Aadhaar-based identity verification has become mandatory for registration of property-related documents in Maharashtra from October 1, 2026, with the state government introducing the requirement across 63 types of transactions.
The new requirement covers transactions such as property sale, purchase, mortgage and partition deeds. The Maharashtra revenue department has made identity verification a prerequisite for document registration, with the move aimed at preventing impersonation, fraudulent transactions and the use of fake witnesses.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the decision was taken following directions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and that a gazette notification had already been issued for implementation from October 1.
The registration and stamps department, which operates under the revenue department, is responsible for registration of documents relating to immovable properties across the state.
Aadhaar Verification for Document Registration
Under the revised process, documents will not be registered without valid Aadhaar identification. The requirement is intended to strengthen the verification of parties involved in property transactions and reduce dependence on physical witnesses.
According to the state government, integrating Aadhaar-based identification into the registration system is expected to reduce the scope for impersonators and fictitious parties being used in fraudulent property transactions.
The department has also outlined an alternative process for individuals who do not yet have an Aadhaar number. Such applicants will need to provide the acknowledgement receipt for their Aadhaar enrolment application along with another government-issued identity document.
They will also have to submit valid proof establishing their relationship with the other parties involved in the transaction.
Alternative Verification for Those Without Aadhaar
The alternative process is intended to ensure that genuine property transactions are not stopped solely because an individual does not have an Aadhaar number.
However, registration will proceed only after the identity and supporting documents have undergone the required verification. The department has stated that the process will continue to maintain identity checks while providing an option for people who are awaiting Aadhaar enrolment.
Senior officials from the registration department said the technical infrastructure required for the statewide rollout is ready.
Additional Verification Measures Planned
The state is also considering additional verification technologies to address situations where standard biometric authentication may not work.
Officials said iris scanners could be deployed where fingerprints cannot be properly captured. Application-based processing and other verification features are also being considered as part of the registration system.
The additional measures are intended to make biometric verification more effective while reducing difficulties for citizens during the registration process.
Impact on Property Transactions
The new Aadhaar requirement applies to a wide range of document registrations involving immovable property. Buyers, sellers, borrowers, property owners and other parties involved in covered transactions will therefore need to account for the new identity verification process while completing registrations.
The state government has positioned the measure as part of efforts to make property registration more transparent and reduce fraudulent transactions.
For individuals with Aadhaar, the process will involve the prescribed identity verification at the time of document registration. Those without Aadhaar will have to use the alternative verification route and provide the additional documents specified by the department.
