Nagaland does not use the term "domicile certificate." The state has two separate residence-related certificates. The PRC (Permanent Residential Certificate) is for all residents of Nagaland. The IIC (Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate) is exclusively for members of the 15 recognized Naga tribes - it is one of the most unique certificates in India and exists nowhere else. Apply at edistrict.nagaland.gov.in for both certificates. Offline applications go to the Deputy Commissioner's office, Judicial Branch of your district. The IIC carries a unique permanent number that never changes even on reissuance. The application form for IIC costs Rs. 200 (inclusive of the certificate charge). A Village Verification Committee must verify every IIC application before the Deputy Commissioner issues it. For newborn children of indigenous inhabitants, IIC registration must be completed within 6 months of birth. The IIC process is governed by fresh guidelines issued by the Government of Nagaland on September 20, 2024. Nagaland operates under the special provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution, which protects Naga customary law and practices. Nagaland is also an Inner Line Permit (ILP) state - non-residents require an ILP to enter, and this residency framework makes the PRC and IIC critical identity documents for state residents.
- eDistrict Nagaland: edistrict.nagaland.gov.in
- Register: edistrict.nagaland.gov.in/register
- Service List: edistrict.nagaland.gov.in/service-list
- Kohima Forms (PRC + IIC): kohima.nic.in/forms
- PRC Form: kohima.nic.in/PRC-form
- IIC Form: kohima.nic.in/IIC-form
- DPAR Nagaland (IIC guidelines): dpar.nagaland.gov.in/IIC
- Kohima DC Office: 0370-2290355 | [email protected] | PIN 797001
PRC vs IIC - Which One You Need
| Certificate | For Whom | Issuing Authority | Form Fee | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRC (Permanent Residential Certificate) | All permanent residents of Nagaland | Deputy Commissioner, Judicial Branch | Available at kohima.nic.in/forms | Proof of residence in Nagaland |
| IIC (Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate) | Members of 15 recognized Naga tribes only - must trace antecedents to a recognized village in Nagaland | Deputy Commissioner (or ADC HQ in DC's absence) - signed by authority not below rank of Additional DC | Rs. 200 (includes certificate cost) | Village Verification Committee attestation mandatory |
The 15 Recognized Naga Tribes for IIC
The IIC is issued only to members of these tribes as notified by the Government of Nagaland vide The Constitution (Nagaland) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1970, who are resident in Nagaland and can trace their antecedents to a recognized village:
15 Naga Tribes: Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Konyak, Khiamniungan, Lotha, Pochury, Phom, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Tikhir, Yimkhiung, Zeliang
Additional tribes: Kachari, Kuki, Garo, and Mikir (Karbi) as notified in the same Constitutional Order
The applicant must be able to trace their father, mother, paternal grandfather, and paternal great-grandfather - along with their respective villages. This lineage verification is what distinguishes the IIC from a standard residence certificate.
Village Verification Committee - Mandatory for IIC
Every IIC application must be verified and attested by the Village Verification Committee of the applicant's village before submission to the DC office. The committee is constituted in every recognized village by the Village Council Chairman and consists of:
- A member of the Village Council (Convenor)
- Head GB (Gaon Bura) or the senior most (by age) Gaon Bura of the village
- President of the Village Youth Organization
- Head Teacher of the Government Middle School (GMS) or Government Primary School (GPS)
- Female VDB (Village Development Board) member
- Representative of the Village Women's Organization
- Representatives of the Khels (clan groups) in villages where the Khel system exists
Only committee members officially intimated to the Deputy Commissioner may verify IIC applications. The committee verifies: the names of the father, mother, paternal grandfather, and paternal great-grandfather along with their villages. Any adoption at any level must be disclosed and such cases are referred to the P&AR (Personnel and Administrative Reforms) Department.
IIC Unique Number - Permanent and Non-Transferable
Every IIC issued carries a unique number that is permanent and non-transferable. Even when an IIC is reissued or a replacement is issued, the same unique number is used. This unique number system was introduced by the Government of Nagaland notification dated September 20, 2024 to prevent duplication and fraud. Any reapplication for a new format must quote this unique IIC number.
Newborn Registration - Within 6 Months
Children born to parents who hold an IIC must be registered for their own IIC within 6 months of birth. The registration requires the birth certificate of the newborn and copies of the parents' IIC. This mandatory early registration was introduced in the September 2024 guidelines to build a complete indigenous inhabitant registry in Nagaland.
Consequences of False Claims
Submitting or authenticating false information for an IIC is a criminal offence under Nagaland law. The Deputy Commissioner is empowered to refuse issuance or cancel any IIC where claims are found to be false. The DC sends monthly reports of all certificates issued and rejected to the Office of the Commissioner, Nagaland, and uploads details daily on the district website.
How to Apply Online at eDistrict Nagaland
- Go to edistrict.nagaland.gov.in/register and complete One Time Registration (OTR) with your personal details, residential details, User ID, and password.
- Log in at edistrict.nagaland.gov.in.
- From edistrict.nagaland.gov.in/service-list, select Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) or Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate (IIC).
- Click Submit Online for online application or Submit Offline to download and fill the form manually.
- For IIC: download the IIC Application Form from kohima.nic.in/IIC-form, get it verified and attested by your Village Verification Committee, then submit online or at the DC office.
- Fill all required details, upload scanned documents, complete payment gateway, and submit.
- An acknowledgement slip with your Application Number is generated. Note it.
- Track status on the portal. Receive SMS notification on registered mobile when certificate is ready.
How to Apply at DC Office (Offline)
- Collect the application form from the DC office or ADC office (for IIC: Rs. 200 inclusive of certificate charge) or download from kohima.nic.in/forms
- For IIC: get the form verified and attested by the Village Verification Committee of your village before submission
- Visit: O/o The Deputy Commissioner, Judicial Branch, Ground Floor, Kohima 797001. Phone: 0370-2290355. Email: [email protected]
- Submit the form with all required documents at the Judicial Branch counter
- Collect the acknowledgement and track progress
- The DC (or ADC HQ in DC's absence) issues the certificate after verification
Official Links
- eDistrict Nagaland - edistrict.nagaland.gov.in
- Register - edistrict.nagaland.gov.in
- Service List - edistrict.nagaland.gov.in
- Forms - kohima.nic.in
- PRC Form - kohima.nic.in
- IIC Form - kohima.nic.in
- IIC Guidelines - dpar.nagaland.gov.in
- Kohima PRC Service - kohima.nic.in
Kohima DC: 0370-2290355 | [email protected] | PIN 797001
Related articles:
Domicile Certificate in India - Complete Guide
Nagaland Income Certificate Guide
Nagaland Ration Card Application Process
Disclaimer: Always verify latest details at edistrict.nagaland.gov.in and kohima.nic.in before applying.
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