Encumbrance Certificate (EC) Online: What It Is & How to Get It
Last verified: June 2026. Property rules, rates and processes vary by state/municipality and change over time — confirm with the relevant authority. General information, not legal advice.
An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) proves a property is free of monetary and legal liabilities — like a mortgage or unpaid dues. It’s an essential document before buying property or taking a loan against it.
What an EC shows
The EC lists all registered transactions on a property over a chosen period — sales, mortgages, gifts, leases. A clean EC (no encumbrances) reassures you the seller has clear, marketable title and the property isn’t pledged to a lender.
The two forms
- Form 15: issued when there are registered encumbrances during the period — it lists them.
- Form 16 (Nil EC): issued when there are no encumbrances in the period.
How to get an EC online
- Visit your state’s registration/IGR portal (many states offer online EC).
- Enter the property details (district, sub-registrar office, survey/door number) and the period you want covered.
- Pay the small fee and download/apply; some states issue it online, others require a sub-registrar visit.
Tips
- Ask for an EC covering a long period (e.g. 13–30 years) to catch old liabilities.
- An EC only reflects registered documents; combine it with title-deed checks and builder/seller due diligence.
FAQs
What is an encumbrance certificate?
A document listing all registered transactions/liabilities on a property over a period, showing whether it has a clear title.
How do I get an EC online?
Through your state registration/IGR portal by entering property details and the period; some states issue it fully online.
What is a Nil EC?
Form 16 — issued when there are no registered encumbrances in the requested period.
