RTO New Vehicle Registration Process: Online Status, Renewal

Towards the end of the 19th century, motor vehicles were introduced in India and The Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1914, was passed by British India to regulate the use of it. The MV Act, 1988 replaced it and gave state governments the responsibility of registering and licencing motor vehicles. The Act mandates the owner to register the vehicle to drive it legally on public roads. One of the popular ways is to get it done is through the vehicle dealer or you could do it yourself. Read on to learn about the new vehicle registration process, renewal and how to check the status.

What Is RTO Vehicle Registration?

It is mandatory to register your vehicle to ply on Indian roads. A new vehicle registration implies the unique identity of your car or bike and to differentiate it with the others. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) or the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of the Central Government regulates all motor vehicles of the country. Hence, you need to get your vehicle registered at the RTO. They will inspect, verify and allot a registration number for your vehicle, which is known as permanent registration number. This number remains unchanged even if the vehicle is sold to another owner.

RTO Vehicle Registration Process:

The RTO Vehicle Registration Process can be done by two methods: Dealer or Self. The new car registration process can be executed by the car dealership or you can get it done by yourself through the local RTO. Also, the registration procedure differs between a commercial and a private vehicle.

Steps To Apply For New Vehicle Registration Certificate at RTO 2020:

While you have the option to get the Registration Certificate (RC) for your vehicle through the vehicle dealership, you can also register your car or bike at the local RTO as well. Both commercial and private vehicles can be registered at the RTO without depending on a dealer. Commercial vehicles such as lorries, buses or trucks can be registered at the RTO. Below is the RTO registration procedure of a new vehicle:

• Step 1: Visit the local RTO office with your new vehicle.

• Step 2: Fill Form 20 and submit the application.

• Step 3: The document will be inspected or scrutinized by the RTO superintendent.

• Step 4: Pay the required registration fee and tax at the cash counter.

• Step 5: Your new vehicle will be inspected by the Inspector of Motor Vehicle (IMV).

• Step 6: The RTO office will enter the vehicle data into the central database.

• Step 7: The RTO Superintendent will verify the vehicle data entered in the database.

• Step 8: The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) will approve the registration.

• Step 9: The RTO office will initiate the process for the Smart Card and once it is printed, it will be delivered to the applicant by post to the registered mailing address.

Vehicle Registration Forms:

It is not just important that you understand the process of registering a new car or a bike but also essential to learn about the various vehicle registration forms. You can download the vehicle registration form from the VAHAN website. Below are the RTO Forms associated with new vehicle registration:

• Form 20: Application for registration of a new vehicle.

• Form 21: Sale Certificate.

• Form 23: Certificate of Registration.

• Form 24: Registration of Motor Vehicle.

• Form 29: Notice of vehicle ownership transfer.

• Form 38A: Inspection report.

• Form 50: Bill of Lading.

• Form 51: Insurance Certificate.

• Form 54: Accident information report.

• Form 57: Foreign insurance certificate.

What Is a Temporary RTO Registration Number?

Prior to getting a permanent registration number for your new vehicle, the dealer will issue a temporary number which is valid for 1-month. Within this validity period, you need to get the new vehicle registration initiated at the local RTO to get a permanent number for your vehicle.

Permanent Vehicle Registration Number in India:

A permanent vehicle registration number in India is provided by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) which regulates motor vehicles in the country. The main objective of the permanent number or Registration Certificate (RC) for the vehicle is to establish the ownership of the vehicle and to identify the vehicle based on its chassis and engine number. 

Once you receive the unique number, it is revealed through the number plate of the vehicle. While the ownership of the vehicle can change, the permanent vehicle registration number remains unchanged.

Documents To Be Submitted For New Vehicle Registration:

Below are the documents that you will require while registering your new car or bike at the RTO:

• Form 20: This is the new vehicle registration application.

• Form 21: This is the sales certificate which you get from the vehicle dealership.

• Form 22: This is the roadworthiness certificate provided by the vehicle manufacturer. (Form 22A from the respective bodybuilder/manufacturer).

• PUCC: Pollution Under Control Certificate, which will be provided by the dealer.

