An Arms License is a statutory permit issued by the government that allows an eligible individual to legally possess, carry, or use a firearm under specified conditions. In Bihar, arms licensing is regulated strictly due to public safety concerns, population density, and law-and-order considerations.
Often, people confuse regulatory permissions like an Arms License with welfare documents such as a Freedom Fighter Certificate. While a Freedom Fighter Certificate is a recognition document used for pensions or benefits, an Arms License is not a welfare scheme. It is a legal authorization governed by the Arms Act, 1959, and is issued only after detailed verification.
In Bihar, Arms Licenses are issued by district authorities under the state Home Department, following central and state government rules.
Official Bihar Government Portal: https://state.bihar.gov.in
What is a Bihar Arms License?
Table of Contents
The Bihar Arms License is an official permit issued by the District Magistrate (DM) / District Collector under the Government of Bihar. It authorizes an individual to acquire, possess, and use a specific category of firearm for an approved purpose.
The licensing process is supervised by the Bihar Home Department, with mandatory police verification and background checks.
Purpose of Arms License in Bihar
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Personal self-defence under genuine threat
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Protection of crops and agricultural property
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Professional requirement (licensed security personnel)
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Sports shooting (recognized shooting clubs only)
Department Portal: https://home.bihar.gov.in
Eligibility Criteria for Bihar Arms License
To apply for a Bihar Arms License, the applicant must meet the following eligibility conditions:
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Must be 21 years of age or above
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Must be a permanent resident of Bihar
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Should not have any criminal record or serious pending cases
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Must demonstrate a valid and genuine reason for possessing a firearm
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Must be mentally and physically fit
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Should not be prohibited under the Arms Act, 1959
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Special categories where applications are commonly considered:
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Farmers facing crop or livestock threats
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Business people handling cash or valuables
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Licensed security guards
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Registered sports shooters
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Documents Required For Bihar Arms License
Applicants must submit the following documents for a Bihar Arms License application:
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Aadhaar Card
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Voter ID / Ration Card / Residence Proof
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Birth Certificate or Matric Certificate (Age Proof)
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Passport-size photographs
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Medical Fitness Certificate (Government hospital/doctor)
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Income Certificate issued by the Bihar authorities
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Character Certificate
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Detailed justification/reason letter
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Police verification form (as prescribed by the district)
How to Apply for a Bihar Arms License Online Method
Important: Online application availability may differ by district. Many districts still rely heavily on offline submission.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Bihar Government portal: https://state.bihar.gov.in
Step 2: Register / Login
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Register using mobile number and Aadhaar (if enabled)
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Log in to the citizen services dashboard
Step 3: Select Arms License Service
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Navigate to Citizen Services
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Select Arms License Application (if available)
Step 4: Fill the Application Form
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Enter personal, residential, and identification details
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Clearly mention the purpose for requiring a firearm
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Select the firearm category
Step 5: Upload Documents
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Upload scanned copies in PDF/JPEG format
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Recommended file size: 200–300 KB per document
Step 6: Submit and Track Status
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Submit the application
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Save the Application Reference Number for tracking
How to Apply for a Bihar Arms License Offline
An offline application is the most common method in Bihar.
Step 1: Visit the Local Office
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District Magistrate / District Collector Office
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Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Office
Step 2: Collect Application Form
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Request the Arms License Application Form (Form A)
Step 3: Attach Required Documents
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Self-attested photocopies of all documents
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Passport-size photographs
Step 4: Submit Application
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Submit the completed form to the concerned section
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Collect the Acknowledgment Receipt for reference
Track Bihar Arms License Application Status
Applicants can track the Bihar Arms License application status using:
Official Portal: https://state.bihar.gov.in
Steps:
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Log in to the portal
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Enter Application / Acknowledgment Number
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Checkthe police verification or approval stage
For offline applications, status updates are available at the DM or SDO office.
Renewal / Re-Verification Process
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Arms License validity in Bihar is usually 3 to 5 years
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Renewal must be applied for before expiry
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Police re-verification is compulsory
Documents Required for Renewal
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Existing Arms License copy
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Updated medical certificate
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Address proof
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Renewal application form
Renewal Guidelines: https://home.bihar.gov.in/arms-renewal
Common Issues & Solutions
Problem 1: Aadhaar or Name Mismatch
Solution: Update personal details through UIDAI before applying.
Problem 2: Document Upload Failure
Solution: Compress documents to 200–300 KB PDF/JPEG format.
Problem 3: Application Rejected Due to Insufficient Reason
Solution: Submit a detailed and genuine justification letter and reapply.
Problem 4: Delay in Police Verification
Solution: Visit or contact the local police station with your reference number.
Important Government Links
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Bihar Government Portal: https://state.bihar.gov.in
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Bihar Home Department: https://home.bihar.gov.in
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Bihar Citizen Service Portal: https://serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
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MyScheme Portal: https://www.myscheme.gov.in
FAQ
Q. How to apply Bihar Arms License online?
A. You can apply through the Bihar government portal if the service is enabled in your district.
Q. What is the minimum age for Arms License in Bihar?
A. The minimum age is 21 years.
Q. Is Arms License approval guaranteed in Bihar?
A. No. Approval depends on police verification and necessity assessment.
Q. Can farmers apply for Arms License in Bihar?
A. Yes, especially for crop and livestock protection.
Q. How long does Arms License approval take in Bihar?
A. Usually 30 to 90 days, depending on verification.
Q. Is medical certificate mandatory?
A. Yes, a government-issued medical fitness certificate is compulsory.
Q. Can I track my Bihar Arms License application online?
A. Yes, if applied online; otherwise through the district office.
Q. How often is renewal required?
A. Every 3–5 years, as mentioned on the license.
Q. What happens if the Arms License expires?
A. Possession of a firearm becomes illegal until renewed.
Q. Where can I download the Bihar Arms License form?
A. From the District Magistrate office or the official Bihar portal.
Conclusion:
The Bihar Arms License process ensures that firearm ownership remains lawful, regulated, and responsible. By fulfilling eligibility criteria, submitting correct documents, and cooperating during police verification, eligible residents can obtain or renew their license smoothly.
Applicants are strongly advised to regularly check the official Bihar government portal and district notifications for the latest updates, rules, and procedural changes.