By Karun Reji, Chartered Accountant (India), BI-Outsource, Kochi. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Short answer: in Kerala, a legal heir certificate is issued by the Revenue Department (village office and taluk office). You can apply online through the Kerala e-District portal or an Akshaya centre. It names the legal heirs of a person who has died.
When you need it
- Transferring a pension or family pension
- Claiming bank deposits, insurance or employer dues where there is no nominee
- Mutating land or property records in the heirs' names
- Getting government compensation or dues
Who can apply
Any legal heir: spouse, children, parents, or other heirs where these are not alive.
Documents usually needed
- Death certificate
- Identity and address proof of the applicant (Aadhaar)
- Proof of relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificate, ration card)
- List of all legal heirs with their ages and addresses
- Self-declaration or affidavit, if asked
Steps
- Apply on the e-District portal or at an Akshaya centre, choosing the legal heirship certificate service.
- Upload the documents and pay the fee.
- The village officer makes an enquiry, which may include talking to neighbours or local representatives.
- The Tahsildar issues the certificate. Download it from the portal.
Legal heir certificate vs succession certificate
| Legal heir certificate | Succession certificate | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Revenue Department (Tahsildar) | Civil court, under the Indian Succession Act |
| Used for | Pension, dues, mutation, small claims | Debts and securities: shares, bonds, larger bank balances |
| Time | Usually weeks | Usually months |
Banks and companies may ask for a succession certificate for larger amounts. A registered will and up-to-date nominations make both far simpler.
See your own family's shares in 3 minutes: try our free succession planner, or talk to BI Family Office about a will, trust and succession plan.
Frequently asked questions
Through the Kerala e-District portal or an Akshaya centre. The village officer verifies it and the Tahsildar issues the certificate.
No. A legal heir certificate comes from the Revenue Department and names the heirs. A succession certificate is issued by a civil court and is usually needed to claim debts and securities such as shares.
