Starting a society in Uttar Pradesh requires proper documentation and legal compliance under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (as applicable in UP). Many applications are delayed or rejected due to incomplete paperwork. Before preparing your documents, it is advisable to clearly understand the requirements of Society Registration in Uttar Pradesh so that the documentation is accurate, complete, and legally compliant from the beginning.
This article explains the complete list of documents required for UP society registration in a clear and practical manner.
Legal Background of Society Registration in Uttar Pradesh
Societies in Uttar Pradesh are governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860 as amended in the state. Registration is carried out before the Deputy Registrar/Registrar of Societies of the concerned district.
The objective of proper documentation is to:
- Establish the identity of members
- Define the purpose and governance structure
- Ensure transparency and accountability
- Prevent fraudulent or duplicate registrations
Complete List of Documents Required for UP Society Registration
Below is a structured table summarizing the required documents:
| S. No. | Document Name | Purpose |
| 1 | Memorandum of Association (MOA) | Defines objectives and founding details |
| 2 | Rules & Regulations / Bylaws | Governing framework of the society |
| 3 | List of Governing Body Members | Management details |
| 4 | Identity Proof of Members | Verification of identity |
| 5 | Address Proof of Members | Residential verification |
| 6 | Registered Office Address Proof | Establishes official location |
| 7 | No Objection Certificate (NOC) | Permission from property owner |
| 8 | Affidavit / Declaration by President | Legal confirmation of correctness |
| 9 | Passport Size Photographs | Member identification |
| 10 | Covering Letter & Application Form | Formal request for registration |
Detailed Explanation of Each Document
1. Memorandum of Association (MOA)
The MOA is the primary constitutional document of the society. It includes:
- Name of the society
- Registered office address
- Aims and objectives
- Names, addresses, and signatures of founding members
The objectives must be lawful and fall within permissible activities under the Act.
2. Rules and Regulations (Bylaws)
This document explains how the society will function internally. It covers:
- Membership admission and termination
- Powers and duties of office bearers
- Meeting procedures
- Financial management
- Audit provisions
Clear drafting prevents future disputes.
3. List of Governing Body Members
A complete list of office bearers such as:
- President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Executive Members
Their designation, occupation, and address must be properly mentioned.
4. Identity and Address Proof of Members
Generally accepted documents include:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Driving License
Self-attested copies are usually required.
5. Registered Office Address Proof
The society must provide valid proof of its registered office, such as:
- Electricity bill
- Water bill
- Property tax receipt
- Rent agreement (if rented property)
6. No Objection Certificate (NOC)
If the property is rented or owned by someone else, an NOC from the owner is mandatory. It confirms that the premises can be used for society registration purposes.
For district-wise details, applicants may refer to Registrar of Societies Uttar Pradesh to ensure correct jurisdiction.
7. Affidavit by President/Secretary
An affidavit declaring:
- Correctness of submitted documents
- Non-involvement in unlawful activities
- Confirmation that the society name is unique
This must be properly notarized.
8. Compliance with Applicable Law
Documentation must comply with the applicable legal framework. For a complete understanding of the governing provisions, refer to Society Registration UP All Act which explains the statutory foundation in detail.
Common Errors to Avoid While Submitting Documents
Many applications face objections due to minor mistakes. Common issues include:
- Inconsistent spelling of member names
- Improperly drafted objectives
- Missing signatures on MOA pages
- Invalid address proof
- Absence of NOC
- Incorrect formatting of bylaws
Ensuring uniform details across all documents is essential.
Practical Tips for Smooth Approval
- Draft objectives clearly and lawfully
- Ensure at least seven members (for state-level society)
- Keep all documents self-attested
- Verify name availability before drafting MOA
- Maintain proper margins and formatting
Professional drafting helps avoid unnecessary objections from the Registrar’s office.
Conclusion
Understanding the documents required for UP society registration is the foundation of a successful registration process. Proper preparation of the Memorandum of Association, bylaws, identity proofs, and office address documents ensures smooth approval under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (as applicable in Uttar Pradesh).
Accurate documentation not only secures registration but also strengthens long-term governance and compliance of the society.
If you require structured drafting and professional guidance, expert legal assistance can significantly simplify the process and prevent delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many members are required for UP society registration?
A minimum of seven members is required to register a society in Uttar Pradesh. These members must sign the Memorandum of Association and provide valid identity and address proof.
2. Is Aadhaar card mandatory for society registration in Uttar Pradesh?
While the law does not specifically mandate Aadhaar, it is commonly accepted as valid identity and address proof. Other documents like PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport are also acceptable.
3. Is a registered office address compulsory for society registration?
Yes, providing a valid registered office address in Uttar Pradesh is mandatory. You must submit address proof along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if the property is rented or not owned by the society members.
4. What happens if documents are incomplete or incorrect?
If documents are incomplete, unsigned, or improperly drafted, the Registrar may raise objections or reject the application. This can delay the registration process significantly.
5. Is notarization required for society registration documents?
Yes, certain documents such as affidavits and declarations by the President or Secretary generally require notarization before submission.
