Vintage Vehicle Registration Now Open For Cars, Bikes Over 50 Years Old

Uttar Pradesh has officially launched a specialised registration programme for vintage automobiles and motorcycles, thus, enabling collectors and enthusiasts to formally document their classic vehicles through a dedicated "vintage" classification system, news agency PTI has reported. The comes after directive from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways 2021 directive and became operational Monday.

Authorities confirmed that vintage-classified vehicles cannot serve daily transportation or commercial functions, with these restrictions explicitly noted on registration certificates.

New Classification System

State transport officials emphasised that the programme serves dual purposes of regulatory compliance and cultural preservation, ensuring these historical vehicles maintain their heritage significance while meeting modern administrative requirements.

The registration facility operates under established Central Motor Vehicles Rules from 1989, with state-specific Standard Operating Procedures currently under government review for future implementation.

Vintage Vehicle Eligibility

According to central regulations, vehicles qualify for vintage status only if they meet specific criteria: two-wheelers (L1/L2 category) or four-wheelers (M1 category) must exceed 50 years from initial registration following first sale and retain original specifications without significant modifications to chassis, body structure, or engine components.

It is pertinent to note that agricultural vehicles including tractors remain excluded from this classification system. Transport officials clarified that age alone does not automatically qualify vehicles for vintage status.

Application Process

Vehicle owners must submit formal applications through their local Regional or Assistant Regional Transport Offices, where certified Motor Vehicle Inspectors conduct thorough authenticity assessments and create photographic documentation. The department has committed to processing all submissions within 60 days.

Registration Fees, Validity Structure

The fee structure includes ₹20,000 for initial vintage Registration Certificate issuance and ₹5,000 for subsequent renewals. Initial certificates remain valid for 10 years, with five-year renewal cycles thereafter.

Vintage vehicles receive exemption from High-Security Registration Plate requirements and will display distinctive numbering: "UP VA YY xxxx" format, exemplified by "UP VA AA 0001."

Usage Restrictions

Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narain Singh outlined the programme's fundamental purpose and limitations in an official statement.

"Citizen convenience and regulatory compliance are our priorities. Vintage registration is not for daily or commercial use; it is meant to preserve the vehicle's original technical configuration and to maintain orderly record-keeping. The service is operational in accordance with MoRTH rules; updated instructions will be issued once the final SOP is implemented. Until then, the fees, eligibility, and procedure will remain as per the Central notification," Singh declared.

Processing Priority

Transport department officials indicated that previously submitted applications receive priority handling under the new system. Interested applicants can access additional information through local RTO/ARTO offices or the VAHAN online portal, with comprehensive guidelines forthcoming upon final SOP approval.