Bihar Land Possession Certificate (LPC): Documents, Process, Fees & Importance

A Land Possession Certificate (LPC) is a crucial document that verifies legitimate ownership of land in Bihar. This official certificate, issued by local revenue authorities, confirms that the land owner is in rightful possession of the property and there are no ownership disputes. Whether you're planning to sell property, apply for loans, or claim government benefits, an LPC is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a Land Possession Certificate in Bihar.

What is a Land Possession Certificate?

A Land Possession Certificate is an official document issued by the Circle Officer that validates the legal possession of land by the owner. It serves as proof that the named individual has rightful possession of the specified land parcel. This certificate is particularly important in Bihar, where land disputes are common and proper documentation is necessary for various property-related transactions.

Important Details Included in a Land Possession Certificate

An LPC in Bihar contains several critical pieces of information that identify both the owner and the property:

• Issue date and place: When and where the certificate was issued
• Owner's name: Full legal name of the property owner
• Possession verification: Statement confirming the owner's possession of the land for the requested time period
• Property identifiers:
  • Mouza and Thana number (administrative divisions)
  • Tauzi number (revenue estate number)
  • Khata number (account number in land records)
  • Kesara number (plot identification)
  • Total area of the land
• Official verification:
  • Report on the land status
  • Stamp and signature of the Circle Officer
  • Signature of the property owner

Documents Required for LPC Application

Before applying for a Land Possession Certificate, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• Completed application form
• Ration card for identity verification
• Original sale deed or registered lease agreement
• Encumbrance certificate (Form 15)
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card preferred)
• Property tax receipts (if applicable)
• Previous land records or Khatian

Understanding your land value in India is also important when dealing with property documentation.

How to Apply for Land Possession Certificate Online

Bihar's digital governance initiatives now allow residents to apply for LPCs online. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Bihar Bhumi portal: Go to https://biharbhumi.bihar.gov.in/Biharbhumi/Default
2. Access the LPC application section: Click on "Online LPC" which will redirect you to the login page
3. Login or register: Enter your registered mobile number and complete the CAPTCHA verification to sign in. New users should click on "Registration" to create an account first
4. Fill the application form:
   • Select either "Rural" or "Urban" based on your land location
   • Enter required details about the land and applicant
   • For rural properties, provide sub-division, block, and village information
   • Enter land parcel number, Aadhaar number, and contact details
5. Provide family information: Enter details including applicant name, address, date of birth, marital status, occupation, and income
6. Upload documents: Attach all required documents in the specified format
7. Verify and submit: Review all entered information and submit your application
8. Save acknowledgment: Note down the application ID provided for future reference

Similar to how Bhu Naksha helps check land ownership details, Bihar's online LPC system has streamlined property verification processes.

Checking Your LPC Application Status

To track the progress of your application:

1. Visit https://parimarjan.bihar.gov.in/biharBhumireport/frm_LPC_StatusNew
2. Select your district, Anchal (circle), and financial year from the dropdown menus
3. Enter either your case number or certificate number along with the security code
4. Click "Search" to view your application status

Note: LPC case numbers have been updated recently. To find your new case number, refer to the official PDF at https://parimarjan.bihar.gov.in/biharBhumireport/Images_Gov/LPC_2022-23.pdf

Applying for Land Possession Certificate Offline

If you prefer the traditional method, you can apply for an LPC offline:

1. Visit the local Circle Office: Go to the Circle Office having jurisdiction over your land
2. Fill the application form: Provide details including:
   • Owner's name and complete address
   • Property details (location, area, plot number)
   • Land classification (agricultural or non-agricultural)
   • Ownership proof references
3. Submit supporting documents: Attach all required documents like:
   • Land title deed
   • Previous land records
   • Khatian (record of rights)
   • Aadhaar card
   • Property tax receipts
4. Pay the applicable fee: See fee details in the next section
5. Verification process: The Circle Officer will verify all submitted details, which may take 15-30 days depending on the complexity of your case
6. Certificate collection: Once processed, visit the Circle Office to collect your Land Possession Certificate

For more on understanding Khasra and Khatauni numbers, check our detailed guide that helps ensure safe agricultural land purchases.

