In India, there are a number of legal requirements for owning and operating a car, and one of the most important is vehicle registration. To guarantee a vehicle's legal status on public highways, the government requires vehicle registration. Similar to other regions of India, Meghalaya also relies heavily on the Registration Certificate (RC) to verify the legitimacy and ownership of a vehicle.
This article will walk you through the insights into registration certificates in Meghalaya and several other details related to it.
Contents
What is a Registration Certificate?
In Meghalaya and other regions of India, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) issues official documents called Registration Certificates (RCs). It functions as official documentation attesting to a vehicle's government registration under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. For a vehicle to be lawfully driven on Indian roads, it has to have an RC. This certificate contains important information about the vehicle, including the owner's details, the engine and chassis numbers, and the registration number.
Importance of Checking RC Status
Regularly checking the RC status of your vehicle is essential for several reasons:
Resale and Ownership Transfer: Should you decide to sell your vehicle, the buyer will need a current RC for ownership to be transferred. Any differences in the RC status could slow down the procedure.
Insurance and Claims: To renew auto insurance and make claims in the event of an accident, you must have an updated RC. A denied insurance claim could be the consequence of an invalid RC.
Safety and Environmental Compliance: Since a valid RC contains details about the PUC certification and insurance, it guarantees that the vehicle complies with safety requirements and environmental norms.
Legal Compliance: Driving a vehicle without a valid RC is a punishable offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Ensuring that your RC is current prevents legal complications or fines.
Ownership Proof: An RC is a legal document that certifies ownership of a vehicle. This is important in case of any ownership disputes or when transferring the vehicle to another person.
How to Check RC Status
There are various methods to find out the status of your RC once you've applied for it. You can keep an eye on it via mobile apps, the Internet, or in-person visits to the RTO. The available ways are listed below:
Through Parivahan Website
Via the ACKO Mobile App
Offline Process: Via RTO
Through Parivahan Website
For all vehicle owners, the Parivahan Sewa portal makes it easier to verify the RC status. This is how to examine it:
Visit the Parivahan Sewa Website: Go to Parivahan Sewa.
Navigate to "Online Services": Click on "Vehicle-Related Services."
Select Meghalaya: Choose "Meghalaya" from the dropdown menu.
Enter Vehicle Registration Number: Input your vehicle's registration number and solve the captcha.
View RC Status: After submission, the status will be displayed, showing details such as registration date and validity.
Via the ACKO Mobile App
You can also check your vehicle’s RC status using the ACKO mobile app, which is helpful for vehicle insurance and status tracking.
Download the ACKO Mobile App: It is available on Android and iOS.
Enter Vehicle Details: Input your vehicle’s registration number using the "Check Vehicle Details" option.
OTP Verification: Provide your mobile number to receive an OTP (One-Time Password) for verification.
View RC Status: After OTP verification, the app will display your RC status along with other relevant vehicle details.
Offline Process: Via RTO
The necessary paperwork must be submitted in person at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) as part of the offline procedure. Here's how to register your vehicle offline at the Meghalaya RTO step-by-step:
Visit the Nearest RTO Office: Head to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) where your vehicle is registered. Ensure you have your vehicle registration number and other relevant details.
Submit an Inquiry: At the RTO office, request assistance regarding your RC status. You may need to fill out a form or speak directly with an official who can check the status in their system.
Provide Necessary Documents: Carry your original RC, a valid ID proof, and any receipt or proof related to your RC application (if it is still under process). This will help the RTO staff retrieve the details easily.
Receive Update: The RTO staff will check their internal system and provide you with the current status of your RC, including any delays or issues, if applicable.
Documents Required for RC
To register a vehicle in Meghalaya, you must submit several documents to the RTO. These documents are essential for completing the registration process. The following are the commonly required documents:
Form 20: Application for vehicle registration.
Form 21: Sale certificate from the vehicle dealer.
Form 22: Roadworthiness certificate from the vehicle manufacturer.
Form 34: Hypothecation agreement (if the vehicle is under a loan).
ID Proof: Copy of the owner's identity proof (Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, etc.).
Address Proof: Proof of the owner's address (ration card, utility bill, etc.).
Insurance Certificate: A copy of the valid vehicle insurance policy.
Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate: A valid PUC certificate.
Temporary Registration: If the vehicle was previously registered with temporary registration, this document must be submitted.
Invoice of Vehicle Purchase: The invoice provided by the vehicle dealer.
Applicable Fees: The registration fee for the vehicle.
Details Present on Vehicle Registration Certificate
An RC contains various details about the vehicle and its owner. These details ensure that the vehicle is properly registered and meets all legal requirements. Some of the critical information found on the RC includes:
Registration Number: A unique number assigned to the vehicle at registration.
Owner’s Name: The name of the individual or entity who owns the vehicle.
Address of the Owner: The residential or business address of the owner.
Vehicle Class: The category to which the vehicle belongs, such as two-wheeler, car, truck, etc.
Date of Registration: When the vehicle was registered with the RTO.
Vehicle Make and Model: Information about the vehicle's manufacturer, model, and variant.
Fuel Type: The type of fuel the vehicle uses, such as petrol, diesel, electric, or CNG.
Engine Number: A unique identification number provided by the engine manufacturer.
Chassis Number: A unique identification number for the vehicle's chassis.
Validity Period: The RC’s validity period is usually 15 years for private vehicles.
Insurance Details: Details of the vehicle’s insurance, including the provider and the validity period.
Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate: A note on whether the vehicle has a valid PUC certificate.
RC Renewal
In Meghalaya, the Registration Certificate (RC) for a vehicle must be renewed after 15 years from the initial registration date. If the vehicle remains roadworthy, the renewal process must be repeated every five years thereafter. Failing to renew your RC can lead to fines and legal issues. As part of the vehicle scrappage policy, renewing RCs for vehicles older than 15 years has become more expensive to encourage the retirement of older, less eco-friendly vehicles. The process includes submitting a completed Form 25, along with a pollution certificate, valid insurance, and an inspection by the local RTO
Conclusion
The Registration Certificate (RC) is a vital document that ensures your vehicle is legally registered and complies with various road safety and environmental standards. Vehicle owners must verify the RC status in Meghalaya to make sure they are operating their vehicles lawfully and are ready for any future transfers, renewals, or insurance claims.
Checking the RC status is now a simple task because of the availability of online services like the ones listed above. You can keep in compliance with the law, prevent legal problems, and ensure a smooth ownership transfer or vehicle sale by routinely checking the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to RC Status in Meghalaya
Can I get insurance claims if I don't renew my RC after the 15-year validity period?
No, one cannot claim for insurance if the RC is not renewed after the 15-year validity period. The claims for vehicles with expired RCs are denied.
Can I sell my vehicle if the RC is not valid in Meghalaya?
No, you cannot legally sell or transfer ownership of a vehicle without a valid RC. The buyer will need a valid RC to register the vehicle in their name.
What should I do if the RTO rejects my vehicle’s registration?
If the RTO rejects your vehicle’s registration, it could be due to incomplete documents or discrepancies in the application. In such cases, you should visit the RTO, correct any issues, and submit the required documents.
Is it necessary to have a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate when checking the RC status in Meghalaya?
While checking the RC status itself does not require a PUC certificate, having a valid PUC certificate is mandatory for keeping your vehicle legally compliant.
How long does it take to receive a new RC after registering a vehicle in Meghalaya?
Once you complete the vehicle registration process, it usually takes a few weeks to receive the RC in Meghalaya.
