Obtaining a Registration Certificate (RC) is essential for every car owner in Punjab. Under the Motor Vehicles Act,1988, this document attests to the vehicle's legal ownership and guarantees compliance with national transport laws. It's crucial to keep track of your RC's status, especially when requesting a new registration or renewal for your car. For vehicle owners in Punjab, this page offers thorough how-to instructions on checking their RC status, applying for a new RC, and comprehending its importance.
Contents
What is a Registration Certificate?
A Registration Certificate (RC) is an official document that proves your vehicle is legally registered with the Punjab Regional Transport Office (RTO). It serves as proof of ownership and must be carried while driving. The RC contains essential details about the vehicle, such as the owner's name, vehicle identification number, and registration number. Whether the vehicle is new or used, every motor vehicle must have an RC to be legally driven on Punjab’s roads.
Importance of Checking RC Status
It is very crucial to check RC status regularly in Punjab for the following reasons:
Proof of Legal Ownership: Ensures that the vehicle is legally yours.
Prevent Legal Issues: Driving without a valid RC is illegal and could lead to fines or penalties.
Loan or Insurance Processes: Verifying RC details can be crucial when applying for loans or renewing insurance.
Vehicle Transfers: When selling or transferring the vehicle, it is necessary to verify and update the RC.
Road Safety Compliance: An active RC ensures your vehicle complies with the legal requirements in Punjab.
How to Check RC Status
A Registration Certificate (RC) is a mandatory document issued by the RTO after registering a vehicle. It is valid for a specific period, typically 15 years for private vehicles and less for commercial vehicles. After this period, the RC must be renewed.
There are various methods to check the status of your RC in Punjab, both online and offline, or through the ACKO Drive App to stay updated. Here’s how:
Navigate to "Online Services": Click on "Vehicle-Related Services."
Select Punjab: Choose “Punjab” from the drop-down menu.
Enter Vehicle Registration Number: Input your vehicle's registration number and solve the captcha.
View RC Status: After submitting, the portal will display the status, including the registration date, validity, and more.
Via the ACKO Mobile App
ACKO offers a fast and simple way to check your vehicle’s RC status via their mobile app, which is particularly useful for insurance-related queries. Here’s how to do it:
Download the ACKO Mobile App: Available on Android and iOS.
Enter Vehicle Details: Use the "Check Vehicle Details" feature and input your vehicle's registration number.
OTP Verification: Provide your mobile number to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) for verification.
View RC Status: After OTP verification, the app will display the RC status and other relevant vehicle details.
Offline Process: Via RTO
To check the status of your Registration Certificate (RC) offline in Punjab, you can follow this process as outlined in the available government and departmental instructions:
Visit the RTO (Regional Transport Office):
Go to your local RTO office in Punjab, where your vehicle was originally registered. You can find the list of RTOs in Punjab on the official Punjab Transport Department website.
Fill out the Required Forms:
At the RTO, you will need to request and fill out forms related to checking the status of your RC. This will include your vehicle registration number and possibly your chassis number.
Application Inward Process:
First, you will be required to complete the Application Inward process, where the RTO system will generate a unique Application Inward Number specific to your request(RC Particulars).
After you provide the registration number, the system will show the RC particulars linked to your application, and you will be prompted to proceed.
Fee Submission:
Once the form is processed, you will need to pay any applicable fees for the RC status check or RC printing. The cashier at the RTO office will generate a receipt once the payment is confirmed(RC Particulars).
RC Print Process:
After fee submission, the RC particulars can be printed. The RC print option will be available within 30 days of the inward application submission, and you can request it at the RTO 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
A vehicle registration certificate contains the following details:
Vehicle Registration Number: The distinctive number that the RTO has given the car.
Name and address of the owner: this identifies the vehicle's legitimate owner.
Engine and Chassis Numbers: The vehicle's engine and chassis numbers are unique identifiers.
Make, Model, and Color of the Vehicle: This is about the details about the manufacturer, such as the body color and model name.
Fuel Type: Indicates if the car runs on electricity, gasoline, diesel, or compressed natural gas.
Details of Insurance: This is the evidence that the car's insurance policy is still in effect.
Information from the Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate: Shows if the car conforms with emission regulations.
Date of Registration: The precise day on which the car was registered with the RTO.
RTO Details: Provides the name of the RTO where the car was registered.
RC Renewal
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) increased the cost of renewing a vehicle's registration certificate (RC) for those that are 15 years of age or older as of October 2021. Because of the government's vehicle scrappage program, which aims to phase out outdated, polluting vehicles, the cost of rehabilitating the RC has climbed dramatically. After this period, you must apply for renewal, which extends the validity by another 5 years.
Conclusion
The Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) is a crucial document for all vehicle owners in Punjab. It not only verifies the ownership of the vehicle but also ensures that the vehicle complies with road and legal regulations. Checking the RC status regularly, especially before selling, transferring, or renewing the vehicle's registration, is important to avoid legal complications. A handy approach to stay updated and prevent penalties is to check your RC status online through the Parivahan site. The secret to a seamless car ownership experience is being proactive in these procedures, whether you're applying for a new RC or renewing an old one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to RC Status in Punjab
What happens if I drive without an RC in Punjab?
Driving without a valid RC is illegal and can result in fines, penalties, or the impounding of your vehicle.
What is the fee for RC renewal in Punjab?
The fee varies based on the type of vehicle. You can get the latest fee details from the Punjab RTO or its website.
How can I transfer the RC of my vehicle in Punjab?
To transfer an RC, you will need to submit Form 29 and Form 30, along with proof of sale, insurance, and other necessary documents to the RTO.
When I sell my car, how can I transfer the ownership to the RC?
When selling a car, the original RC, insurance, and verification of the buyer's address must be sent together with Forms 29 and 30, which must be completed in order to transfer the RC ownership to the new owner.
Am I allowed to carry my RC digitally?
Yes, digital RC is valid only if it is DigiLocker or mParivahan approved.
