Complete guide to Bihar RTO services, including vehicle registration, driving licence application process, RTO codes, permits, and ownership transfer details.
Bihar RTO: Vehicle Registration, Driving Licence & RTO Codes
The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Bihar is a government body that operates under the Bihar Transport Department. It works in line with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, as amended by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, to regulate vehicle registration, driving licences, road tax collection, and traffic law enforcement across the state.
Bihar has 39 RTOs spread across its districts. Every vehicle plying on public roads in the state must be registered with the local RTO, and every driver must hold a valid driving licence. Failure to comply attracts penalties under the 2019 Amendment, which significantly increased fines for traffic violations.
Key Functions of Bihar RTO
Vehicle registration: Issuing temporary and permanent Registration Certificates (RC) via Form 20 for all vehicle classes.
Driving licence issuance and renewal: Processing new applications, renewals, and duplicates through the Sarathi Parivahan portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in).
Vehicle inspection and document verification: Verifying valid RC, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and motor insurance during inspections.
Revenue collection: Collecting road tax, green tax (environment cess), and other statutory fees as prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Ownership transfer: Facilitating vehicle ownership transfer via Form 29 and Form 30, including NOC issuance and hypothecation removal through the VAHAN portal.
E-challan enforcement: Imposing penalties and processing traffic fines through the national e-challan system (echallan.parivahan.gov.in).
Commercial vehicle permits: Granting and renewing permits for goods carriages, passenger vehicles, and other transport vehicles.
NOC for inter-state transfers: Issuing no-objection certificates for vehicles being moved to another state.
Online services: Residents can check RC status, download digital driving licences, pay road tax, and track applications on the Parivahan Sewa portal (parivahan.gov.in).
List of RTO Offices in Bihar (BR Codes)
Bihar has 39 active RTO offices. All vehicle registration numbers in Bihar begin with the state code 'BR' followed by the district-specific number. The table below lists all known RTO codes.
RTO Code | RTO Office Location | District |
|---|---|---|
BR-01 | Patna | Patna |
BR-02 | Gaya | Gaya |
BR-03 | Arrah | Bhojpur |
BR-04 | Chhapra | Saran |
BR-05 | Motihari | East Champaran |
BR-06 | Muzaffarpur | Muzaffarpur |
BR-07 | Darbhanga | Darbhanga |
BR-08 | Munger | Munger |
BR-09 | Begusarai | Begusarai |
BR-10 | Bhagalpur | Bhagalpur |
BR-11 | Purnia | Purnia |
BR-19 | Siwan | Siwan |
BR-21 | Bihar Sharif | Nalanda |
BR-22 | Bettiah | West Champaran |
BR-24 | Sasaram | Rohtas |
BR-25 | Ara (ARTO) | Bhojpur |
BR-26 | Aurangabad | Aurangabad |
BR-27 | Jehanabad | Jehanabad |
BR-28 | Nawada | Nawada |
BR-29 | Sheikhpura | Sheikhpura |
BR-30 | Lakhisarai | Lakhisarai |
BR-31 | Hajipur | Vaishali |
BR-32 | Sitamarhi | Sitamarhi |
BR-33 | Sheohar | Sheohar |
BR-34 | Samastipur | Samastipur |
BR-37 | Araria | Araria |
BR-38 | Kishanganj | Kishanganj |
BR-39 | Katihar | Katihar |
BR-43 | Gopalganj | Gopalganj |
BR-44 | Siwan (ARTO) | Saran |
BR-45 | Madhubani | Madhubani |
BR-46 | Khagaria | Khagaria |
BR-50 | Supaul | Supaul |
BR-51 | Madhepura | Madhepura |
BR-52 | Saharsa | Saharsa |
BR-53 | Vaishali (ARTO) | Vaishali |
BR-55 | Muzaffarpur (ARTO) | Muzaffarpur |
BR-56 | Buxar | Buxar |
BR-57 | Rohtas (ARTO) | Rohtas |
Note: Codes marked '(ARTO)' denote Additional Regional Transport Offices operating at the sub-district level. This list reflects codes as per VAHAN data. Verify current status at parivahan.gov.in.