Fees for Land Possession Certificate in Bihar

The government has kept LPC fees minimal to ensure accessibility:

Why is a Land Possession Certificate Necessary?

An LPC serves several important purposes in Bihar:

1. Loan applications: Banks and financial institutions require an LPC when you apply for loans using your land as collateral
2. Property sales: When selling land, an LPC assures potential buyers about the clear ownership status
3. Inheritance matters: To determine your exact share in ancestral property, an LPC is essential
4. Agricultural loans: Farmers need an LPC to secure agricultural loans against their farmland
5. Government schemes: Benefits under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana require verification through an LPC
6. Legal protection: An LPC provides legal security against potential ownership disputes
7. Development permissions: For construction or land development, authorities may request an LPC
8. Mutation process: An LPC facilitates the mutation (transfer of ownership) process in land records

Understanding land tax in India is also crucial for property owners looking to stay compliant with local regulations.

Common Challenges in Obtaining Land Possession Certificates

While the process has been streamlined, applicants may face certain challenges:

• Incomplete land records: Some older properties may have incomplete documentation
• Boundary disputes: Conflicts with neighboring property owners can delay the process
• Inheritance issues: Multiple claimants or unclear succession can complicate verification
• Technical difficulties: The online portal may experience occasional downtimes

If you encounter any of these issues, consider seeking assistance from a local revenue expert or property lawyer familiar with Bihar's land regulations.

Similar challenges can be faced when dealing with property title fraud in India, so it's important to know how to defend your property rights.

Recent Improvements in the LPC System

The Bihar government has made significant improvements to the LPC system in recent years:

• Digitization of land records: Making the process more transparent and accessible
• Online application platform: Reducing the need for multiple visits to government offices
• Faster processing: Streamlined verification procedures
• SMS alerts: Updates on application status through mobile notifications
• Helpline services: Dedicated support for resolving application issues

These improvements align with broader digital land record initiatives that boost real estate investments across India.

Conclusion

A Land Possession Certificate is an indispensable document for landowners in Bihar. It establishes clear ownership, facilitates property transactions, and enables access to various financial services and government schemes. With both online and offline application methods available, obtaining an LPC has become more convenient. However, ensuring that you have all the required documents and accurate information remains crucial for a smooth application process.

Whether you're planning to sell your property, apply for a loan, or simply want to maintain proper documentation, securing an LPC should be a priority. The process might seem bureaucratic, but the benefits of having this official verification of land possession far outweigh the effort involved.

For more guidance on property documentation and legal procedures, read our guide on everything you need to know about property transactions in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to get a Land Possession Certificate in Bihar?
Typically 15-30 days, depending on verification complexity and workload at the Circle Office.

2. Can someone else apply for LPC on my behalf?
Yes, with proper authorization letter and identity proof of both the applicant and the authorized person.

3. Is Land Possession Certificate valid for a lifetime?
No, most LPCs have validity periods ranging from 1-3 years and need renewal afterward.

4. What if there is a mistake in my Land Possession Certificate?
Visit the issuing Circle Office with supporting documents to request correction through a formal application.

5. Can I apply for LPC if the land is jointly owned?
Yes, but all co-owners must provide consent and their details must be included in the application. Learn more about joint property ownership in India.

6. Is LPC required for agricultural land conversion to residential use?
Yes, LPC is mandatory along with land conversion permission from relevant authorities. For more information, see our guide on legally buying agricultural land in India.

7. How can I check if my land has any encumbrances before applying for LPC?
Obtain an Encumbrance Certificate (Form 15) from the Sub-Registrar office having jurisdiction over your land.

8. What if my Land Possession Certificate application is rejected?
You can file an appeal with the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) within 30 days of rejection with additional supporting evidence.