Power of Attorney Registration on TNREGINET Tamil Nadu — 2026 Guide
A Power of Attorney (adikaara pattiram — அதிகார பத்திரம்) is a legal document by which one person (the principal) authorises another person (the agent or attorney) to act on their behalf in legal, financial, or property matters. In Tamil Nadu, a POA involving immovable property — buying, selling, managing, or mortgaging land — must be registered at the Sub-Registrar Office to be valid.
The most common use case for POA registration in Tamil Nadu is NRIs who need someone in India to handle their property while they are abroad. It is also used by individuals who cannot physically attend the SRO for various legitimate reasons.
This guide explains Power of Attorney Registration in Tamil Nadu. Register your POA on the official portal.
Visit Official TNREGINET Portal →ⓘ This is an independent guide. We are not affiliated with the Tamil Nadu government or TNREGINET.
Types of Power of Attorney
| Type | What It Covers | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| General POA (GPA) | Broad authority — all property and financial matters | NRIs, long-term absence, elderly principals |
| Specific / Special POA | Limited to one specific transaction or act | Selling one property, signing one loan document |
| Irrevocable POA | Cannot be cancelled by principal unilaterally | When agent has financial interest in the transaction |
Stamp Duty for POA Registration in Tamil Nadu (2026)
| POA Type | Stamp Duty | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General POA (with consideration / property rights) | Same as sale deed — 7% on consideration | 4% on consideration |
| General POA (no consideration — family, property management only) | ₹100 fixed | ₹50 fixed |
| Specific POA for one transaction | ₹50 to ₹100 | ₹50 |
| POA for agricultural operations | ₹50 | ₹50 |
Stamp duty varies significantly based on whether the POA involves a transfer of consideration (money) or is purely for management/representation purposes. Always confirm current rates at the SRO before drafting.
Documents Required for POA Registration
- POA document clearly specifying the powers granted
- Aadhaar card of the principal (the person granting the POA)
- Aadhaar card of the agent (the person receiving authority)
- PAN card of both parties
- Passport-size photographs of both (2 each)
- If property-specific: Patta, title deed, or property tax receipt
- Aadhaar of two witnesses
NRI Power of Attorney — Special Process
If the principal is an NRI (Non-Resident Indian), they cannot appear at the Tamil Nadu SRO in person. The process is:
- The principal drafts the POA document while abroad
- The document is notarised by a Notary Public in the country where the principal resides
- The notarised POA is then apostilled (authenticated) — required for countries signatory to the Hague Convention, which includes most countries with significant Indian diaspora
- The agent in India submits the apostilled POA to the SRO in Tamil Nadu for adjudication and registration
- The SRO registers the POA and it becomes valid for use in Tamil Nadu
Step-by-Step POA Registration Process (Resident)
Step 1 — Draft the POA Document
The POA must clearly state: the principal's name and address, the agent's name and address, the specific powers granted (and any limitations), and the duration (most POAs are valid for a fixed period or until revoked). Use precise language — vague POAs lead to disputes.
Step 2 — Create on TNREGINET
Log in at tnreginet.gov.in, go to Registration → Create Document → Power of Attorney. Enter all required details.
Step 3 — Pay Stamp Duty and Book Token
Pay the applicable fee online. Book an SRO appointment. Both principal and agent should ideally be present, though only the principal's presence is strictly required for the granting of the POA.
Step 4 — Revocation When No Longer Needed
A POA can be revoked by the principal at any time (unless irrevocable) by executing a Revocation of Power of Attorney deed and registering it at the same SRO. Notify the agent and any third parties who have been relying on the POA after revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can property be sold using a POA in Tamil Nadu?
Technically yes — an agent with a registered POA authorising sale can execute a sale deed on behalf of the principal. However, courts have repeatedly questioned the legal validity of such sales, especially General POAs used to transfer property in exchange for consideration. Many banks also refuse home loans when the seller's side uses a POA. Consult a property lawyer before proceeding.
Does a POA holder become the property owner?
No. A POA only authorises the agent to act on behalf of the principal. The principal remains the legal owner at all times. Only a registered sale deed or gift deed can transfer ownership.
What happens to a POA if the principal dies?
A POA automatically becomes void upon the death of the principal. Any actions taken by the agent after the principal's death using the POA are legally invalid. Inform all parties and institutions immediately upon the principal's death.
How long is a registered POA valid?
There is no fixed statutory validity period for a registered POA in Tamil Nadu unless a specific duration is mentioned in the document. However, for practical purposes, many institutions treat POAs older than 3 to 5 years with caution and may ask for a fresh one.
All registration steps described in this guide are completed on the official Tamil Nadu government portal.
Visit Official TNREGINET Portal →ⓘ This is an independent guide. We are not affiliated with the Tamil Nadu government or TNREGINET.
