Labour License in Patna, Bihar – Complete Guide for Labour Contractors

If you’re planning to supply labour or workers to any company, factory, construction site, or government department in Patna or anywhere in Bihar, you must have a valid Labour Contractor License.

Without this license, engaging workers or acting as a manpower contractor is considered a violation under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970.

This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about getting a Labour License in Patna, Bihar — who needs it, what documents are required, how to apply online or offline, renewal procedure, and practical tips from the field.

1. What Is a Labour License?

A labour license (also known as a labour contractor license) is a legal permission granted by the Labour Department of Bihar to any person or firm that wants to employ or supply contract labour to another establishment.

It ensures that contractors follow all labour laws, pay minimum wages, and provide safe and fair working conditions for workers.

The license is mandatory both for:

Principal Employers (who hire labour contractors), and
Contractors (who supply labour to employers).

In short, if you’re providing manpower or workers on contract to any business or government project, you need this license.

2. Why It’s Required

The Bihar Labour Department enforces this rule to protect workers and ensure transparency. Here’s why it’s important:

Legal Requirement – Compulsory under the Contract Labour Act.
Avoid Penalties – Working without a license can lead to fines or prosecution.
Eligibility for Tenders – Government and corporate tenders demand valid labour licenses.
Worker Welfare – Ensures employees get wages, safety gear, and other benefits.
Business Credibility – Registered contractors are trusted more by clients.

Having a valid labour license builds credibility and makes your business legally compliant.

3. Who Needs a Labour Contractor License

You must apply for a Labour Contractor License if:

You employ 20 or more workers on contract in a year.
You supply labour (skilled, semi-skilled, or unskilled) to any establishment.
You run a manpower supply agency.
You are working on construction projects, factories, industrial setups, or government contracts in Bihar.

Even smaller contractors are advised to register early to avoid future compliance issues.

4. Governing Law and Authority

In Bihar, the license is issued under the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970, and rules framed under it.

The authority responsible is:
Department of Labour Resources, Government of Bihar, with its office located in Patna and district-level labour offices across the state.

The Licensing Officer (appointed under Section 12 of the Act) has the power to grant, renew, suspend, or cancel the license.

5. Types of Labour Licenses

There are mainly two types of labour licenses:

Registration of Establishment (Form I) – for principal employers (companies or project owners).
Contractor License (Form IV) – for contractors or manpower suppliers who provide labour.

As a labour contractor, you need the second one — the Contractor License.

6. Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a labour license in Bihar, you must:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Be an Indian citizen.
Have a business establishment in Bihar.
Have no criminal record related to labour laws.
Possess sufficient financial capacity to manage workers’ wages and welfare.

If you are operating from Patna, you’ll apply under the Patna Labour Department office.

7. Documents Required for Labour License in Patna

Here’s the complete list of documents you’ll need for applying as a labour contractor:

Identity and Business Proof

Aadhaar card of applicant or proprietor
PAN card (individual or firm)
Partnership deed or company incorporation certificate
GST registration certificate
Address proof of office or business premises (rent agreement or ownership proof)

Employer Details

Copy of the agreement or work order from the company or department you’re providing labour to
Registration certificate of the principal employer under the Act (Form I)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from principal employer

Worker Details

Estimated number of contract workers to be employed
Nature of work to be performed
Duration of employment (temporary or continuous)

Financial Documents

Bank account details of the firm
Treasury challan or online fee payment receipt

8. Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Labour License in Patna

You can apply for the labour license online through the official Bihar Labour Department portal or offline by submitting the application to the Labour Superintendent’s office in Patna.

Let’s look at both methods.

A. Online Application Process

Visit the Labour Department Portal
Go to the Bihar Labour Department’s official website and open the contractor license section.
Create a Login ID
Register yourself as a contractor using your PAN, mobile number, and email ID.
Fill the Online Application Form (Form IV)
Enter all details including:
- Name and address of establishment
- Name of principal employer
- Type of work and location
- Number of workers to be employed
Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of ID proof, NOC, work order, and other required documents.
Pay Fees Online
Payment can be made via e-challan or net banking. Fee depends on the number of workers employed.
Submit the Application
After submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgment or application number.
Verification by Licensing Officer
The Labour Department verifies your documents and may inspect your establishment if necessary.
License Issuance
Once approved, you’ll receive your Labour Contractor License Certificate, valid for one year from the date of issue.

B. Offline Application Process

Visit the Labour Superintendent Office, Patna, and collect Form IV.
Fill in all required details carefully.
Attach self-attested photocopies of all supporting documents.
Deposit the prescribed fee in the government treasury and attach the challan.
Submit the application along with a covering letter.
After verification, the license will be issued and handed to you or sent by post.

