Tamil Nadu Makes Online Presenceless Registration Mandatory for First Property Sales

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister S. Joseph Vijay today launched a new system making Presenceless Registration mandatory for the first sale of plots in approved layouts and the first sale of apartments in residential projects.

The initiative was launched at the Secretariat as part of the Commercial Taxes and Registration Department`s efforts to simplify the property registration process. Under the new system, eligible property documents can be submitted and registered online without the buyers, sellers or witnesses having to visit the Sub-Registrar`s Office in person.

The Registration Department had already introduced an online facility through which citizens can create their own login and submit documents from anywhere. The new Presenceless Registration system is aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and convenience.

How Does Presenceless Registration Work?

Applicants can create a login on the Registration Department`s website and submit the required documents online. Aadhaar cards of the document writer, executant, claimant and witnesses must be uploaded. Aadhaar authentication must also be completed through fingerprint or iris verification using the UIDAI system.

The process requires an internet connection, a UIDAI-approved L1 fingerprint device, an iris scanner, a webcam and a blue background screen for capturing photographs.

Key Features of the New System

Under the Presenceless Registration system, Sub-Registrars must take action on documents submitted online within 24 hours. The document can be registered, returned for correction or rejected after verification in accordance with existing registration rules.

Documents returned for corrections can be resubmitted with the required changes within 30 days from the date of return.

Once a document is registered, the Sub-Registrar will digitally sign it and make it available through the user`s online account. Registered documents can be downloaded as required within 60 days.

After the 60-day period, citizens can obtain the registered document by applying for a certified copy through the existing procedure.

Security Features

The system includes several security measures to prevent document fraud. The registration endorsement will be printed using a dynamically generated random combination of five colours, which changes for each document.

The original colour digital copy will remain available in the user`s account for 60 days, while certified copies will be provided in black and white. This allows document owners to verify the original endorsement and provides an additional layer of protection against forged documents.

A QR code will be included on every page of the registered document. It will contain details such as the document number, document type and registration date.

The registration officer will also digitally sign the document. Any alteration made to a paper copy can be checked against the digitally signed document. If the digital document itself has been modified, the digital signature verification will display an “X” mark, indicating that the document has been altered.

The government said making Presenceless Registration mandatory for the first sale of plots in layouts and the first sale of apartments is aimed at simplifying the registration process, improving transparency and providing a more convenient service to the public.

Commercial Taxes and Registration Minister T. Lokesh Tamilschelvan, Secretary of the Commercial Taxes, Registration and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department J. Kumargurubaran, and Inspector General of Registration G.K. Arunsundar Dayalan were among those present at the event.