The Shop and Establishment License is a mandatory registration required to legally operate any shop, office, or commercial establishment in India. The Bihar Shop and Establishment License is governed under the Bihar Shops and Establishments Act, which regulates working hours, employment conditions, wages, holidays, and workplace safety.
Every business, whether a small shop, private office, startup, hotel, restaurant, coaching centre, or service provider, must obtain the Bihar Shop and Establishment License within the prescribed time after starting operations.
This license acts as official proof of business existence and is commonly required for:
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Opening a current bank account
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GST registration
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Trade license application
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MSME / Udyam registration
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Business loans and government schemes
The Government of Bihar has enabled online and offline application facilities to ensure easy access for both urban and rural business owners.
Official State Portal: https://state.bihar.gov.in
What is a Bihar Shop and Establishment License?
Table of Contents
The Bihar Shop and Establishment License is a statutory certificate issued by the Bihar Labour Resources Department, which is responsible for implementing labour laws and regulating commercial establishments across the state.
Purpose of the License
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To regulate working hours and weekly holidays
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To ensure employee welfare and fair wages
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To maintain official employment records
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To bring businesses under labour law compliance
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To protect both employers and employees
Establishments Covered Under the Act
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Retail and wholesale shops
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Offices and private firms
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Hotels, lodges, restaurants, cafés
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Educational institutions and coaching centres
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Hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centres
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Startups, MSMEs, and IT service units
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Home-based businesses involved in commercial activity
The license is often required for verification under state welfare and labour benefit schemes.
Eligibility Criteria for Bihar Shop and Establishment License:
Applicants must meet the following conditions to apply for the Shop and Establishment License in Bihar:
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Age Requirement
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Applicant must be 18 years or above
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Residential / Location Requirement
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Business establishment must be physically located in Bihar
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Valid local address proof is mandatory
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Business Requirement
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Applicable to all commercial establishments
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Mandatory even if no employees are hired
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Income / BPL Requirement
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No income limit for eligibility
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BPL status may be applicable for fee concessions if notified by the state
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Special Categories (If Applicable)
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Women entrepreneurs
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SC / ST / OBC communities
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Startups and MSMEs
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Self-help groups
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Home-based service providers
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Documents Required for Bihar Shop and Establishment License Application
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before applying online or offline:
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Aadhaar Card of proprietor/partner/director
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PAN Card of the applicant or the business
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Passport-size photograph
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Signature of applicant
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Address proof of business premises:
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Electricity bill / Water bill / Rent agreement / Property tax receipt
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Proof of ownership or tenancy
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Nature of business declaration
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Employee details (if applicable)
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Partnership deed / Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable)
How to Apply for Bihar Shop and Establishment License Online Method
The Bihar Government allows eligible applicants to apply online through the official state or labour service portals.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Open the official website: https://state.bihar.gov.in
Step 2: Register / Login
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Register using your mobile number or email ID
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Complete Aadhaar-based authentication (if enabled)
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
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Enter business name and full address
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Select the nature and category of establishment
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Provide owner/employer details
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Mention the number of employees
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
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Upload scanned documents in PDF or JPEG format
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Ensure documents are clear and readable
Step 5: Submit Application
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Verify all details carefully
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Submit the application
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Save the application reference number
Step 6: Verification & Approval
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The Labour Department verifies the application
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Digital Shop and Establishment License is issued after approval
Step 7: Download License
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Log in to the portal dashboard
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Download the certificate in PDF format
How to Apply for a Bihar Shop and Establishment License Offline
Applicants who do not have internet access can apply using the offline method.
Offline Application Steps
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Visit the nearest:
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Municipal Corporation / Nagar Parishad
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Block office
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Gram Panchayat office
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Labour Department office
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Collect the Shop and Establishment License application form
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Fill in all required details manually
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Attach self-attested copies of the required documents
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Submit the application to the concerned authority
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Receive an acknowledgment receipt as proof of submission
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Physical inspection or verification may be conducted, if required
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The license is issued after approval
Track Bihar Shop and Establishment License Application Status:
Applicants can track the status of their Bihar Shop and Establishment License application online.
How to Track Status Online
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Click on Track Application Status
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Enter:
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Application reference number
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Registered mobile number
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Status may appear as:
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Submitted
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Under Verification
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Approved
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Rejected (with reason)
Renewal / Re-Verification Process
In Bihar, the Shop and Establishment License generally remains valid unless there is a change in business details. However, renewal or re-verification may be required in certain cases.
When Renewal or Update is Required
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Change in business address
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Change in ownership or partnership
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Change in the nature of business
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Increase or decrease in the number of employees
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Closure of the establishment
Renewal / Amendment Process
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Log in to the official portal
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Select Renewal / Amendment option
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Upload updated documents
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Submit the request for approval
Common Issues & Solutions
Problem: Aadhaar Name or Date of Birth Mismatch
Solution: Update Aadhaar details through the UIDAI portal before applying.
Problem: Document Upload Failure
Solution: Upload documents in PDF format and keep file size between 200–300 KB.
Problem: Application Rejected
Solution: Check rejection remarks carefully and reapply with corrected information.
Problem: OTP Not Received
Solution: Ensure the mobile number is active and linked with Aadhaar.
Problem: Incorrect Business Category Selected
Solution: Choose the correct nature of establishment while filling the application form.
Important Government Links:
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Bihar Official State Portal: https://state.bihar.gov.in
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Bihar Labour Resources Department: https://state.bihar.gov.in/labour
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MyScheme Portal: https://www.myscheme.gov.in
FAQ
Q. How to apply Bihar Shop and Establishment License online?
A. Visit the official Bihar portal, register, fill the application form, upload documents, and submit.
Q. Is Shop and Establishment License mandatory in Bihar?
A. Yes, it is compulsory for all commercial establishments.
Q. Can I download the Shop and Establishment License online?
A. Yes, after approval, the license can be downloaded in PDF format.
Q. Is the license required for home-based businesses in Bihar?
A. Yes, if any commercial activity is conducted.
Q. What is the validity of the Bihar Shop License?
A. It remains valid unless business details change.
Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for applying?
A. Yes, Aadhaar is generally required for identity verification.
Q. How long does approval take in Bihar?
A. Usually 7–15 working days, depending on verification.
Q. Is there any application fee?
A. Fees vary based on business type and number of employees.
Q. Can startups and MSMEs apply online?
A. Yes, startups and MSMEs are fully eligible.
Q. How to correct mistakes after submission?
A. Use the amendment option on the portal or contact the Labour Office.
Conclusion
The Bihar Shop and Establishment License is a crucial legal requirement for operating any business in the state. It ensures compliance with labour laws, protects employee rights, and strengthens business credibility for banking, taxation, and government services.
With both online and offline application options, the Bihar Government has made the registration process accessible and transparent. Applicants are strongly advised to verify all information through official Bihar government portals only and keep their license updated whenever business details change.
Always check the official Bihar portal for the latest notifications and updates.