What is Bihar RTO? Role of RTO in Bihar
The Bihar RTO operates under the State Transport Department, enforcing the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This legislation governs vehicle registration, licensing, road safety, and tax collection across India. With over 50 RTOs and District Transport Offices (DTOs) in Bihar, the department ensures seamless transport-related services for the state’s 13 crore residents, catering to over 8.5 million registered vehicles. The Bihar RTO’s primary goal is to promote road safety, regulate vehicular pollution, and maintain an organized transportation system.
Functions of Bihar RTO
The Bihar RTO oversees a wide range of services to ensure legal and safe vehicle operations. Below are its key functions:
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Vehicle Registration
All vehicles in Bihar must be registered with the RTO to be legally driven on public roads. The process involves issuing temporary and permanent Registration Certificates (RCs), ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
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Driving License Issuance & Renewal
The RTO issues learner’s and permanent driving licenses, including commercial and international permits. It also handles renewals and duplicate licenses, ensuring drivers meet eligibility criteria.
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Transfer of Ownership
When a vehicle is sold or transferred, the RTO facilitates ownership changes by updating the RC, requiring documents like Forms 29 and 673.
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Road Tax Collection
The RTO collects road taxes, which fund road infrastructure maintenance. Taxes vary based on vehicle type, engine capacity, and usage (private or commercial).
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Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certification
The RTO ensures vehicles meet emission standards by issuing PUC certificates after mandatory tests, contributing to environmental protection.
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Vehicle Fitness and Permits
The RTO conducts vehicle fitness inspections and issues permits for commercial vehicles, such as taxis and goods carriers, to ensure roadworthiness.
Bihar RTO Code List (2025 Updated)
District-wise Bihar RTO Code Table
Bihar’s RTO codes begin with BR, followed by a number designating the district or city. Below is a comprehensive table of Bihar RTO codes for 2025:
RTO Code |
Location |
BR-01 |
Patna |
BR-02 |
Gaya |
BR-03 |
Bhojpur |
BR-04 |
Chapra |
BR-05 |
Motihari |
BR-06 |
Muzaffarpur |
BR-07 |
Darbhanga |
BR-08 |
Munger |
BR-09 |
Begusarai |
BR-10 |
Bhagalpur |
BR-11 |
Purnea |
BR-19 |
Katihar |
BR-21 |
Nalanda |
BR-22 |
Bettiah |
BR-24 |
Buxar |
BR-25 |
Hajipur |
BR-26 |
Sasaram |
BR-27 |
Biharsharif |
BR-28 |
Aurangabad |
BR-29 |
Nawada |
BR-30 |
Gopalganj |
BR-31 |
Siwan |
BR-32 |
Sitamarhi |
BR-33 |
Madhubani |
BR-34 |
Saharsa |
BR-37 |
Kishanganj |
BR-38 |
Araria |
BR-39 |
Kaimur |
BR-43 |
Supaul |
BR-44 |
Rohtas |
BR-45 |
Arwal |
BR-46 |
Banka |
BR-50 |
Supaul (Additional) |
BR-51 |
Madhepura |
BR-52 |
Sheikhpura |
BR-53 |
Lakhisarai |
BR-54 |
Sheohar |
BR-55 |
Jamui |
BR-56 |
Khagaria |
BR-57 |
Jehanabad |
Note: Some codes (e.g., BR-13 to BR-47) have been reassigned to Jharkhand RTOs following the state’s bifurcation.
How to Identify RTO Codes on Your Number Plate
A Bihar vehicle number plate starts with BR (state code), followed by a two-digit RTO code (e.g., 01 for Patna), and a unique four-digit number (e.g., BR01AB1234). This format ensures easy identification of the vehicle’s registration district.
Vehicle Registration Process in Bihar
Types of Vehicle Registration - Temporary & Permanent
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Temporary Registration: Issued by dealers, valid for 30 days, allowing time for permanent registration.
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Permanent Registration: Valid for 15 years for private vehicles and until the fitness certificate expires for commercial vehicles. Requires RTO inspection and documentation.
Step-by-Step Vehicle Registration at Bihar RTO
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Visit the Nearest RTO: Go to the RTO corresponding to your residential zone (e.g., BR-01 for Patna).
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Submit Form 20: Fill out the vehicle registration form (available online at parivahan.gov.in).
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Provide Documents: Submit the required documents (listed below).
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Pay Fees and Taxes: Pay registration fees and road tax based on vehicle type.
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Vehicle Inspection: An RTO officer verifies the chassis/engine number and roadworthiness.
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Receive RC: A smart card RC is issued or mailed to your registered address.
Documents Required for Vehicle Registration in Bihar
To register a vehicle, submit the following documents:
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Form 20: Application for vehicle registration. (Click here for the pdf)
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Form 21: Sales certificate from the dealer. (Click here for the pdf)
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Insurance Certificate: Valid third-party insurance.
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Proof of Identity: Aadhaar, PAN, or passport.
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Proof of Address: Utility bill, Aadhaar, or rental agreement.
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PUC Certificate: Pollution Under Control certificate. (Click here to apply)
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Form 8 and Entry Tax Receipt: For vehicles purchased from another state.
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PAN Card Copy: If the vehicle costs over ₹4 lakh.
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Visa Copy: For foreign owners.
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Army Sale Certificate: For ex-army vehicles.
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Design Approval: For trailers/semi-trailers.
Other RTO Services by Bihar RTO
Vehicle Fitness Certificate
The RTO inspects vehicles, especially those over 15 years old, for roadworthiness before issuing or renewing fitness certificates.
Transfer of Vehicle Ownership
For ownership transfers, submit Forms 29 and 673, original RC, insurance, PUC, and address proof. Fees range from ₹150 - ₹600 based on vehicle type.