• Insurance Certificate: Valid vehicle insurance policy document.

• Proof of Address: You can submit your ID proof documents such as Ration Card, Electricity Bill, etc.

• Temporary Registration Certificate: If the new vehicle has received a temporary registration number from the dealer, submit the same.

• Form 34: In case you have purchased the vehicle through a bank loan, then Form 34 contains Hypothecation details of the vehicle.

• Pan Card/Form 60: A copy of your Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card. But, if you do not have a PAN Card, then you will have to fill and submit Form 60.

• Dealer and Manufacturer Invoice: The purchase invoice provided by the dealer. Also, the manufacturer’s invoice will be provided by the dealer.

• Photograph: Vehicle owner’s passport size photograph.

• Proof of Date of Birth: Some states may ask you to submit DOB proof such as your Driving Licence, Passport, PAN Card, SSLC Certificate, etc.

• Chassis and Engine Number Print: The pencil sketch of the engine and chassis number of your vehicle.

Fees For RTO Vehicle Registration in India:

Below is the current fee structure for the RTO vehicle registration of private vehicles including cars and bikes, commercial vehicles such as lorries, trucks, etc.:

Issue of Certificate of Registration and Assignment of New Registration Number

RTO Vehicle Registration Status Online:

The Central Government has launched the VAHAN web portal, which acts as a central database of motor vehicles plying on Indian roads. To know the Vahah application status, follow the steps mentioned below:

• Step 1: Visit the application status section of the VAHAN web portal.

• Step 2: Enter the application number and click on ‘View Report’ to view your application status.

How To Get A Duplicate Vehicle RC?

The most important vehicle document is the Registration Certificate (RC) since it is the proof of registration of the vehicle. To drive a car or a bike on public roads, you need to carry the RC at all times. While most take care of their vehicle, sometimes documents such as DL or RC get stolen or are untraceable. To get a duplicate vehicle RC, the Central Government through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched an online platform Parivahan Sewa to avail several citizen services related to motor vehicles.

You could also visit the RTO where your vehicle was registered and apply for a duplicate registration certificate. However, you can get a duplicate RC online through the Parivahan Sewa web portal. Follow the below steps to get one:

Documents Required for Duplicate RC:

• Form 26: Application Form. (Click here to download Form 26).

• FIR: First Information Report from the local police.

• PUCC: Pollution Under Control Certificate

• Vehicle Insurance Policy: Copy of your vehicle insurance document.

• Address Proof: Copy of your address proof such as Voter ID, Passport, Aadhaar, etc.

• Clearance Challan: From the traffic police and enforcement wing of the Transport Department (Commercial Vehicle).

• Tax Clearance: Issued by the Accounts Department (Commercial Vehicle).

• PAN Card: Copy of your PAN Card or From 60 and 61 in case there is no PAN Card.

• Chassis and Engine Number: Pencil sketch of chassis and engine number of your vehicle.

• Signature Identification of Owner*

• Affidavit: An affidavit stating that the vehicle registration certificate is lost and not impounded.*

*May be required in some states.

Step-by-Step Guide to Get Duplicate RC Online:

• Step 1: Visit the official web portal of Parivahan Sewa.

• Step 2: Under the navigation menu, click on ‘Online Services’ and select ‘Vehicle Related Services’.

• Step 3: On the new page, you have the option to select either ‘Delhi & Sikkim State’ or ‘Other States’, select the appropriate state.

• Step 4: You will be directed to a new page, enter the vehicle registration number and click on ‘Proceed’.

• Step 5: Select ‘Basic Services’ which includes services of issuance of Duplicate RC.

• Step 6: On the new page, enter the last 5 digits of the ‘Chassis Number’ of your vehicle and click on ‘Validate Registration Number/Chassis Number’.

• Step 7: Enter your mobile number and click on ‘Generate OTP’ and enter the OTP received on the mobile number.

• Step 8: Click on ‘Show Details’ and tick on specific ‘Application Selection’.

• Step 9: Enter all the details on the application.

• Step 10: Select ‘Payment Gateway’ and click on ‘Continue’.

• Step 11: Upon successful payment of the required fees, the fee receipt will be generated. Take a print of the fee receipt.

