A domicile certificate certifies the residential status of the Indian citizens, stating in which State or Union Territory they reside. In Bihar, the domicile or residential certificate is compulsory and required for several purposes.

This article will discuss the uses, eligibility, and application process of a domicile certificate in Bihar. Continue reading if you are yet to apply for one.

In Bihar, the revenue Department issues a domicile certificate as proof of permanent residence of the citizens. The concerned authority takes around 15 working days to issue this certificate.

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A domicile certificate has a wide range of applications in the following aspects.

• It is essential while taking admission in educational institutions and applying for Government services. 
• Individuals need to produce this certificate while opting for any scholarship scheme.
• A domicile certificate is also crucial for loan applications as proof of residence.

Citizens of Bihar need to meet the criteria given below to apply for a residence certificate.

• Applicants must reside in the State for a minimum of 3 years.
• Applicants need to own a house or land plot in the State.
• Women who do not dwell in Bihar but marry a person who is a permanent resident of the State are eligible.
• The applicant's name must be on the voter list.

Note: For applicants below 18 years old, the domicile certificate will be issued as per their parents' residence. 

Citizens of Bihar can apply for domicile certificates both online and offline.

Keep reading to know-how!

1. Steps to Apply for Domicile Certificate Online in Bihar

Step 1: Visit the official website of RTPS.

Step 2: Click on the 'Register Yourself' option under the Citizen tab.

Step 3: Fill up the field on the page and click on 'Validate' to register your email ID and contact number.

Step 4: Log in with your credentials to proceed further.

Step 5: Select the 'Apply for Services' option provided on the left side and click on the 'View All Services' option.

Step 6: Choose the 'Local Certificate' option to go to the application form page.

Step 7: Fill up the form with accurate information, click on the 'Submit' option, agree to the popup for Aadhaar permission and click on 'OK' for email ID and contact number confirmation.

An OTP will be sent via SMS and mail.

Step 8: Enter the OTP and click on 'Validate' and 'OK'.

You will receive a summary of the entries provided. 

Step 9: Cross-check your entries and click on the 'Submit' option.

Applicants will receive an acknowledgement number for future reference.

2. Steps to Apply for Domicile Certificate Offline in Bihar

Prospective candidates can collect domicile certificate application forms from the Revenue Department or Tahsildar's Office at their convenience. Then, they have to fill up the form with authentic information and submit a duly signed form with the essential documents and processing fees at respective Right to Public Service (RTPS) counters.

The authorities will walk through the details provided in the form and attached documents and provide a record number for future reference.

Individuals can also download the domicile certificate in Bihar  from the official website with the acknowledgement or record number.

Eligible applicants must produce a few documents necessary for domicile certificate application. They are as follows:

• Affidavit as per Annexure-I of the domicile certificate application form
• Identification proof
  • Aadhaar card
    
  • Voter ID
    
  • Ration card etc.
    
• Residence Proof
  • Water bill
    
  • Telephone bill
    
  • Electricity bill etc.
    
• Birth certificate
• Property ownership proof
• Recent passport size colour photographs

Note: Authorities may ask for additional documents like evidence of at least 10 to 15 years' stay in the State.