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
An NOC is required for re-registering a vehicle in another state. Obtain it from the original RTO with Form 28 and supporting documents.
Issuance of Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
Vehicles must undergo emission tests to obtain a PUC certificate, ensuring compliance with pollution norms.
Permit Issuance for Commercial Vehicles
The RTO issues permits (e.g., interstate, national, or goods carriage) for commercial vehicles like taxis and trucks.
Vehicle Registration Fee in Bihar
Vehicle registration fees in Bihar are standardized under the Motor Vehicles Act and vary by vehicle type. These fees exclude road tax, which is calculated separately based on the vehicle’s ex-showroom price or weight (see below). For accurate fee details, visit the VAHAN portal or your local RTO.
Vehicle Type/Service |
Fee (₹) |
Two-wheelers (Permanent) |
300 |
Four-wheelers (Permanent) |
600 |
Temporary Registration |
50 - 200 |
Hypothecation (Loan-related) |
1500 |
Smart Card RC Issuance |
200 - 1000 |
Road Tax and Other RTO Fees in Bihar
Bihar Road Tax Slabs for Private Vehicles
Road tax for private vehicles is based on the ex-showroom price:
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Two-wheelers: 7% of ex-showroom price.
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Four-wheelers: 7 - 9% depending on engine capacity and cost.
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One-time tax option: Pay for 15 years upfront for private vehicles.
Road Tax Rates for Commercial Vehicles
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Taxis/Autorickshaws: Based on seating capacity (e.g., ₹1000 - ₹2000 per seat annually).
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Goods Vehicles: Based on laden weight (e.g., ₹5000 - ₹15,000 annually).
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Buses: Per seat and route type (e.g., ₹2000 - ₹5000 per seat).
Other Charges (Registration, Fitness, Hypothecation)
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Registration Fees: ₹300 (two-wheelers), ₹600 (four-wheelers).
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Fitness Certificate: ₹200 - ₹1000 based on vehicle type.
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Hypothecation Endorsement: ₹150 - ₹500; termination fees apply post-loan repayment.
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Duplicate RC: ₹150 (two-wheelers), ₹300 (four-wheelers).
How to Apply for RTO Services Online
Using the VAHAN Portal
The VAHAN portal (vahan.parivahan.gov.in) offers online services like vehicle registration, RC status checks, and tax payments. Steps:
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Visit the VAHAN portal.
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Select Bihar and your RTO.
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Log in with your vehicle number and verification code.
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Choose services like Pay Your Tax or Know Your Vehicle Details.
Online Payment of Road Tax and Fees
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Access the VAHAN portal.
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Enter your vehicle registration number.
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Select Pay Your Tax, verify the details, and pay online.
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Download the payment receipt.
SMS Method for Vehicle Info
Send VAHAN vehicle number to 7738299899 to receive vehicle details via SMS.
Bihar RTO Office Address List (Including Patna RTO)
Patna RTO (BR-01) Contact Details
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Address: Transport Commissioner, Vishwesaraiya Bhawan, Bailey Road, Patna - 800015.
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Phone: 0612-223333.
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Timings: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Monday - Saturday).
Other Major RTOs in Bihar
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Gaya (BR-02): Near Collectorate, Gaya.
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Muzaffarpur (BR-06): Near Zila Parishad, Muzaffarpur.
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Bhagalpur (BR-10): Near Tilkamanjhi Chowk, Bhagalpur.
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Darbhanga (BR-07): Near Laheriasarai, Darbhanga.
For a full list, visit the Bihar Transport Department website (state.bihar.gov.in/transport).
Bihar RTO FAQs
Q1: How long is a Bihar RC valid?
A Registration Certificate (RC) is valid for 15 years for private vehicles and until the fitness certificate expires for commercial vehicles, renewable thereafter.
Q2: Can I apply for a driving license online in Bihar?
Yes, visit the Sarathi portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in), select Bihar, and apply for a learner’s or permanent license by submitting the required documents and scheduling a test.
Q3: What is the penalty for unpaid road tax in Bihar?
A penalty of 100% of the tax amount is imposed after a 75-day grace period. Additional fines may apply for continued non-compliance.
Q4: How do I check my vehicle’s RC status online?
Use the VAHAN portal’s Know Your Vehicle Details option, enter your registration number, and verify with the captcha to view RC status.
Q5: What documents are needed for a learner’s driving license in Bihar?
You need proof of identity (Aadhaar, PAN), proof of address (utility bill, Aadhaar), age proof (birth certificate, Class 10 certificate), and Form 2 (application form).
Q6: How can I renew my vehicle’s PUC certificate?
Visit an authorized PUC testing center in Bihar, get your vehicle’s emissions tested, and obtain a new certificate valid for 6 months (petrol) or 3 months (diesel).
Q7: Is a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) mandatory in Bihar?
Yes, HSRPs are mandatory for all vehicles registered after April 2019. Older vehicles must be upgraded through authorized dealers or RTOs.
Q8: How do I obtain a duplicate RC if lost?
Apply at your RTO with Form 26, a police FIR, insurance copy, PUC certificate, and address proof. Fees are ₹150 (two-wheelers) or ₹300 (four-wheelers).
Q9: Can I transfer my Bihar-registered vehicle to another state?
Yes, obtain an NOC from your Bihar RTO using Form 28, then re-register the vehicle at the new state’s RTO within 30 days.
Q10: What is the process for hypothecation removal in Bihar?
Submit Form 35, a bank-issued NOC, original RC, insurance, PUC, and address proof to the RTO. Fees range from ₹100 - ₹500 based on vehicle type.