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Driving on Lakshadweep is freedom over picturesque islands and atolls, but losing or damaging your Registration Certificate (RC) can soon make travel difficult. Strict adherence to motor vehicle norms is needed on these outlying islands, so getting a duplicate RC in Lakshadweep has to be quick and trustworthy. Each step, from online application to offline submission, is mentioned in detail in this article.
An RC is a document of legal proof of ownership and registration of your vehicle. On the island of Lakshadweep, salty air, humidity, and regular ferry transfers tend to deteriorate paper documents. A duplicate RC is just a re-issued document with all the same information: registration number, chassis and engine numbers, owner's name and address, RTO jurisdiction, fuel type, and date of registration.
Having a valid RC is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act. Driving, changing ownership, renewing insurance, or island checkpoint without one can lead to fines or delays.
You can apply through the following two methods:
Both ways are accepted by the local transport department. So choose according to your convenience and location.
Follow the below mentioned steps below if you prefer an online approach.
Take note of any acknowledgement number displayed after submission. Under the Application Status tab, use this number to check progress. This option is a round-trip save and is fine if home internet is reliable.
If you do not have regular internet, here's the offline way. In case of lost or stolen RC, register an FIR at your police station and get a copy.
Take an acknowledgement receipt along with your application number. The RTO will check documents and may give an estimated issue date, wait for about 15 to 30 working days.
Since Lakshadweep gets limited mail deliveries, digital RC downloads are usually suggested on approval.
Have the following documents ready in advance to avoid delays.
| Document | Purpose / Details |
| FIR Copy | Required if the original RC was lost or stolen |
| Form 26 | Application form for obtaining a duplicate RC |
| Form 34 | Required if the vehicle is under a finance agreement |
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Driving Licence |
| Proof of Address | Utility Bill, Voter ID, or Passport |
| Affidavit | Explains the reason for applying for a duplicate RC |
| PUC Certificate | Recent Pollution Under Control certificate |
| Vehicle Insurance | Valid insurance policy document |
| Damaged RC (if available) | Submit the damaged original RC if it is still with you |
| Passport-size Photograph | Required only for offline applications |
Keep originals and a few clear photocopies with you. Please note that self-attested copies are usually required.
Here's the usual fee structure:
| Vehicle Type | Fee (INR) |
| Two-wheeler | ₹150 |
| Light private vehicle | ₹300 |
| Light commercial vehicle | ₹500 |
| Medium/Heavy passenger or goods vehicle | ₹500–₹750 |
| Imported vehicles | ₹1,250–₹2,500 |
| Special types (e.g. tourist vehicles) | As per RTO policy |
Always check the latest fee with the RTO, as there may be service charges.
1. Online applications: It takes around 10–20 working days
2. Offline applications: It takes around 15–30 working days
Island vacations, ferry timings, or bad weather can lead to delays in dispatch.
After your application is accepted, you have to follow certain steps.
Digital RCs are convenient and do not require printing in island environments.
You can track your application status online by following these steps.
This prevents unnecessary RTO visits and keeps one posted.
Frequent problems that may delay the process of getting a duplicate rc are:
In case of no progress, use your application number to call or physically visit the RTO for clarity.
1. Transport timing is crucial: Schedule offline applications post-ferry and mail days.
2. Computerised back-ups: Utilise DigiLocker or mParivahan; printing might become weak on islands.
3. Financial vehicles: Get Form 34 early if financed.
4. Tourist hire vehicles: Operators should retain updated computerised RCs to prevent a penalty.
5. Ferry disruption: Computerised RC is useful when the physical copy is in transit and delayed due to schedule changes.
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to Duplicate RC in Lakshadweep.
No. Affidavit and damaged RC are normally accepted in lieu of.
May someone apply for me?Yes. Give a signed authorisation letter and their ID along with your documents.
Are eRCs accepted at island police checkpoints?Yes. Police accept PDF copies saved in DigiLocker or mParivahan.
Can I correct details (e.g. name misspelt) after getting the duplicate RC?Yes, make an official request for correction at the RTO with supporting documents.
Will a duplicate RC impact selling my vehicle in the future?No. A duplicate RC is as legally valid as the original, so transfers are not impacted.
What if I typed incorrectly chassis digits online by mistake?Inform the RTO instantly with your application number to rectify the error.
May I drive without any RC pending?It is risky; take the FIR and proof of payment receipt with you if you are stopped.
I lost my RC when I was going to the mainland. Can I apply from there?Yes. You can apply online through the Parivahan portal and yet choose Lakshadweep as your state. Your original RTO will process the request.
How do I obtain Form 26 and Form 34?These may be downloaded from the Parivahan portal or received at the RTO. Have the financier sign Form 34 if your vehicle is on loan.
Will the duplicate RC indicate that it's a duplicate?No. The duplicate RC is the same content and format-wise as the original RC and does not bear a "duplicate" watermark or stamp.
Can I track the dispatch of the smart card RC?Yes. On approval, most RTOs update the dispatch status on the Parivahan portal. Tracking details of delivery may be furnished if dispatched by post.
Is re-registration needed if I'm merely applying for a duplicate RC?No. Re-registration is needed only if you shift your vehicle to another state permanently. A duplicate RC is merely a reissue, not a re-registration.
What if I recover my original RC after getting the duplicate?The first RC invalidates. You have to utilise only the copy RC from then onwards in order to be within the traffic laws.
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