A valid Registration Certificate (RC) is necessary to own and operate a car in Gujarat. This document certifies that your car is properly registered with the state and is authorised for use on public roads. Knowing how to obtain vital information about your car, such as its registration status, is becoming increasingly crucial as the number of Indians owning cars rises. It's important to know how to check the status of your RC, whether you need to renew it or you bought a new car.
The purpose of this article is to give Gujarati car owners a comprehensive overview of what an RC is, how to check their status, how to renew an RC and other important details.
Contents
What is a Registration Certificate?
A legal document that attests to your car's registration with the state government is called a Registration Certificate, or RC for short. When you buy a new car or transfer a car from another state, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Gujarat is in charge of providing the RC. Important information regarding the car is included in the RC, which is covered in more detail in this article.
Importance of Checking RC Status
Checking the status of your Registration Certificate (RC) is a crucial step for vehicle owners in Gujarat, as it ensures that your vehicle is legally registered and eligible for operation on public roads. The following points highlight the significance of regularly checking your RC status:
Legal Compliance
The most important reason to check your RC status is to ensure that your vehicle is legally registered with the state.
Proof of Ownership
The RC is the primary document that proves your ownership of a vehicle. In cases of transfer of ownership, sale, or any legal matters, you may need to present a valid RC.
Avoiding Penalties
An expired RC can lead to financial penalties if traffic authorities catch it. Gujarat's traffic enforcement officers can issue fines for driving with an invalid or expired RC.
Ease of Transfer or Sale
If you plan to sell or transfer ownership of your vehicle, having a valid and active RC is essential. Potential buyers or authorities will require a current RC to process the sale or transfer of ownership.
Insurance and Loan Processes
For insurance claims or vehicle loans, financial institutions and insurance companies often request a copy of your RC. If your RC is not valid or has expired, it could affect your ability to claim insurance or secure a loan.
Protection Against Fraud
An updated RC status helps you prevent potential fraud or misuse of your vehicle's registration details. In case your RC is lost or stolen, checking its status regularly can alert you to any unauthorised changes, such as illegal transfers of ownership or registrations.
How to Check RC Status
The RTO is required to provide a Registration Certificate (RC) after a vehicle is registered. Checking your RC status is a simple process that can be done both online and offline. Here are the methods available for vehicle owners in Gujarat to check the status of their RC.
You have multiple options to be updated on the status of your RC. This is how you do it:
Navigate to "Online Services": Click on "Vehicle-Related Services."
Select Gujarat: Choose “Gujarat” 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
The ACKO smartphone app makes it simple and quick to find out your car's RC status, which is helpful if you have any enquiries concerning insurance. This is the method to follow:
Get the ACKO mobile app: This app is accessible to both iOS and Android.
Enter the details of the vehicle here: Enter your vehicle's registration by selecting the "Check Vehicle Details" option.
OTP verification: To receive a one-time password (OTP) for verification, enter your telephone number.
View RC status: The app will show the RC status along with other pertinent vehicle information following OTP verification.
Offline Process: Via RTO
You can visit the closest RTO if you want to check the RC status of your vehicle offline. This is the method to follow:
Visit the Nearest RTO Office: Head to the closest Regional Transport Office (RTO) where your vehicle is registered.
Request and Complete the Application: At the RTO, ask for the relevant forms to check the RC status. Fill in your vehicle's registration number and other required details.
Submit the Required Documents: Provide documents like the vehicle's insurance certificate and proof of identity. A PUC certificate is not required for simply checking RC status; it's typically only necessary for certain updates like RC renewal or vehicle fitness.
Pay Applicable Fees: Pay any required fees at the RTO counter and keep the receipt.
Verification and Collection: After processing, the RTO will verify the details, and you can collect the updated RC or check its status. It will either be handed over at the office or sent to your registered address.
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
The following information will be shown to you when you check your RC status:
Owner's Name: The name on file for the registered owner of the car.
RTO Specifics: This gives the name of the RTO where the vehicle's registration was obtained.
Make and Model of Vehicle: Details regarding the vehicle's make and model.
Chassis Number: The vehicle's unique identification numbers are the engine and chassis numbers.
Date of Registration: The date on which the car was registered.
Validity of Insurance: Information on the car's insurance policy.
Pollution Under Control (PUC) Status: The status of a PUC certificate.
Fitness Certificate Expiration: The date of the fitness certificate's expiration will also be shown on commercial vehicles.
Vehicle Registration Number: This is the special number that the traffic cop gave the car.
Fuel Type: Indicates whether compressed natural gas, electricity, petrol, or diesel is used to power the vehicle.
RC Renewal
Beginning in October 2021, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) raised the cost of renewing a vehicle's registration certificate (RC) for those who are 15 years of age or older. The government's car scrappage program, which aims to phase out old, polluting cars, has caused a significant spike in the cost of RC restoration. Therefore, you will need to submit a renewal request after this in order to prolong the validity by an additional five years.
Conclusion
In Gujarat, RTO offices, SMS services, and internet portals have made it easy to check your RC status. Maintaining compliance with the law and preventing needless fines or penalties can be achieved by routinely checking your RC status and making sure it is renewed on time. Accessing this information has never been simpler, thanks to technological improvements. The procedure has been eased by government efforts such as the Parivahan Sewa portal and the ACKO portal, which enables residents to verify their RC status from the convenience of their homes. Updating your RC information is important for more reasons than just avoiding penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to RC Status in Gujarat
What should I do if I lose my RC?
If you lose your RC, you must apply for a duplicate RC at your nearest RTO by applying along with necessary documents like a police report, ID proof, and a copy of the original RC.
Can I check my RC status online for vehicles from other states?
Yes, you can check the RC status of vehicles from other states using the Parivahan Sewa portal by entering the vehicle’s registration number.
Is there any penalty for driving with an expired RC?
Yes, driving with an expired RC is illegal and can result in a fine or even vehicle impoundment. Always renew your RC before it expires.
How long is an RC valid in Gujarat?
For private vehicles, the RC is valid for 15 years from the date of registration. For commercial vehicles, the validity is usually 5 years.
Can I renew my RC after it expires?
Yes, you can renew your RC even after it has expired, but you may be subject to late fees. It is advisable to renew it before the expiration date to avoid penalties.
