eWay Bill Validity, Distance & Rules Explained (2026)
The eWay Bill rules decide when a bill is required and how long it stays valid. Getting the validity wrong is one of the most common reasons goods get detained in transit.
This guide explains the threshold, the distance-based validity, Part-A and Part-B, and how to extend a bill, all under the current Rule 138.
When is an eWay Bill required?
An eWay Bill is required to move goods worth more than 50,000 rupees in a single consignment. This threshold applies to inter-state movement across India.
Some states set a lower threshold for intra-state movement, and a few goods are exempt, so always confirm your state rule.
How validity is calculated by distance
For regular cargo, an eWay Bill is valid for one day for every 200 km or part of it. So up to 200 km is one day, up to 400 km is two days, and so on.
For over-dimensional cargo or multimodal shipments involving a ship, validity is one day for every 20 km. The clock starts when Part-B is first entered.
You can check any distance instantly with the free MoboSafe eWay Bill validity calculator.
Part-A vs Part-B
Part-A holds the consignment details: the GSTINs, invoice number, value and HSN code. Part-B holds the transport details: the vehicle number and transporter.
The bill is only valid for movement once Part-B is filled, which is also when the validity period begins.
Extension and consolidated bills
If goods cannot reach the destination before the bill expires, it can be extended within 8 hours before or after expiry for genuine reasons such as a breakdown.
A consolidated eWay Bill groups several bills carried in one vehicle into a single document for the driver, which is useful for transporters handling many consignments per trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is the eWay Bill validity for 500 km?
For regular cargo, 500 km falls into the third distance slab, so the eWay Bill is valid for three days, since validity is one day for every 200 km or part of it.
Is an eWay Bill required below 50,000 rupees?
Generally no for inter-state movement, but some states set a lower threshold for intra-state movement, so check your state rule.
When does eWay Bill validity start?
Validity starts when Part-B, the vehicle and transport detail, is first entered, not when Part-A is created.
Can an expired eWay Bill be extended?
Yes, within 8 hours before or after expiry, if the goods are still in transit for a genuine reason such as a breakdown or natural calamity.