The Bihar government is preparing to implement a major change in the land and flat registration process across the state. Starting from April 1, 2026, it will be mandatory to have a ‘live photo’ and a satellite image of the property for its registry. This new rule aims to bring transparency and stop cases where the same piece of land is sold multiple times to different buyers.
How will the new Live Photo system work?
Under the new rules, the registry portal will require an on-spot live photo of the land or house. This photo will be recorded with specific latitude and longitude details to ensure the location is accurate. The department will also use a satellite sky-view image to verify the actual condition of the land. This system effectively links the digital record with the ground reality. A successful trial of this technology has already been completed in Darbhanga district.
Updates on Circle Rates and Document Verification
There is a possibility of a significant increase in the Minimum Value Register (MVR) or circle rates from April 2026. The government plans to increase these rates by 3 to 4 times to bring them closer to the actual market value. Currently, stamp duty is around 6.3% for men and 5.7% for women. Additionally, for property values exceeding Rs 10 lakh, a PAN card is now mandatory, and its online physical verification will be done as per Income Tax Department guidelines.
Facilities for elderly and slot booking changes
The department has introduced a Mobile Registration Unit to help elderly people over 80 years of age get their registry done from home. In another update from February 6, 2026, the requirement of OTP for booking a registry slot has been removed. Now, booking can be done just by providing a mobile number. This change intends to reduce delays caused by technical glitches. Once the registry is complete, the buyer will receive an SMS with the photo and details of the property.
