Tamil Nadu to Roll Out ‘Presenceless’ Property Registration System by Year-End

In a major digital push, the Tamil Nadu Registration Department is preparing to introduce a ‘presenceless’ property registration system, allowing buyers and developers to complete first-sale registrations without visiting sub-registrar offices (SROs). The move, expected to be rolled out by the end of this year, aims to cut delays, reduce corruption, and ease congestion at the state’s 582 SROs, many of which function from cramped premises.

Officials said the facility will be optional initially and later made mandatory. Every year, around 36 lakh documents are registered in Tamil Nadu, including 5.5 lakh Memoranda of Deposit of Title Deed (MOD) and 3.5 lakh receipt deeds. On average, 26,000 apartments are registered each month, with Chennai leading the numbers.

The state had earlier introduced presenceless registration for MODs, receipt deeds, and short-term residential leases, though uptake has been limited—only 30,000 transactions are currently done online. Under the new system, once a seller or developer completes online filing, the respective SRO will verify and clear the documents digitally.

To enable this, the government will provide dedicated software to major builders and developer associations. Aadhaar-based authentication, including iris and fingerprint verification, will be integrated. Developers will be required to procure biometric and iris scanners to comply.

“We are confident this will save time and streamline the process. While not mandatory for now, the aim is to gradually expand it across all property registrations,” a senior registration department official said. Teams from Tamil Nadu have studied similar digital systems in Madhya Pradesh and other states, and discussions are ongoing with banks to bring MODs and receipt deeds fully under this framework.

However, the proposal has raised safety concerns, given the state’s history of fraudulent registrations and property disputes. Critics warn that removing physical presence could increase the risks of manipulation.

Industry bodies, while supportive, have urged the government to build strong safeguards. “This will make property transactions faster and more convenient. But a secure system is crucial to ensure trust,” said S. Ramprabhu, chairman of the DTCP committee at the Builders Association of India.

If implemented effectively, Tamil Nadu will become one of the first states to fully embrace digital, presence-free property registration.