How to Obtain Relationship Certificate in Kerala

A relationship certificate is a legal document that proves the relationship between two people. These certificates can be used to validate familial relationships, such as those between parents and children or to legally recognize a marriage or partnership.

Types of Relationship Certificates

• Parent-Child Relationship Certificate: This certificate is frequently required to establish the legal link between parents and their children, regardless of whether the children have citizenship in another nation. To receive this certificate, supporting documentation such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID or ration card would be necessary.
• Marriage Certificate: In many countries, a marriage certificate is a legal document that verifies a couple’s marital status.
• Partnership Certificate: In some regions, you can register your relationship and receive a certificate that recognises the partnership.
• Bilingual Relationship Certificate: This sort of certificate can be given to one or more people. A completed affidavit, copies of passports and Civil ID cards are examples of required documents.

Requirements and Procedures for a Relationship Certificate

The standards and processes for getting a relationship certificate vary depending on the nature of the connection and the granting authority. Here’s a summary of the general process:

General Requirements

Application: A written application is usually required, which includes the grounds for the application, the relationship and the names along with CID numbers of the individuals involved.

Supporting Documents: Several supporting documents are typically required, which may include:

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID
• Ration card
• Citizenship certificates
• Birth certificates
• Passports
• Passport-size photographs
• Offer Letter or Confirmation of Enrollment (COE) for studies and dependent VISA.
• Valid VISA of a spouse/relative if a person is being invited by him or her who is residing abroad.
• Medical Referral Letter/medical prescription of hospital for medical purposes.

Procedure to Obtain Relation Certificate in Kerala

• Application Submission: Applicants must submit their applications online through designated centers or directly to the issuing agency.
• Document Verification: The application and the required documents have been validated. The applicant’s link with each person indicated in the application is verified against records.
• Additional Verification (if necessary): A verification report from a local government official may be required to confirm the relationship, particularly if it is not recorded in civil records.
• Certificate Issuance: After verification is completed, the relationship certificate is prepared, printed, signed and sealed.

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Specific Certificates and Procedures for Relationship Certificates

• Parent-Child Relationship Certificate: This certificate may require documentation such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID or ration card.
• Marriage Certificate: Marriage certificates are issued upon marriage registration. The process may include applying in person or online, with witnesses required.
• Relationship Certificate with Sponsor: To receive this certificate, the applicant must go to their local government with their parents’ and siblings’ citizenship certificates, as well as their own birth certificate.

Format of a Relationship Certificate 

No……………………………………………………………………………………… Dated: …………………………………….. This is to certify that ……………………………..…….………… (Name of the sponsorer) son / daughter of ………………………….. (Father’s Name of the sponsorer) residing at …………………………….………………………………………………….…. (Full address of the sponsorer) is his/her (Tick the appropriate relationship and strike out others) 1) 2) 3) Own brother / own sister or Father’s own brother (or) Mother’s own brother or Father’s own sister (or) Mother’s own sister of ……………..…………………………………………………………. (Candidate’s name), son / daughter of ……………………………………….……………………… (Father’s name of the candidate) residing at ……………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………….. (Full address of the candidate). 

Signature of the Tahsildar 

with Office Seal

Where to Apply for a Relationship Certificate?

Local governments, such as municipal offices or Village Development Committees, often issue relationship certificates. In some places, applications can be submitted through designated centers. 

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The time frame for issuing the certificate can vary. In Kerala, a Relationship Certificate is issued 7 days after the application is submitted.

Legal Framework 

The Kerala (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Regulation of Issue of Community Certificates Act, 1996 governs the issuance of community and relationship certificates. It provides the procedures for verifying caste and community claims related to K. P. Padmanabhan VS State Of Kerala – Kerala (2010).

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The Village Officer must operate in accordance with the Kerala Land Revenue Manual and other relevant regulations that govern the issue of various certifications. MAH. ADIWASI THAKUR JAMAT SWARAKSHAN SAMITI VS STATE OF MAHARASHTRA – Supreme Court (2023).

Frequently Asked Questions on Relationship Certificate

Q1. What is a Relationship Certificate?

Ans1. A Relationship Certificate is a legal document that verifies the relationship between two individuals, such as parents and children or couples in a marriage or partnership. It is often required for legal, educational or immigration purposes.

Q2. What are the different types of Relationship Certificates?

Ans2. Common types of Relationship Certificates include:

• Parent-Child Relationship Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Partnership Certificate
• Bilingual Relationship Certificate

Q3. How can I apply for a Relationship Certificate?

Ans3. To apply for a Relationship Certificate, you typically need to submit an application online or in person at a designated government office. Supporting documents, such as identification cards and proof of the relationship, are also required.

Q4. What documents are needed for a Parent-Child Relationship Certificate?

Ans4. Documents required include an Aadhaar card, voter ID, ration card, birth certificate and any other documents proving the legal relationship between the parent and child.

Q5. How long does it take to get a Relationship Certificate?

Ans5. The processing time varies by location. For example, in Kerala, India, a Relationship Certificate is issued within seven days of application. 

Q6. What is a Bilingual Relationship Certificate?

Ans6. A Bilingual Relationship Certificate is a document issued in two languages, commonly required for international use. It may require an affidavit, passport copies and Civil ID cards as supporting documents.

Q7. Why is a Relationship Certificate required for a dependent visa?

Ans7. A Relationship Certificate is needed for a dependent visa to prove the relationship between the applicant and the sponsoring family member, who may already be residing abroad.

Q8. Where can I apply for a Relationship Certificate in Bhutan?

Ans8. In Bhutan, applications can be submitted to the Thromde Civil Registration and Census Office (TCRCO), Dzongkhag Civil Registration and Census Office (DCRCO) or the Department of Civil Registration and Census (DCRC HQ).

Q9. What is the process for obtaining a Marriage Certificate?

Ans9. To obtain a Marriage Certificate, couples must apply online or in person, provide necessary documents and have witnesses present during the registration process.

Q10. Can a Relationship Certificate be used for medical purposes?

Ans10. Yes, a Relationship Certificate can be used for medical purposes when a medical referral letter or prescription is required, especially if treatment involves dependents.