Whether you have cleared a competitive government examination, applied for a commercial arms licence, secured a contractual government tender, or joined a corporate organization, submitting your character certificate online apply bihar through the RTPS ServicePlus portal is mandatory. In Bihar, a Character Certificate (चरित्र प्रमाण-पत्र / Police Clearance Certificate) is issued under the authority of the Superintendent of Police (SP) office following a formal criminal record verification conducted by your local Thana (Police Station). With the digital integration between the Bihar Police Department and ServicePlus at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in, citizens can complete this entire verification process online without paying any illicit commissions.
In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through the end-to-end online application steps, list necessary supporting documents, detail the local police verification protocol, and explain how to download the certified PDF directly to your device.
Bihar Police Character Certificate 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Home Department (Bihar Police) & General Administration Dept |
| Issuing Authority | Superintendent of Police (SP Office) / Senior SP Office |
| Verification Agency | Local Police Station (Thana) of Applicant’s Jurisdiction |
| Application Mode | 100% Online via RTPS ServicePlus |
| Official Portal | serviceonline.bihar.gov.in |
| Official Fee | ₹0 (Completely Free of Cost) |
| Processing Duration | 14 Working Days |
| Document Validity | 6 Months from the Date of Issuance |
Why Is a Character Certificate Required in Bihar?
A Police Character Certificate serves as legal confirmation that an individual has no registered First Information Reports (FIRs), pending criminal charges, or convictions. Common use cases include:
1. Public Sector Employment: Mandatory document submission during document verification for Bihar Police Constable, SI, Teacher recruitment (TRE), Railways, and SSC.
2. Government Contracts & Tenders: Required for contractors registering with PWD, RWD, Irrigation, or Municipal bodies.
3. Public Vehicle Commercial Driving: Mandatory for obtaining commercial passenger vehicle licenses or school bus driver authorizations.
4. Passport & Visa Processing: Supporting clearance for certain international employment and immigration clearances.
5. Arms Licence Applications: Critical prerequisite during district magistrate security screenings.
Documents Required for Bihar Character Certificate Application
Ensure you have scanned digital copies (under 200 KB in JPEG or PDF format) of the following credentials ready before initiating your application:
– Proof of Identity (Any One): Aadhaar Card, Voter Identity Card (EPIC), Indian Passport, or PAN Card.
– Proof of Permanent Residence: Residential Certificate (Niwas Praman Patra) issued by a Bihar Revenue Officer, Ration Card, or Land Registry Deed.
– Passport Photograph: Clear, front-facing color passport photo with white background (under 50 KB, JPEG).
– Residential Stay Records: Accurate list of addresses where you have resided over the preceding 2 years (including district, police station, and stay dates).
– Active Mobile Number & Email ID: Essential for receiving police station verification summons and tracking SMS.
Step-by-Step Guide for Character Certificate Online Apply Bihar
Follow these verified steps to submit your application on the official RTPS portal:
Step 1: Open the Official RTPS Bihar Portal
Open your internet browser and visit serviceonline.bihar.gov.in.
Step 2: Navigate to Character Certificate Service
- On the left navigation pane under Apply Online (ऑनलाइन आवेदन), locate Home Department (गृह विभाग).
- Click on Issuance of Character Certificate (आचरण प्रमाण-पत्र के लिए आवेदन).
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
An extensive application form will appear on your screen. Enter the required details:
– Applicant Demographics: Select Gender, enter Applicant’s Full Name in English and Hindi, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, and Spouse’s Name (if applicable).
– Contact Details: Enter your active Mobile Number and Email ID.
– Permanent Address: Select State (Bihar), District, Sub-Division, Block, Local Body Type (Gram Panchayat / Municipality), Village, Post Office, Police Station (Thana), and PIN Code.
– Present Residential Address: If you currently live at another location, enter the full address along with the local police station jurisdiction.
– Stay Details of the Last 2 Years (पिछले 2 वर्षों का अधिवास विवरण): Select District, Police Station, and exact duration (From Month/Year to Month/Year) where you have lived over the last 24 months.
– Purpose of Application (आवेदन का उद्देश्य): Select your primary objective from the dropdown list (e.g., Government Employment, Bank CSP/Kiosk opening, Contract/Tender allotment, Arms License, etc.).
– Photograph Upload: Upload the scanned passport photograph.
Step 4: Verification and Document Annexure
- Read the self-declaration and check the agreement box.
- Enter the visual security captcha code and click Proceed.
- On the next screen, click Attach Annexure (अनुलग्नक संलग्न करें).
- Select your supporting identity document (e.g., Aadhaar Card) from the dropdown and upload the file.
- Click Save Annexure.
Step 5: Final Review & Submission
- Review every field on the draft summary preview to ensure there are no spelling errors.
- Click Submit.
- Download and print the generated Acknowledgment Slip (पावती / Avedan Pavti) containing your distinct Application Reference Number (e.g.,
BCC/2026/XXXXX).
Local Police Station Verification Process Explained
Once your application is submitted online:
1. The SP Office forwards your digital dossier to your local Police Station (Thana).
2. A police officer or beat constable will contact you via your registered mobile number or visit your residential address.
3. You will be requested to present your original Aadhaar Card, photograph, and contact details of two respectable local references/neighbors who can vouch for your character.
4. The Station House Officer (SHO) submits a digital clearance report back to the SP Office via the online portal.
5. The SP Office digitally signs and issues the final certificate.
How to Track Status & Download Bihar Character Certificate
The standard processing time is 14 working days:
1. Visit serviceonline.bihar.gov.in and select Track Application Status.
2. Enter your Application Reference Number and date of submission.
3. Once the status shows Delivered, open the Download Certificate tab.
4. Enter your Reference Number and Applicant Name in English to instantly download your digitally signed PDF certificate bearing the SP Office digital seal and a verifiable QR code.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the validity period of a Bihar Police Character Certificate?
A Character Certificate issued in Bihar is generally valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Most recruiting agencies and tender authorities require the certificate to be dated within the last 6 months.
Q2. Do I need to physically visit the police station for verification?
In most jurisdictions, the investigating officer will either visit your address or ask you to report to your local Thana with original identity credentials and two local references to sign the police inquiry ledger.
Q3. Can a person with a pending criminal case obtain a character certificate?
If an FIR or formal criminal charge has been registered and verified by the local police, the report submitted by the SHO will mention the pending case details. Depending on the gravity and stage of the case, the certificate may be issued with adverse remarks or rejected altogether.
Q4. Are there any official fees charged for character certificate issuance in Bihar?
No. The Government of Bihar provides the online character certificate service completely free of cost. Citizens should not pay any unauthorized fees or tips to intermediaries.