Him Bus Card HRTC: Online Registration, Documents, Renewal & RFID Smart Card Guide

If you are eligible for free travel or a concessional fare on HRTC buses, you now need a Him Bus Card. HRTC has shifted eligible passengers from paper-based concession passes and manual tickets to this RFID-enabled smart card system. Without a valid Him Bus Card, conductors cannot issue concession tickets under the notified categories.

The Him Bus Card is an RFID-based digital smart card introduced by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) for eligible passengers. It covers 22 notified concession categories, including women eligible for the 50% fare concession, students, government employees, police personnel, specially-abled passengers, freedom fighters and several other categories notified by HRTC.

HRTC implemented the digital system in phases and made the Him Bus Card mandatory from 1 April 2026 for notified concession categories. Since then, paper concession cards and manual concession tickets have been discontinued for these categories.

This guide explains who is eligible, the complete list of all 22 categories, card fees, renewal charges, required documents, HIMACCESS ID registration, the official online application process, offline application, duplicate card procedure, renewal process and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick Facts

Do Not Confuse the Him Bus Card with the Him Bus Plus Card

HRTC currently operates two different smart cards with very similar names. They serve different purposes, follow different eligibility rules and are meant for different passengers. Choosing the wrong one can lead to an unnecessary application and payment.

Which card should you apply for?

• If you belong to any of HRTC's 22 notified concession categories, such as eligible women passengers, students, government employees, police personnel, specially-abled passengers or other notified beneficiaries, apply for the Him Bus Card.
• If you are a regular passenger who simply wants an annual fare discount, apply for the Him Bus Plus Card.

Although the names look similar, the eligibility conditions, benefits and application process are different. Always mention the complete card name while applying at an HRTC counter or through the official portal.

Who Can Apply for the Him Bus Card?

The Him Bus Card is meant for passengers covered under HRTC's notified concession categories. If you currently receive free or concessional travel under any of these categories, you should apply for the Him Bus Card to continue availing the applicable travel benefits.

Students

• Students studying in Government and recognised schools up to Class 10+2.
• College and university students.
• Students of Government and recognised private educational institutions.
• Students studying in Central Universities and Kendriya Vidyalayas.

Government and Public Sector Employees

• State Government employees.
• Central Government employees.
• Employees of Government corporations and boards.
• Secretariat security personnel.

Police and Prison Department Personnel

• Police personnel from Constable to Inspector rank.
• Prison Department officials from Warder to Assistant Superintendent.

Women Eligible for Fare Concession

• Women passengers covered under HRTC's notified 50% fare concession scheme.

Persons with Disabilities and Other Eligible Categories

• Persons with disabilities eligible for HRTC concession.
• Leprosy patients covered under the notified concession.

Public Representatives and Award Categories

• Former Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
• Former Members of Parliament (MPs).
• Freedom Fighters.
• Spouses of eligible Freedom Fighters.
• Gallantry Award recipients.
• Veer Naris (War Widows).
• Accredited Journalists.
• State and National Award-winning Teachers.
• State and National Award-winning Children (subject to the prescribed age limit).

HRTC Employee Family Category

• Widows of retired or deceased HRTC employees covered under the applicable concession rules.

Him Bus Card Fee and Other Charges

While most people only look at the application fee, HRTC has prescribed separate charges for different services such as renewal, duplicate cards, changes in card details and postal delivery. Knowing these charges in advance can help you avoid unexpected expenses later.

Charges You Should Know Before Applying

1. Correction or change charges. If you later request a change in your registered source, destination, class or designation, HRTC charges ₹50 plus applicable GST for each approved modification. Before submitting your application, double-check every detail to avoid paying this fee later.

2. Duplicate card fee. If your Him Bus Card is lost, stolen or damaged beyond use, you will need to apply for a replacement card by paying the prescribed duplicate card fee. Report the loss promptly and apply for a replacement through the official HRTC process.

3. Postal delivery is optional. During the online application, you can either collect the card from the selected HRTC counter or choose delivery by Speed Post. Home delivery attracts an additional charge of ₹56.

4. Remember the annual renewal. The first-year application fee includes card issuance. To continue using the Him Bus Card after its validity expires, it must be renewed every year by paying the prescribed renewal fee.

Before You Apply

Before starting your Him Bus Card application, make sure you can receive OTP messages on the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar. HIMACCESS uses Aadhaar-based verification during citizen registration.

If your Aadhaar is linked to an old or inactive mobile number, the OTP verification will fail and you will not be able to create your HIMACCESS account. In that situation, first update your Aadhaar mobile number through an authorised Aadhaar Enrolment or Update Centre and then begin the application process.

How to Create a HIMACCESS ID

HIMACCESS is the Government of Himachal Pradesh's single sign-on (SSO) platform. You only need to register once, and the same login can be used for various online government services, including the HRTC Bus Pass Portal.

1. Visit the HRTC Bus Pass Portal and click Citizen Login. If you do not already have an account, select Signup for Citizen Login. You can also register directly through the HIMACCESS (SSO Himachal) Portal.
2. Enter your Aadhaar number in the registration form.
3. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar. Enter the OTP to verify your identity.
4. Fill in the remaining registration details and create a secure password.
5. Submit the registration form. Your HIMACCESS ID will be created successfully.
6. Return to the HRTC Bus Pass Portal and sign in using your newly created HIMACCESS credentials to continue your Him Bus Card application.

