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.
Worked example: what to look for
When buying a resale flat, request an EC for at least the last 13–30 years. Check that every transfer matches the chain of title in the sale deeds, that any bank mortgage shown has a matching release, and that there are no court attachments. A “nil” EC means no registered transactions — but unregistered agreements won’t appear, so it complements, not replaces, a lawyer’s title search.
Common mistakes
- Getting an EC for too short a period.
- Ignoring a mortgage entry that the seller says is “cleared” without a release deed.
- Not getting a fresh EC just before registration.
See the resale property due diligence checklist.
FAQs
How long does an online EC take?
In most states a few days to two weeks, depending on the period and the registration office.
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.
