The Bihar Residential Certificate (also known as Domicile Certificate or आवासीय प्रमाण पत्र) stands as one of the most crucial legal documents for residents of Bihar, serving as proof of permanent residence within the state.
Under the Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011, obtaining a residential certificate has become a streamlined process with defined timelines and digital accessibility. The state government has established comprehensive online and offline mechanisms through the Right to Public Service (RTPS) portal at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in, making it possible for eligible residents to obtain their certificates within 15 working days.
Legal Framework and Foundation
The Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011, effective from August 15, 2011, makes Bihar the second state in India (after Madhya Pradesh) to guarantee timely delivery of public services. The Act covers 52 services across 10 departments, each with defined timelines.
Government officials who fail to deliver services without valid reason face penalties ranging from ₹500 to ₹5,000.
The Act sets up a three-tier appeal system:
- Designated Public Servants: process initial applications.
- First Appellate Authority: usually the Sub-Divisional Officer.
- Second Appellate Authority: typically the District Collector or Divisional Commissioner, with powers to impose penalties.
Authorized Issuing Authorities include Circle Officers, Village Administrative Officers, Revenue Inspectors, Sub-Divisional Officers, and District Magistrates. Higher-level certificates, such as those needed for medical college admissions, are issued at the District Magistrate level.
Eligibility Criteria for Bihar Residential Certificate
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Residence Duration | Must be a resident of Bihar for at least three consecutive years. |
| Property Ownership | Owning property, a house, or land in Bihar supports permanent residence claims. Valid proofs include mutation certificates, registry papers, or khasra documents. |
| Voter Registration | Name must appear in the Bihar voter list as proof of civic engagement and permanent residence. |
| Family Connections | – Married women are eligible if their spouse is a Bihar resident and can prove domicile. – Minors qualify based on their parents’ residence credentials. |
Required Documentation for Bihar Residential Certificate
| Category | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof (any one) | • Aadhaar Card (both sides, self-attested) • Voter ID Card • PAN Card • Passport • Driving License |
| Address Proof (any one) | • Electricity or telephone bill (last 3 months) • Notarized rent agreement • Property tax receipt • Water bill • Gas connection document |
| Supporting Documents | • Birth certificate (for age verification) • School leaving certificate or educational documents • Marriage certificate (for married women applying via spouse’s domicile) • Property ownership documents (if applicable) • Affidavit from Municipal Head or Gazetted Officer |
| Photograph Requirements | • Self-attested passport-size colour photograph • Preferably with signature across the photo for verification |
- Document quality issues are the main reason for application rejections.
- Common errors include uploading only one side of Aadhaar cards or blurry, unreadable scans.
- Bihar RTPS system requires clear, properly formatted PDF files under 2MB.
- Self-attestation with a signature across identity proofs is mandatory.
- Signing across documents greatly reduces rejection rates.
Why is Domicile Certificate Mandatory in Bihar?
A domicile certificate is a mandatory legal document for availing several benefits reserved for Bihar residents. It is required for:
- Applying for government jobs under the Bihar state quota.
- Applying for Bihar state scholarships.
- Admission to universities or institutions under the Bihar state quota.
- Availing benefits under Bihar government schemes.
Validity of Residential (Domicile) Certificate in Bihar in 2025
In Bihar, the term “residential certificate” often refers to the RTPS-issued Residence Certificate (Niwas Praman Patra), which may be permanent or temporary, while “domicile certificate” typically denotes a short-term certificate valid for six months.
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Processing Time for Bihar Domicile Certificate
The Bihar domicile certificate is typically processed and issued within 15 days by the concerned authority.
How to Apply for a Residential Certificate in Bihar Online?
- Go to the official RTPS website.
- Click on “Apply Online” and choose “RTPS Services”.
- Under General Administration Department, select “Issuance of Residence Certificate” and choose the Block Level option.
- Fill in the Application Form for Issuance of Residence Certificate from Revenue Officer Level and click “Proceed”.
- Review the preview of your application form and click “Submit” to complete the process.
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How to Apply for a Domicile Certificate Offline in Bihar?
- Visit the office of the Circle Officer, Village Administrative Officer (VAO), or Revenue Inspector in your area.
- Collect the Domicile Certificate application form from the counter.
- Fill out the form with accurate personal and address details.
- Attach the required supporting documents along with the prescribed processing fee.
- Submit the completed application at the Right to Public Service (RTPS) counter.
- Receive an application reference number for tracking your request.
- Wait for verification by the authorities, after which the certificate will be issued.
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How to Check Domicile Certificate Status Online in Bihar?
- Visit the official RTPS website.
- Under the Citizen Section, click “Track Application Status”.
- Select either “Through Application Reference Number” or “Through OTP/Application Details”.
- Enter the reference number or OTP.
- Provide the application details and Captcha code, then click “Submit”.
- The current status of your domicile certificate will be displayed.
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How to Download the e-Bihar Residential Certificate?
Once approved:
- Visit the official RTPS website.
- Under the Citizen Section, click “Download Certificate”.
- Enter the Application Reference Number and Name.
- Click “Download Certificate” to get your e-certificate.
- Download and print the e-certificate.
Note: The digital certificate is equally valid as the physical copy.
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How to Renew Bihar Residential Certificate?
To renew an expired certificate:
- Follow the same application steps (online/offline).
- Submit updated address/residency proofs.
- Pay the processing fee again.
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Conclusion
The Bihar Residential/Domicile Certificate system represents a successful transformation of traditional government service delivery into a transparent, accountable, and citizen-friendly process. Through the Right to Public Services Act, 2011, and robust digital infrastructure via the RTPS portal, Bihar has created an accessible pathway for residents to obtain essential documentation needed for education, employment, and social welfare benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if they fulfill residency or property ownership criteria.
No, it is only for state-specific benefits.
Apply for a duplicate copy via the RTPS portal with a police FIR.
Yes, alternate proofs like Aadhaar or property papers are acceptable.
Submit a written application to the issuing authority with supporting documents.
Any individual who has resided continuously in Bihar for at least three years, or who owns property in the state, or whose name appears on the Bihar electoral rolls, is eligible. Married women or minors may apply based on their spouse’s or parents’ domicile status, respectively.
Rejection commonly occurs due to incomplete documents, mismatched information, or poor scan quality. You will receive specific reasons for rejection and can reapply immediately after addressing the issues; processing timelines restart upon resubmission.
Standard certificates are valid for six months from the date of issue. For permanent domicile purposes (e.g., educational admissions or government employment), certificates may carry extended validity as specified by the issuing authority.
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