Govt Services · Bihar · Domicile Certificate
How to Apply for a Domicile Certificate Online in Bihar
A domicile certificate in Bihar, usually called the residence or Niwas Praman Patra, proves that you are a resident of the state. You need it for state-quota admissions, state government jobs, scholarships, and schemes that are open only to Bihar residents. In Bihar the service runs under the Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011, so the office must deliver it within a fixed time or you can appeal. You apply online on the RTPS portal, which runs on the ServicePlus system at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in, or through a Lok Seva Kendra or Common Service Centre. This page gives the exact steps, the documents, the fee, the deadline, how to download the signed certificate, and what to do if it is refused. Last verified October 2026.
- Portal: RTPS Bihar on ServicePlus at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in (or a Lok Seva Kendra / CSC).
- Called: the residence or Niwas certificate in Bihar.
- Law: Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011, with a delivery deadline.
- If refused: appeal online at rtpsappeal.bihar.gov.in, then the revenue court or High Court.
01What a domicile certificate is used for
A residence or domicile certificate confirms that you ordinarily live in Bihar. It is commonly asked for:
- State-quota seats in medical, engineering and other admissions.
- Bihar government jobs and recruitment that are reserved for state residents.
- State scholarships and welfare schemes limited to residents.
- Other state benefits where residence is a condition.
It is issued by the revenue administration of your block, usually the Circle Officer, after a check of your residence. Keep an eye on the validity, as some uses need a recent certificate.
02Documents you need
Keep clear scans ready. The usual list is:
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card of the applicant | Identity and OTP verification |
| Proof of residence in Bihar | Voter ID, electricity bill, rent agreement or ration card |
| School leaving certificate or land record | To show long residence in the state |
| Ward member / Sarpanch / local certificate | Local confirmation of residence, where asked |
| Passport-size photograph | For the application form |
The stronger your proof of long residence, such as a school record or a land record in Bihar, the smoother the verification.
03How to apply online, step by step
- Open serviceonline.bihar.gov.in (reachable from rtps.bihar.gov.in) and log in after a one-time registration and OTP.
- Under Apply for services, choose the General Administration Department and the residence or domicile certificate service.
- Fill the form with your address and residence details, matching your proofs.
- Upload the documents in the sizes and formats the portal asks for, and submit.
- Save the application reference number shown on screen and sent by SMS.
A Lok Seva Kendra or Common Service Centre can file the same RTPS application for you if you cannot apply online yourself.
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04Fee, deadline and download
The residence certificate is a low-cost RTPS service, often free or a nominal fee on the portal.
Because the service is notified under the Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011, the office must act within the stated time limit. Track the application with the reference number, and once approved, download the digitally signed certificate from the Certificate download section. Check that the address and name are correct before using it.
05Common problems and fixes
- Weak residence proof. A recent bill alone may not satisfy the officer; add a school record or land record showing long residence.
- Address mismatch across documents. Keep the same address on the form and proofs.
- Applying from outside the correct block. Apply at the level and block where you actually reside.
- Spelling mismatch with Aadhaar. Keep the name identical everywhere.
06If it is wrongly rejected
If your residence or domicile certificate is refused or crosses its legal deadline, you have a remedy. Under the Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011 you can file a first appeal to the appellate officer, then a second appeal, online through rtpsappeal.bihar.gov.in. If the refusal is unfair or becomes a wider dispute over your residence status or an admission or job claim, it can move to the Sub-Divisional Officer, the Collector, the revenue court, or the Patna High Court by a writ petition.
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07Sources and further reading
- RTPS Bihar / ServicePlus: serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
- RTPS Bihar (service landing): rtps.bihar.gov.in
- RTPS appeal portal: rtpsappeal.bihar.gov.in
- eCourts (case status, if it reaches court): ecourts.gov.in
- Claw: clawlaw.in
This page is general information for readers in India, not legal advice. Confirm the current fee, documents and timeline on the official portal before you apply.
08Frequently asked questions
Is a domicile certificate the same as a residence certificate in Bihar?
In Bihar the certificate most people need for state-quota admissions and jobs is the residence or Niwas certificate. It serves the domicile purpose of proving that you are a resident of the state.
Where do I apply?
Online on the RTPS portal on the ServicePlus system at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in, reachable from rtps.bihar.gov.in, or through a Lok Seva Kendra or Common Service Centre using the same portal.
What proof of residence works best?
A recent address proof such as a voter ID, bill or ration card, supported by a school record or land record that shows long residence in Bihar. The stronger the long-residence proof, the smoother the verification.
How long does it take?
The service is notified under the Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011, so the office must issue it within the stated time limit. Track it on the portal with your reference number and appeal if it crosses the deadline.
What if it is rejected?
File a first appeal, then a second appeal, under the Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011 through rtpsappeal.bihar.gov.in. If the dispute grows, it can reach the SDM, the Collector, the revenue court, or the Patna High Court by writ.