What is a Registration Certificate?
A legally binding document issued by the RTO, a Registration Certificate (RC), certifies that your car has been registered with the government and satisfies all legal standards outlined in the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988. You need this paperwork to ensure your car is allowed to drive on public roads.
In addition to being required at the time of purchase, the RC must be periodically renewed and maintained. Because of this, car owners must monitor their RC status, especially when it comes to renewal periods or when they apply for a new registration.
Importance of Checking RC Status
For various reasons, it is crucial to verify the validity of your Registration Certificate (RC) in Sikkim.
- Legal Compliance: Verifies that the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 governs the registration of your car. By doing this, driving a vehicle that is unregistered or incorrectly registered is prevented from incurring fines or penalties.
- Ownership Verification: This process verifies the accuracy of the vehicle's ownership information, which is crucial for selling or transferring ownership. Maintaining a current RC also aids in preventing fraud.
- Prompt Renewal: Assists in keeping track of your RC's expiration date. Regular checks guarantee that you renew the certificate in time to avoid delays or fines.
- Insurance and Loans: In order to file insurance claims and make loan requests, a current RC is required. Current RC data may be necessary for insurance firms and financiers to settle claims or authorise funding.
- Preventing Penalties: If your driver's license is revoked or expired, you can be subject to fines from the traffic authorities or even have your car impounded.
How to Check RC Status
Once you’ve applied for your Registration Certificate, you can check its status online, offline, or through the ACKO Drive App to stay updated. Here’s how:
- Through Parivahan Website
- Via the ACKO Mobile App
- Offline Process: Via RTO
Through Parivahan Website
- Select 'Online Services': On the homepage, navigate to the 'Online Services' tab and choose 'Vehicle Related Services' from the dropdown menu.
- Choose Your State: Select 'Sikkim' from the list of states displayed.
- Enter Vehicle Registration Details: Enter your vehicle’s registration number and click on 'Proceed'.
- View RC Status: Once you enter the required details, the website will display the RC status, including ownership details, vehicle information, and the validity of the registration.
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, which is 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 so you can 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
- Visit the Appropriate RTO: Go to the RTO where your vehicle is registered in Sikkim. Make sure to carry your vehicle's Registration Number along with necessary identification documents.
- Initiate the Application Inward Process: Approach the designated counter at the RTO handling RC (Registration Certificate) services. Request to begin the Application Inward process, which will generate an Application Inward Number for your request.
- Verification of RC and Insurance Claims: Provide your vehicle registration number to the RTO officer and request them to verify the details of your RC. This is essential, as insurance companies require a valid RC for processing claims related to accidents or damage.
- Fee Payment: If any applicable fee (such as for a duplicate RC or renewal) is required, you will be directed to the cashier. The cashier will retrieve your application from the system, collect the necessary payment, and issue a receipt as confirmation.
- RC Printing: After your payment has been processed, the RTO officer will proceed with your application. You may ask the officer to check the status of your RC and whether it is ready for printing. Once processed, the RC will be printed and provided to you.
Documents Required for RC
When applying for a new registration or renewing your vehicle’s RC in Sikkim, the following documents are generally required:
- Form 20 (Application for vehicle registration).
- Sale Certificate (Form 21) from the vehicle dealer.
- Roadworthiness Certificate (Form 22) from the vehicle manufacturer.
- Vehicle Insurance Document (Valid insurance cover).
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate.
- Proof of Address (Aadhaar card, utility bills, or voter ID).
- Passport-size photographs of the owner.
- Tax Receipt for road tax payment.
- Identity Proof (PAN card, driving license, etc.).
These documents must be submitted to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Sikkim to process the vehicle's registration.
Details Present on Vehicle Registration Certificate
The RC contains a variety of important details about your vehicle. These details are critical for ensuring that the vehicle complies with legal requirements. Here's a breakdown of the information found on a typical RC in Sikkim:
- Registration Number: The unique number assigned to your vehicle.
- Owner’s Name: The legal name of the vehicle's owner.
- Address: The owner’s registered address.
- Chassis Number: The vehicle’s chassis identification number.
- Engine Number: The engine number is a unique identifier of the vehicle's engine.
- Registration Date: The date on which the vehicle was registered with the RTO.
- Expiry Date: The date when the RC will expire and must be renewed.
- Fuel Type: The type of fuel the vehicle uses (e.g., petrol, diesel, CNG, electric).
- Vehicle Type: Whether it’s a private, commercial, or government vehicle.
- Model: The make and model of the vehicle.
- Insurance Details: Information about the vehicle's insurance, including its validity period.
- Hypothecation Status: If the vehicle has been financed through a loan, the hypothecation details will be mentioned.
RC Renewal
In Sikkim, the Registration Certificate (RC) of a vehicle must be renewed after 15 years from the date of its initial registration. The renewal process involves several steps, and failing to renew the RC on time may result in penalties. As of October 2021, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) implemented revised fees for renewing the RC of vehicles that are 15 years or older. Under the government's vehicle scrappage policy, which is designed to phase out old and polluting vehicles, the cost of renewing the RC has increased significantly.
Conclusion
The Registration Certificate (RC) is a crucial document in Sikkim that guarantees your car's lawful functioning. It is critical to know how to verify your RC status when purchasing a new vehicle, transferring ownership, or renewing an old one in order to prevent any legal issues. Owners of vehicles can more easily keep track of their status thanks to the availability of both online and offline means. Since your RC is essential to owning a car, make sure it is always current and valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