Keep your login credentials safe. You will need the same HIMACCESS ID and password whenever you renew your Him Bus Card, apply for changes, or access other Himachal Pradesh Government online services.

How to Apply for the Him Bus Card Online

HRTC accepts Him Bus Card applications through the HRTC Bus Pass Portal. Before starting, make sure you have created your HIMACCESS ID, as it is required to log in and submit the application.

Step 1: Keep Your Documents Ready

Scanning and uploading the required documents is part of the online application. Preparing them in advance makes the process much smoother.

• Recent passport-size photograph in the prescribed format.
• Aadhaar Card or another acceptable identity document.
• Supporting document for your concession category, such as a disability certificate, departmental identity card, freedom fighter certificate, award certificate or any other document applicable to your category.
• Verified certificate or recommendation from the Head of Institution or Head of Office wherever required for your category, particularly for students and government employees.

Step 2: Log in to the HRTC Bus Pass Portal

1. Visit the HRTC Bus Pass Portal.
2. Click Citizen Login.
3. Sign in using your HIMACCESS ID and password.

Step 3: Fill the Online Application Form

1. Open the Passes section and select Apply for Him Bus Card.
2. Select the concession category applicable to you.
3. Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your supporting documents.
4. Fill in your travel details, including the required source, destination and other applicable information.
5. Carefully review every entry before proceeding. Changes after card issuance may attract the prescribed modification charges.

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload clear scanned copies of all required documents. Blurred photographs or incomplete documents are among the most common reasons for application delays.

• Passport-size photograph.
• Identity proof.
• Category-specific supporting documents.
• Institution or office verification, wherever applicable.

Step 5: Choose How You Want to Receive the Card

The portal provides two delivery options.

• Collect from an HRTC counter selected during the application.
• Receive by Speed Post by paying the prescribed postal charges.

Select the option that is most convenient for you before making payment.

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

Complete the online payment using any of the available payment methods.

• UPI
• Debit Card
• Credit Card
• Net Banking

After successful payment, the portal generates an acknowledgement with your application reference number.

Step 7: Save Your Application Reference

Download or print the acknowledgement receipt and note your application number carefully. You will need it to check the application status or communicate with HRTC if required.

If You Cannot Apply Online

There are several assisted application options if you are unable to complete the process yourself.

• Lok Mitra Kendras (LMKs) can submit the online application on your behalf. Carry all original documents and scanned copies.
• Schools, colleges and universities may nominate nodal officers to assist eligible students with Him Bus Card applications. Check with your institution before visiting an HRTC office.
• HRTC bus stands and depots also assist eligible passengers with the application process. During peak periods, waiting time may be longer, so visiting earlier in the day can be helpful.

How You Receive the Him Bus Card

While submitting the online application, you can choose how you want to receive your Him Bus Card. HRTC provides two delivery options.

Before leaving the counter or accepting the delivery, verify all details printed on the card. Check your name, photograph, concession category, source, destination and other particulars carefully. If any information is incorrect, contact HRTC immediately for correction. Changes requested after card issuance may attract the prescribed modification fee.

How to Use the Him Bus Card While Travelling

The Him Bus Card uses RFID technology and works with HRTC's electronic ticketing machines (ETMs). Every time you travel, carry the card with you and present it to the conductor.

1. Board the HRTC bus as usual.
2. Inform the conductor that you are travelling using a Him Bus Card.
3. Tap or present the RFID card on the conductor's electronic ticketing machine when requested.
4. The system verifies your eligibility and applies the applicable concession automatically.
5. The conductor issues the ticket according to your approved concession category.

The digital verification process reduces manual checking and helps ensure that concession benefits are provided only to eligible cardholders.

How to Renew the Him Bus Card

The Him Bus Card is valid for one year from the date of issue. To continue receiving travel concessions, renew the card before its validity expires.

Log in using your HIMACCESS credentials, complete the renewal process, pay the prescribed fee and follow the instructions displayed on the portal. Renewing the card before expiry helps avoid interruption of concession benefits.

Why HRTC Introduced the Him Bus Card

HRTC introduced the RFID-based Him Bus Card to modernise the concession pass system and replace paper-based verification with a digital process.

According to HRTC, the new system is intended to improve the administration of concessional travel by making verification faster, maintaining digital records and reducing the possibility of misuse.

• Digital verification through RFID-enabled electronic ticketing machines.
• Faster passenger verification compared with manual paper passes.
• Better record management for concession travel.
• Improved transparency in issuing and monitoring concession benefits.

HRTC has stated that the Him Bus Card initiative supports the transition towards a transparent, secure and technology-enabled concession management system across its services.

Important Dates and Implementation Timeline

HRTC introduced the Him Bus Card in phases before making it the standard system for eligible concession categories. The key milestones are given below.

If you are covered under any notified concession category and have not yet obtained your Him Bus Card, contact your nearest HRTC depot or complete the application through the official HRTC Bus Pass Portal.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Useful Tips Before You Apply

• Keep all required documents ready before starting the online application.
• Verify every detail carefully before submitting the application, especially your concession category and travel details.
• Save your HIMACCESS credentials securely for future renewal and other online services.
• Apply for renewal before the card expires to continue receiving concession benefits without interruption.
• Keep the Him Bus Card safely to avoid paying duplicate card charges.
• Retain your payment receipt and application reference number until you receive the card.
• Collect the card promptly if you selected HRTC counter delivery.