A Registration Certificate (RC) is one of the most important documents for a vehicle owner. In Delhi, as well as in other parts of India, it is mandatory to have your vehicle registered with the local Regional Transport Office (RTO). This document attests to the vehicle's legal ownership and ensures compliance with national transport legislation in line with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to check the vehicle registration status in Delhi, the importance of doing so, and the procedure to renew your RC.
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What is a Registration Certificate?
A Registration Certificate is an official document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) that certifies your vehicle's registration with the government. It includes vital information about the vehicle, such as its make, model, and ownership details. The RC essentially proves that your vehicle is legally permitted to be driven on Indian roads.
In Delhi as well, every vehicle must be registered with the local RTO before it can legally be driven on public roads.
Importance of Checking RC Status
It is very crucial to check RC status regularly for many reasons. Here’s why:
Legal Compliance: In Delhi, it's essential to ensure your vehicle is legally registered and has valid documentation. Driving with an expired or invalid RC can lead to fines or penalties.
Ownership Verification: If you're buying or selling a vehicle, checking the RC status helps verify ownership and ensure that all documentation is in order.
Insurance and Fitness Validity: Regularly checking the RC ensures that your vehicle insurance and fitness certificates are valid, especially if you're driving a commercial vehicle.
Pollution Norm Compliance: In Delhi, vehicles must meet stringent pollution control standards. Checking your RC status helps ensure that your PUC certificate is valid.
Loan or Insurance Processes: When renewing insurance or applying for loans, it can be important to confirm RC data.
How to Check RC Status
The RTO is required to provide a Registration Certificate (RC) after a vehicle is registered. It is typically good for 15 years for individual vehicles and for a shorter period of time for commercial vehicles. After this period, the RC must be renewed; otherwise, your car will be considered illegal.
You have multiple options to be updated on the status of your RC, including online and offline methods, by utilising the ACKO Drive App. This is how you do it:
Navigate to "Online Services": Click on "Vehicle-Related Services."
Select Delhi: Choose “Delhi” from the drop-down menu.
Enter Vehicle Registration Number: Enter the registration number of your car to complete the captcha.
Check the RC Status: The portal will show the status after submission, along with other details like validity and registration date.
Via the ACKO Mobile App
You can quickly and easily find out your car's RC status using the ACKO smartphone app, which is quite useful if you have any questions about insurance. Here's how to go about it:
Download the ACKO mobile app: The app is available on Android and iOS platforms.
Enter the car's information here: Using the "Check Vehicle Details" option, enter your car's registration.
OTP Verification: Enter your cellphone number to get a one-time password (OTP) for verification.
View RC Status: After OTP verification, the app will display the RC status and other relevant vehicle data.
Offline Process: Via RTO
If you prefer to check out the RC status of your car offline, visit the nearest RTO. Here's how to go about it:
Visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO):
Go to the nearest RTO office in Delhi, where your vehicle is registered. Each zone has its own RTO office, and you must visit the one corresponding to the zone where your vehicle's registration falls.
Application Inward:
You will need to file an "Application Inward" request at the RTO office. This involves filling out a form where you provide your vehicle's registration number and details.
The RTO will generate an "Application Inward Number" for your transaction. This number will be essential for tracking your application status.
Collection of Fees:
Pay any applicable fees at the RTO. The cashier will collect the payment after you confirm the application details.
A receipt will be generated as proof of your payment, and the fee payment is recorded in the system.
Verification and Print RC:
Once the fee is collected, RTO staff will verify the application and proceed to print the updated RC or provide the RC status.
You may be asked to return after a few days to collect the RC if it's not available immediately.
Collection of RC:
Once printed, the RC will be handed over to you or be available for pickup from the office.
Documents Required for RC
When applying for a new RC, the following documents are typically required:
Form 20: Application for vehicle registration.
Form 21: Sales certificate from the dealer.
Form 22: Manufacturer's roadworthiness certificate.
Insurance Policy: Proof of valid motor insurance.
PUC Certificate: Pollution Under Control certificate.
Invoice and Tax Receipt: Proof of purchase and tax payment.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): If the vehicle is being transferred from another state.
Details Present on Vehicle Registration Certificate
When you check your RC status, you will be able to see the following details:
Owner’s Name: The name of the vehicle’s registered owner.
Vehicle Make and Model: Information about the manufacturer and model of the vehicle.
Chassis Number and Engine Number: Unique identification numbers for the vehicle.
Registration Date: The date when the vehicle was registered.
Insurance Validity: Details regarding the insurance policy for the vehicle.
PUC Status: Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate status.
Fitness Certificate Expiry: For commercial vehicles, the fitness certificate expiry date will also be displayed.
Vehicle Registration Number: It is the unique number assigned to the vehicle by the Road Traffic Officer.
Fuel Type: This designates whether the vehicle is powered by compressed natural gas, electricity, petrol, or diesel.
RTO Specifics: This gives the name of the RTO where the vehicle's registration was obtained.
RC Renewal
It is important to note that in Delhi-NCR, the renewal of RC for petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old is strictly prohibited due to rulings by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court. In a recent case, the Delhi High Court refused to grant permission for the renewal of a petrol car’s RC that had surpassed the 15-year limit. The court reaffirmed that, while renewal is not allowed, a no-objection certificate (NOC) can be obtained for transferring the vehicle to areas where the NGT and Supreme Court's orders permit it to operate.
The NGT’s orders from 2014 and 2015, along with a 2018 Supreme Court ruling, have reinforced these restrictions in a bid to reduce pollution in the region, prohibiting the use of older vehicles in Delhi-NCR.
Conclusion
Checking the status of your vehicle’s Registration Certificate in Delhi is a simple process that can be done online through the Parivahan Sewa portal or the mParivahan app. Regularly monitoring your RC status ensures that your vehicle complies with the law and that all necessary documentation is up-to-date. Additionally, timely renewal of the RC is crucial to avoid fines and legal complications.
Moreover, being proactive in these procedures, whether you're applying for a new licence or renewing an old one, is essential to a smooth car-owning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to RC Status in Delhi
How long is a vehicle’s Registration Certificate valid for commercial vehicles in Delhi?
For commercial vehicles, the validity is typically 2 years. After this period, you must renew the RC.
Can I check the RC status of a vehicle that is not registered in Delhi?
Yes, you can check the RC status of any vehicle in India through the Parivahan website, regardless of which state or union territory it is registered in.
How do I renew my vehicle's Registration Certificate online in Delhi?
You can renew your RC through the Parivahan portal. Your vehicle will need to undergo a fitness test, and you will have to pay the applicable fee.
What documents are required to check RC status online?
You only need the vehicle's registration number to check its RC status online. No additional documents are required.
What should I do if my RC status shows expired?
If your RC status shows expired, you should immediately apply for RC renewal. Driving with an expired RC can lead to penalties, and your vehicle may be considered illegal.
Is there a fee for checking RC status online in Delhi?
No, checking your RC status online through the Parivahan portal or mParivahan app is free of charge.
