Why families register their Will
A Will is valid once you sign it and two witnesses attest it. Registration is optional under Section 18 of the Registration Act, 1908. But an unregistered Will can go missing, be replaced, or be challenged as forged, and your family has to prove it in court or before a society, bank or tahsildar.
When you register, a Sub-Registrar checks your identity, records the Will in the government's books and keeps a copy. It becomes very hard for anyone to say the Will never existed or that you did not sign it.
- Two or more children
- A house, flat or land to divide
- Second marriages, or anyone left out on purpose
How our Will registration service works
- Free first call
Tell us about your family and what you own. We confirm registration is the right choice, or say so if notarisation is enough.
- Your Will is drafted
Our legal team drafts it under the Indian Succession Act, 1925, and we go through every clause with you until it reads exactly right.
- Office and slot confirmed
We check which Sub-Registrar office covers your home address and book the appointment on your state's portal.
- Documents ready
We send a checklist for your office and check your ID, photographs and witness details before the day.
- Registered
You attend with two witnesses. The Will is recorded, scanned and handed back to you, usually the same day.
What you get
- A Will drafted around your family, not a template
- Executor and guardian clauses where you need them
- The correct Sub-Registrar office for your address
- Your appointment booked and your documents checked
- Your registered Will, with the office's endorsement
How to register a Will in India
Every state follows the same national law, the Registration Act, 1908, but runs its own portal and offices. In practice registration takes five steps:
- Prepare and sign the Will before two witnesses who inherit nothing under it.
- Find the right office. It is the Sub-Registrar office covering your home address, not your property.
- Book a slot on the state portal: IGRS in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Kaveri in Karnataka, IGR in Maharashtra, Garvi in Gujarat, and so on.
- Attend with your witnesses and identity proof. The officer checks identities, takes photographs and thumb impressions, and records the Will.
- Collect the registered Will. A copy stays in the office's records.
Our state guides explain the portal and office system where you live, and our city guides cover 20 cities in detail.
Documents required for Will registration
- The original Will, signed by you on every page and attested by two witnesses, and a photocopy.
- Your photo identity and address proof: Aadhaar, PAN card, passport or voter ID.
- Both witnesses' photo identity. They must come with you.
- Passport-size photographs of you and the witnesses, where the office asks for them.
- A doctor's certificate of sound mind if you are elderly or unwell. It is not required by law, but it is strong evidence if anyone later questions your capacity.
There is no stamp paper and no stamp duty for a Will. Some offices ask for extra items, so we send you the list for your specific office before the day. See our full documents checklist.
Will registration at home
Registration normally happens at the office. But the proviso to Section 31 of the Registration Act, 1908 lets the registering officer attend at a person's residence "on special cause being shown" and accept a document for registration, or a Will for deposit, there.
For a parent who is bedridden, very elderly or unwell, we help you apply to the Sub-Registrar with the reason and a medical certificate. States charge an additional fee for a home visit and set their own procedure, so we confirm both for your office first. Read more in Will registration at home.
Will registration charges
There are two separate costs. The government charges a small fixed registration fee for a Will, plus scanning charges. It is not a percentage of your property's value, and there is no stamp duty. The fee is set by each state and changes from time to time, so we confirm it for your office.
Our fee of ₹19,999 covers the drafting, the 60-minute consultation, review, office and slot, and coordination of the registration. Government fees paid on your behalf are the only possible extra, and we tell you the amount in advance. Compare all packages on our pricing page.
Can a Will be registered online?
Not fully, in most states. The data entry, slot booking and fee payment are online, but you and your witnesses still appear before the Sub-Registrar. Madhya Pradesh's Sampada 2.0 allows video KYC for some documents. See can you register a Will online.
On your own vs with WillSetu
| On your own | With WillSetu | |
|---|---|---|
| Drafting | Online template or a local typist | Drafted by our legal team for your family |
| Finding the right office | Trial and error | Confirmed for your exact address |
| Slot and documents | Portal, queues and repeat visits | Booked and checked for you |
| Witness mistakes | Common: a beneficiary often signs | Checked before the day |
| Cost | Unclear until the end | ₹19,999, agreed before you begin |
Our promises to you
Not a template. Your Will is written around your family and checked before you sign.
The price and what it covers are agreed before you pay. No hourly billing.
We confirm the right Sub-Registrar, book the slot and tell you what to bring.
Your family and property details are used only to prepare your Will.
Will with Registration: frequently asked questions
Is it compulsory to register a Will in India?
No. Registration is optional under Section 18 of the Registration Act, 1908. A Will signed by you and attested by two witnesses is valid either way. Registration makes it much harder to lose, replace or challenge.
How much does Will registration cost?
The government charges a small fixed registration fee, which varies by state, and there is no stamp duty. Our Will with Registration package is ₹19,999 for drafting, consultation, office and slot, and coordination of the registration.
Which documents are required for Will registration?
The original Will, your photo ID and address proof, both witnesses with their photo ID, and photographs if the office asks. A doctor's certificate helps if you are elderly or unwell.
Can the Sub-Registrar come home to register a Will?
Yes, on special cause being shown, under the proviso to Section 31 of the Registration Act. An additional fee applies and each state sets the procedure.
How long does registration take?
The appointment itself is usually under an hour, and the registered Will is generally returned the same day or within a few working days.
Can I register my Will online?
Not fully in most states. Data entry and booking are online, but you and your witnesses appear in person.
Do you register Wills in Tamil Nadu?
No. Our registration package covers all of India except Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu we draft your Will and arrange notarisation.
Can a registered Will be changed?
Yes. You can make a new Will at any time, and it should say it revokes all earlier Wills. If the old one was registered, register the new one too.
General information, not legal advice. WillSetu is not a law firm; see our disclaimer.
Make your Will
Speak to our team for free. We tell you which package suits your family, what it costs and how long it takes, before you commit to anything.