Bihar to Issue Certified Copies of Land Records Only Online from January 1

In a major step towards digital governance and transparency, the Bihar government has announced that certified copies of land-related documents will be issued exclusively through an online system. The new rule will come into effect from January 1, 2026, bringing an end to handwritten slips, paper applications, and in-person submissions.

The decision has been taken by the Revenue and Land Reforms Department, and its implementation guidelines have been circulated to all concerned officials, department secretary Jai Singh confirmed on Wednesday.

Digitally Signed Copies to Be Legally Valid

Under the new system, only digitally signed copies issued online will be considered legally valid. Until now, landholders had to submit physical applications, pay stamp duty, and wait 7 to 14 days—often making multiple visits to government offices—to obtain certified copies of land records.

From January 1 onwards, the entire process will be paperless, time-bound, and transparent, significantly reducing delays and opportunities for corruption.

Apply Through the Bhumi Records Portal

The department has clarified that scanned revenue records are already available on the Bhumi Records Portal. Applicants can log in through the Raiyat (landholder) portal, pay the prescribed fee online, and download the required documents.

Many citizens have already begun using this system and are receiving digitally authenticated copies, which will now have full legal recognition across all government and legal platforms.

Online Applications Even for Missing Records

The order further states that if a required document is not available on the portal, applicants can still submit an online request. Once the document is uploaded by the department, its digitally signed certified copy will be provided to the applicant through the same portal.

The Revenue Council had already issued a notification on June 20, 2024, declaring that all online-issued land records bearing digital signatures of authorized officers would be treated as certified documents.

Government Calls It a Landmark Reform

Reacting to the decision, Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue & Land Reforms Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha described it as a major reform aimed at public convenience and good governance.

“Citizens will no longer need to visit offices repeatedly for verified copies. Digitally signed documents will be fully legal and universally accepted. This reform is a significant step towards Digital Bihar and will make revenue services faster, more transparent, and corruption-free,” he said.

A Step Towards Digital Bihar

The move is expected to benefit millions of landowners across the state by simplifying access to land records, ensuring legal certainty, and strengthening trust in the system. It also aligns Bihar’s land administration with national digital governance standards, marking a decisive shift towards efficient, citizen-centric public services.