Bihar Driving Licence Guide 2025: Application, Renewal & Fee Structure

Bihar is one of India’s fastest growing states and as such, as experienced a major surge in automobile and vehicle activity. That’s right. More people own vehicles than ever in Bihar. With the state’s transport department registering record revenue growth. While historically, vehicle ownership hasn’t been as high as in other prime states in India, it is picking up faster than expected. 

More options are available than ever across cities like Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur. Whether you’re a college student, a delivery executive, or a cab driver, a  valid Bihar driving Licence is essential for safe and legal driving. All of this has been aided by digital initiatives from the Bihar Transport Department and the central Parivahan Sewa portal; the process of applying for a driving Licence in Bihar has become streamlined, fast, and citizen-friendly.

This blog will act as a comprehensive guide on driving license in Bihar. Read on to know all about it.

Why You Need a Driving Licence in Bihar

Driving in Bihar can be a hectic experience. One needs to navigate the busy roads of Patna, the Grand Trunk Road in Gaya, or rural areas in Samastipur. It is essential to carry a valid Bihar driving licence at all times. It has a fairly important functionality beyond just being a legal document. It also functions as:

• Official government-issued identity proof
• Mandatory document for claiming insurance or registering vehicles
• Proof of eligibility for international driving permits

Having a licence helps ensure safer roads, increased personal freedom, and more career opportunities, especially if you’re a gig worker or a commercial driver.

Want to know all the different types of driving licences you can hold in Bihar? Make sure to explore.

1. Learner’s Licence (LL)
   

   • For first-time drivers under supervision
   • Minimum Age: 16 years (for gearless two-wheelers), 18+ for geared vehicles
   • Validity: 6 months (renewable once)

2. Permanent Driving Licence
   

   • For individuals qualified to drive 2-wheelers or 4-wheelers independently
   • Minimum Age: 18+
   • Requirement: LL held for a minimum of 30 days
   • Validity: 20 years or until age 50, whichever comes earlier

3. Commercial Driving Licence
   

   • For transport vehicles including taxis, buses, goods carriers
   • Minimum Age: 20+
   • Medical fitness (Form 1A) required

4. International Driving Permit (IDP)
   

   • Allows Indian citizens to drive in countries under the Geneva Convention
   • Validity: 1 year
   • Fee: ₹1,000 at your local Bihar RTO
     

Want to know what makes you eligible for issuing or registering for a driving licence in Bihar? Explore all the relevant details

Licence Type	Minimum Age	Documents/Conditions	Validity
Learner’s Licence	16/18	Aadhaar, Age Proof, Passport Photo	6 months
Permanent Driving Licence	18	LL held for ≥30 days, passed test	20 years or until age 50
Commercial Licence	20	Medical Certificate + valid LL	3 years
International Driving Permit	18	Valid DL, passport, visa	1 year

To quote Pythagoras: “It isn’t complicated Math.”

All jokes aside (he never said that), it is important for everyone to know all the details on how one can apply for the licence–both online and offline.

A. Online Process via Parivahan Portal

1. Visit: https://parivahan.gov.in
2. Go to “Driving Licence Related Services”
3. Choose Bihar → Select your city RTO (e.g., Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur)
4. Choose the service:
   • Apply for Learner’s Licence
   • Apply for New Driving Licence
5. Upload documents & photograph
6. Book your test slot
7. Pay the fee and save your acknowledgment receipt
   

B. Offline Application at Bihar RTO

1. Visit the nearest Bihar RTO (e.g., Patna RTO, Gaya RTO)
2. Fill Form 2 (DL application)
3. Submit:
   • Aadhaar, age/address proof
   • Passport-size photos
   • Form 1 (self-declaration) or 1A (medical)
4. Pay fees and book a driving test slot
5. Appear for the test and collect your DL upon approval
   

Plan to register for the driving licence? Here are the essential documents you need to have in hand.

Category	Accepted Documents
Identity Proof	Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card
Address Proof	Utility bills, Rent Agreement, Ration Card
Other Documents	Passport-size photos, Forms 1/1A/2, fee receipt

As always, it is only common sense to keep track of all the fees and licences regarding the driving licence in Bihar. Make sure to keep all of this on track.

Service	Fee (₹)	Remarks
Learner’s Licence	₹150–₹500	Based on vehicle type
Permanent Driving Licence	₹200	Includes smart card fee
DL Renewal (on time)	₹400	Before expiry
DL Renewal (late)	₹500 + ₹1,000/year	With late penalty
Duplicate Licence	₹200	With FIR copy
International Driving Permit	₹1,000	Valid for 1 year

Before you take the driving test, make sure to be aware of the entire process. Below are all the important details:

Feature	Automated Test Track	Manual Test
Setup	Sensor-enabled test tracks (in Patna)	Manual with instructor evaluation
Duration	10–15 minutes	15–20 minutes
Evaluation	AI + Camera-based scoring	Inspector-guided
Availability	Select RTOs in Patna, Gaya	Available at all district RTOs in Bihar

It is important, as always, to ensure that all the renewal, duplication, and address changes that are required in Bihar. 

1. DL Renewal in Bihar

• Log in to Parivahan portal
• Select your Bihar RTO
• Upload scanned DL and Form 1A (if aged 40+)
• Pay ₹400 or late fees as applicable
  

2. Duplicate Driving Licence Bihar

• File an FIR in case of loss or theft
• Fill Form LLD and attach:
  • FIR copy
  • Aadhaar or other ID proof
  • Photo
• Pay ₹200 for reissue
  

3. Change of Address or Name

• Fill Form 2 on Parivahan or submit offline at RTO
• Upload supporting documents
• Pay correction fee and wait for approval

How to book a slot? The process is simple–just follow the steps below.

1. Visit: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
2. Click “Appointment Slot Booking”
3. Select Bihar and choose the appropriate RTO office
4. Choose a test time and confirm
5. Track status using your application number

Want to know the fees/expenses involved in owning a driving license in Bihar? Well, here they are.

Offence	Penalty (₹)
Driving without a valid DL	₹5,000
Driving with expired DL	₹1,500
Driving a commercial vehicle without DL	₹10,000+
Not carrying DL physically	₹500

RTO Location	RTO Code	Phone	Timings
Patna	BR-01	0612-2233333	10 AM – 5 PM
Gaya	BR-02	0631-2224466	10 AM – 5 PM
Muzaffarpur	BR-06	0621-2265810	10 AM – 5 PM
Bhagalpur	BR-10	0641-2402911	10 AM – 5 PM

FAQs – Bihar Driving Licence

1. What is the renewal fee for DL in Bihar?
   A. ₹400 before expiry. Late fees: ₹500 + ₹1,000/year.
2. How to apply for an international driving Licence in Bihar?
   A. Submit Form 4A, copy of DL, passport, visa, and ₹1,000 fee at your local Bihar RTO.
3. Is a medical certificate needed for renewal?
   A. Yes, if you are 40 years or older or applying for a commercial Licence.

Tips for First-Time Applicants in Bihar

• Use Aadhaar for faster eKYC and application validation
• Practice using training modules from local driving schools
• Keep a digital copy of your DL on DigiLocker or mParivahan
• Book your test slot early in cities like Patna and Muzaffarpur
• Apply for your international driving permit Bihar at least 15 days before your trip abroad

Conclusion

Whether you’re driving in Patna’s city lanes,or the highways of Gaya, having a driving Licence in Bihar is your key to safe, lawful, and flexible commuting. With transparent processes and increased digital accessibility, getting your DL has never been easier.

Still have doubts? Reach out to Ecozaar and let us guide you through the whole process through expert advice and consultation!