What is Tamil Nadu’s new presence-less property registration service? | Explained

Published 24 July 2026 · india

The story so far: The Tamil Nadu government has been working to move property registration services online as part of its efforts to simplify the

The story so far: The Tamil Nadu government has been working to move property registration services online as part of its efforts to simplify the registration process. The Registration Department is in the process of migrating to STAR (Simplified and Transparent Administration of Registration) 3.0, an upgraded version of its software system, replacing STAR 2.0. The new system is intended to simplify document registration and provide next-generation computerised services using the latest technologies. What is the objective of the digital push? The move towards online registration aims to eliminate corruption and the role of intermediaries in Sub-Registrar offices. The online system is expected to improve transparency and accountability. It is also expected to reduce transport costs for applicants by eliminating the need to visit Sub-Registrar offices.

Another key objective is to reduce overcrowding at Sub-Registrar offices, particularly on days considered auspicious, when the number of registrations is usually higher. What is ‘Presence-less Registration’ system? The government’s digital initiative has now taken shape as the ‘Presence-less Registration’ system. It will allow parties to register properties online from anywhere and at any time, without visiting a Sub-Registrar office. In the first phase, online registration will be mandatory for the first sale of plots by developers, the first sale of apartments by builders, and the related deposit of title deeds. Who can apply for online property registration? In the first phase, the key stakeholders under the new system are flat and plot promoters, bankers and financial institutions.

In the feature that is yet to be enabled on the Registration Department’s portal (the stakeholders can create an account and login using their credentials. The required documents for registration can then be uploaded online. How will it work? The online registration process requires Aadhaar-based verification of executants, claimants and witnesses. Their Aadhaar details must be uploaded and their identities will be verified through fingerprint or iris authentication using the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) system. The process also requires internet connectivity, a UIDAI-approved L1 fingerprint scanner, an iris scanner and a webcam. What is the process? Once all the required documents are uploaded and the authentication process is completed, the documents will be scrutinised by officials.