Vehicle Registration in Bihar
Documents Required
Form 20 (application for vehicle registration) — available at the RTO or on parivahan.gov.in
Form 21 (sales certificate) — issued by the vehicle dealer
Valid motor insurance policy (third-party at minimum, as mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act)
Address proof (Aadhaar card, electricity bill, or passport)
PAN card
Road tax payment receipt
Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
Registration Fees
Service | Fee |
Duplicate RC (two-wheeler) | Rs. 150 |
Duplicate RC (four-wheeler) | Rs. 300 |
Ownership transfer (two-wheeler) | Rs. 300 |
Ownership transfer (four-wheeler) | Rs. 600 |
Note: Fees are subject to revision by the Government of Bihar. Confirm current rates at parivahan.gov.in before applying.
How to Check RC Status Online
Go to parivahan.gov.in and select 'Online Services.'
Click 'Know Your Vehicle Details.'
Enter your vehicle registration number and the captcha code.
Click 'Search Vehicle' to view registration status, insurance details, and fitness information.
Apply online: parivahan.gov.in or visit your nearest Bihar RTO office.
Types of Driving Licences Issued in Bihar
Licence Type | Description | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
Learner's Licence | Temporary permit issued for practice before the permanent licence test. | Minimum age: 16 years (gearless two-wheelers); 18 years (geared vehicles) |
Permanent Driving Licence | For private vehicles — two-wheelers and four-wheelers. | Min. 18 years; must hold a learner's licence and pass the driving test. |
Transport Vehicle Driving Licence | For commercial vehicles: trucks, buses, taxis, goods carriages. | Min. 20 years; must hold LMV licence for at least one year. |
International Driving Permit (IDP) | Allows driving in countries that recognise the 1949 Geneva Convention. | Must hold a valid Indian driving licence. Fee: Rs. 1,000. |
Documents Required for Driving Licence
Form 2 (application for driving licence)
Age proof (Aadhaar, birth certificate, school certificate)
Address proof (Aadhaar, electricity bill, passport)
Two recent passport-size photographs
Valid learner's licence (for permanent DL applications)
Applicable licence fee
Licence Fees (Indicative)
Service | Fee |
Driving licence fee | Rs. 200 |
Driving licence test | Rs. 50 |
Driving licence renewal | Rs. 200–300 |
Duplicate driving licence | Rs. 200 |
International Driving Permit | Rs. 1,000 |
Note: Fees are subject to revision. Confirm current rates at sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.
Apply for a Driving Licence Online
Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select 'Driving Licence Related Services.'
Choose your state (Bihar) and select 'Apply Online' followed by the relevant licence type.
Enter your learner's licence number and date of birth.
Fill in the application form and upload scanned copies of the required documents.
Pay the applicable fee online and note the unique application number.
Visit the nearest RTO to submit original documents and appear for the driving test.
On clearance, the driving licence is typically issued within 3 to 4 weeks.
Apply online: sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
Motor Insurance for Bihar Vehicles
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, valid third-party motor insurance is compulsory for all vehicles registered in Bihar. Owners are advised to compare plans from any IRDAI-registered insurer before purchasing. Motor insurance can be bought or renewed online at competitive rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many RTO offices are there in Bihar?
Bihar has 39 active RTOs, including Additional Regional Transport Offices (ARTOs) at sub-district levels, spread across all districts of the state.
2. How do I check my vehicle's RC status in Bihar?
Visit parivahan.gov.in, go to 'Online Services' and select 'Know Your Vehicle Details.' Enter your vehicle registration number to view RC status, insurance validity, and fitness details. You can also use the mParivahan mobile app.
3. Is motor insurance mandatory in Bihar?
Yes. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a minimum third-party motor insurance policy is compulsory for every vehicle on public roads in Bihar. Driving without valid car insurance policy is a punishable offence under the 2019 Amendment.
4. How long does it take to get a driving licence in Bihar?
After clearing the driving test and submitting all required documents, the driving licence is generally issued within 3 to 4 weeks. The physical smart card is delivered to your registered address by post.
5. Can I apply for a driving licence online in Bihar?
Yes. Applications for learner's licences and permanent driving licences can be submitted online through sarathi.parivahan.gov.in. The driving test and final document verification, however, require a visit to the nearest RTO.
6. What is the validity of a Registration Certificate (RC) in Bihar?
A permanent RC is valid for 15 years from the date of first registration. After 15 years, it must be renewed every 5 years. You should apply for renewal at least 60 days before the RC expiry date. Renewal is done through Form 25 at the RTO or online via the Parivahan portal.
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