Q12. What happens if an heir is omitted from the certificate?
Ans12. Omitted heirs can challenge the certificate in court, providing proof of their relationship to the deceased.
Q13. Can NRIs apply for a Waris Certificate?
Ans13. Yes, NRIs can apply through a Power of Attorney holder or by visiting the relevant authority in India.
Q14. Is a Waris Certificate required for bank account access?
Ans14. Yes, banks often require it to release funds or update account ownership.
Q15. How do I correct errors in a Waris Certificate?
Ans15. Contact the issuing authority with proof of the error and apply for a correction, which may involve additional verification.