9. Fee Structure

The licensing fee in Bihar varies depending on the number of contract labourers you plan to employ.

Here’s the typical structure (approximate):

Number of Workers	License Fee
Up to 20 workers	₹60
21–50 workers	₹150
51–100 workers	₹375
101–200 workers	₹750
201–400 workers	₹1,500
401 and above	₹3,000

You may also need to deposit a security amount (refundable) as per the number of workers, generally ₹90 per worker.

10. Validity and Renewal

The license is valid for one year from the date of issue.
You must apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry.
Renewal requires submission of updated documents, fee, and previous license copy.

If you fail to renew on time, you may need to apply afresh with additional charges.

11. Duties and Responsibilities of a Labour Contractor

As a licensed labour contractor in Bihar, you must follow all labour welfare and safety rules, including:

Paying minimum wages as per government rates.
Maintaining attendance registers and wage registers.
Ensuring working hours and overtime rules are followed.
Providing safety gear and clean drinking water at worksites.
Ensuring EPF and ESI compliance where applicable.
Submitting annual returns to the labour office.

Any violation can lead to cancellation or suspension of your license.

12. Benefits of Having a Labour License

Legal compliance – Protects you from penalties and prosecution.
Tender eligibility – You can bid for government and corporate manpower contracts.
Business credibility – Enhances your firm’s professional standing.
Ease of bank loans – Helps in obtaining business loans or MSME registration.
Worker confidence – Builds trust among workers that you’re a legitimate contractor.

13. Important Tips for Applicants in Patna

Use your correct business address – Verification officers may visit the site.
Keep your NOC from principal employer ready – It’s mandatory.
Keep digital copies handy – Especially if applying online.
Pay exact fees – Avoid rejection due to incorrect payment.
Maintain clean records – Wage sheets and attendance registers should be up to date.

Many applications get delayed in Patna simply because of missing or unclear documents. Triple-check everything before submission.

14. Time Taken for License Approval

In normal circumstances, a labour license in Bihar takes 15 to 30 working days after application submission.
Delays can happen if:

Documents are incomplete,
Site inspection is pending, or
The fee is mismatched.

Following up politely with the local labour office often helps speed up the process.

15. Renewal Procedure (Step-by-Step)

Submit renewal form (same as Form IV) with old license number.
Attach last year’s compliance report and updated work details.
Deposit renewal fee and upload proof.
Submit online or at the labour office.
Receive renewed license valid for another one year.

Always renew before expiry to avoid penalties.

16. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using expired or incorrect NOC from principal employer.
Mentioning wrong number of workers.
Failing to pay the correct security deposit.
Submitting unreadable scanned documents.
Ignoring renewal reminders.

Such errors often result in rejection or license suspension.

17. Office Details for Labour License in Patna

You can visit or contact:

Office of the Labour Superintendent, Patna
Department of Labour Resources, Government of Bihar
Near Bailey Road / Collectorate Area, Patna

Business hours: Monday to Friday, 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Carry your ID proof, application copies, and payment receipts when visiting for verification or follow-up.

18. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many workers can I employ under one license?
You can employ as many workers as specified in your license. If the number increases, you must apply for an amendment.

Q2. Can one license be used for multiple projects?
Yes, if all projects are under the same principal employer and within the validity period. Otherwise, separate licenses are required.

Q3. What happens if I work without a license?
Working without a valid license is punishable under the Contract Labour Act. You may face fines or blacklisting.

Q4. Can I apply for the license myself?
Yes, you can apply directly through the online portal or through a professional consultant.

Q5. Do I need to maintain records?
Yes, every contractor must maintain attendance, wage, and compliance records for inspection.

19. Summary Checklist Before Applying

Aadhaar and PAN card
Office address proof
GST certificate (if applicable)
NOC and work order from principal employer
Estimated number of labourers
Bank account details
Treasury challan or payment receipt
Affidavit and character certificate

Keep all documents neatly arranged for quick submission.

20. Conclusion

Getting a Labour Contractor License in Patna, Bihar is not just a legal formality — it’s the foundation of running a professional and compliant manpower supply business.

The process is straightforward if you prepare your documents properly and follow each step carefully. Once you have this license, you can confidently provide labour to private firms, factories, or government departments without worrying about legal troubles.

For new contractors, it’s also a great way to establish trust with clients and open doors to bigger projects and steady income opportunities.

Start with accurate paperwork, follow the application steps, and within a few weeks, you’ll have your labour license in hand — officially recognized by the Government of Bihar.