The Trust Registration Certificate is an official document that proves the legal existence of a trust in India. This certificate is issued after registering a trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 or the relevant state legislation. In today’s digital age, many states have started offering online access to trust-related records.
This blog explains how to download a trust registration certificate online, where it is available, which states offer digital services, and what documents or details are required to access it.
Introduction
A trust is a legal arrangement in which one party (the trustee) holds property or assets for the benefit of another (the beneficiary). Trusts are commonly created for charitable, religious, educational, or public welfare purposes. In order to gain legal standing and access to benefits such as 12A/80G registrations, opening bank accounts, or owning land, a trust needs to be registered with the relevant authority.
Once registered, the Trust Registration Certificate serves as the record of registration. Historically, this certificate was in physical hard copy form and retained with the Sub-Registrar or the Charity Commissioner’s office. However, with increasing digitalization in governance, several states now allow online access to trust registration certificates or status.
What is a Trust Registration Certificate?
The Trust Registration Certificate is a legal document issued by the authority where the trust is registered, typically the Sub-Registrar of Assurances, the Charity Commissioner (for public trusts), or Registrar of Societies/Trusts (in some states). It includes –
- Trust name and address
- Date of registration
- Registration number
- Names of trustees and settlor
- Objective of the trust
- Validity and jurisdiction details
This certificate is required for –
- Opening bank accounts
- Applying for PAN
- Availing the tax exemptions (under Section 12A and 80G)
- Grant applications
- Legal and property transactions
Where is a Trust Registered in India?
Depending on the type of trust and the state –
- Private trusts are registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, with the local Sub-Registrar.
- Public charitable/religious trusts are registered with the Charity Commissioner (in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh).
- In some states, trusts are registered through the Registrar of Societies and Trusts or the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) office.
Can You Download the Trust Certificate Online?
Yes, you can – but only in certain states, and depending on the department’s digital services.
States that have online portals for trust/society registrations often allow users to –
- Check trust registration status
- Download registration certificates or deeds (if available)
- View trust details and documents
Currently, states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh have made progress in digitizing trust registration services.
Steps to Download the Trust Registration Certificate Online (State-wise Overview)
Below are the steps for some of the states that support online access –
1. Maharashtra – Charity Commissioner Portal
Portal – https://charity.maharashtra.gov.in
Steps –
- Visit the portal and go to the “Search Trust” section.
- Enter the trust name or registration number.
- Click on the trust name from the result list.
- Check if the “View Certificate” or “Download Documents” option is available.
- Download the certificate in PDF format.
2. Gujarat – Charity Commissioner Gujarat
Portal – https://www.charitycommissioner.gujarat.gov.in
Steps –
- Go to the trust search section.
- Search by trust name, registration number, or district.
- If available, download the certificate or extract of registration.
3. Karnataka – Kaveri Online Services
Portal – https://kaverionline.karnataka.gov.in
Steps –
- Register or log in to the portal.
- Select “Document View” or “EC/Deed Download”.
- Enter document number, year, and SRO (Sub-Registrar Office).
- Pay nominal fees if required and download the document.
4. Uttar Pradesh – IGRS UP (Stamp and Registration Department)
Portal – https://igrsup.gov.in
Steps –
- Visit the portal and go to “Search Registered Document”.
- Enter document registration details (SRO, deed number/year).
- View the scanned copy and download if available.
Common Requirements for Downloading a Certificate
- Trust Registration Number
- Trust Name (as per official record)
- Year of Registration
- Jurisdiction/Sub-Registrar details
- Sometimes, you may need the login credentials if the portal is restricted to trustees or applicants.
What If Your State Does not Offer Online Download?
If your state does not yet support downloading the trust certificates online, you can –
- Visit the local Sub-Registrar Office or the Charity Commissioner’s Office where the trust was registered.
- You can submit the application for a certified copy of the trust registration certificate.
- You have to pay the prescribed fee and collect the document manually.
- Some offices also provide scanned copies via email upon request.
Tips for Trust Management and Recordkeeping
- Always keep a digital scan of your original registration certificate.
- Note your trust’s registration number and date; these are often needed for all future filings.
- If your trust operates in multiple states, maintain a file of region-specific registrations.
- Keep your PAN, 12A/80G, and certificate copies together for funding and tax purposes.
Conclusion
While not all states currently offer full digital access to trust registration certificates, several have made the process faster and more convenient. If your trust is registered in a digitally enabled state, such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, or Karnataka, you can typically download your certificate online in a few minutes using basic details.
For others, the process may still involve physical visits; however, digitization is expanding rapidly. Keeping your trust’s legal documentation updated and accessible, whether online or offline, is essential for smooth functioning, compliance, and eligibility for grants and tax exemptions.
References
Indian Trust Act, 1882 (Act No. 2 of 1882)
https://kaverionline.karnataka.gov.in
https://www.charitycommissioner.gujarat.gov.in