• Step 12: Visit the RTO with all the required documents to get the duplicate RC.

Vehicle Registration Renewal:

The renewal of vehicle registration should be no more than 60 days from its due date for the renewal. The application for the RC renewal is Form 25 (Click here to download the form)  Below is the process for vehicle registration renewal:

• Step 1: Visit the VAHAN web portal.

• Step 2: From the ‘Online Services’ drop-down menu, select ‘Vehicle Related Services’.

• Step 3: In the new page, enter the vehicle registration number, click on ‘Proceed’ and select ‘Renewal of Registration’.

• Step 4: Enter the last 5 digits of the vehicle’s ‘Chassis Number’, click on ‘Validate Registration Number/Chassis Number’.

• Step 5: Enter your mobile number to receive the One Time Password (OTP), enter the OTP received to your mobile number and click on ‘Show Details’.

• Step 6: Verify information such as owner details, latest tax details and insurance details and click on ‘Payment’ to process the payment for the services.

• Step 7: Upon successful payment, print the fee receipt.

• Step 8: Visit the respective RTO where the vehicle is registered and carry the printed fee receipt along with supporting documents to get the registration renewed.

Documents Required for Vehicle Registration Renewal:

Below is the list of documents required to renew the RC of your vehicle:

• Form 25: Application form.

• PUCC: Pollution Under Control Certificate.

• RC Book: The original Registration Certificate of the vehicle.

• Fitness Certificate: Valid fitness certificate of the vehicle.

• Road Tax Receipt: Proof of payment of up to date road tax.

• Insurance Policy: Valid vehicle insurance policy documents.

• PAN Card: Copy of PAN Card or Form 60 and 61 in case PAN is not available.

• Engine and Chassis Number: Pencil sketch of the vehicle’s engine and chassis number.

• Signature Identification of Vehicle Owner.*

*May be required in some states.

Frequently Asked Questions About RTO New Vehicle Registration:

Below are some of the common questions about new vehicle registration in India:

Is it mandatory to register a vehicle through the vehicle dealer or showroom?

It is not mandatory to get your vehicle registered where you purchased it from. You can get the new vehicle registered by yourself at the local RTO.

What do you mean by ‘road tax’?

Since the government maintains roads and highways in the country, citizens need to pay road tax to drive on public roads. The road tax varies from state to state and is charged to manage the cost of making and maintaining public roads in the country.

Can I get a duplicate RC online?

Yes, you can get a duplicate registration certificate of the vehicle by applying online. For details, follow the step-by-step guide mentioned above.

Is it compulsory to carry the vehicle RC while driving?

As per the MV Act, 1988, drivers should carry the vehicle’s RC at all times, especially while driving on Indian public roads.

What is the fee for renewal of RC?

The renewal of the registration certificate of the vehicle depends on the type of vehicle. For example, for two-wheelers or bikes, the fee is Rs.300. For the fees and charges of other vehicles, you can refer to the table above.

What is the additional or late fee for renewal of RC?

Apart from the charges for the renewal of the RC, an additional fee of Rs.300 for the delay of every month for motorcycles and Rs.500 for other classes of non-transport vehicles.

Is there a separate charge for cancellation of the lease, etc. or for the issue of fresh RC while applying for a duplicate RC thereafter?

No. There is no separate fee for cancellation of the lease, hire purchase or hypothecation of the vehicles nor is there a charge for the issuance of a fresh RC thereafter.

What are the implications of carrying an expired RC book?

It is of utmost priority that you renew your RC of the vehicle before it expires. That said, if you carry an expired RC you will be penalised by the traffic police. In several states, the vehicle will be impounded by the authorities until you clear the penalty.

Can I renew the RC after 15 years?

Yes, you can renew your vehicle’s RC after 15 years and thereafter it needs to be renewed every 5-years when it expires.

What is the validity of temporary registration of a vehicle and by when should the vehicle be registered with a permanent registration?

The temporary registration is provided by the vehicle dealer from whom you purchase the vehicle. This temporary number is valid for a maximum period of 1-month and a new vehicle with a temporary registration needs to get a permanent number within the 30-day period.

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