RC Status in Tamil Nadu: How to Check Vehicle Registration Status

What is a Registration Certificate?

A government-issued document known as a Registration Certificate (RC) attests to a vehicle's registration under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Important details regarding the car, such as the owner's details and the registration, engine, and chassis numbers, are all contained in the RC.

All motor vehicles in Tamil Nadu, whether personal or commercial, need to be registered with the RTO. The vehicle's compliance with state and federal laws, such as those pertaining to road safety and emissions requirements, depends on the RC.

Importance of Checking RC Status

In Tamil Nadu, verifying the RC status of your car is not only a formality but also an essential aspect of car ownership. The following are some reasons for routinely verifying your RC status:

• Legal Compliance: Verifies that driving your car on public highways is permitted by law. A null or expired RC may give rise to legal problems.
   
• Owner Verification: Verifies the accuracy and timeliness of ownership information, which is crucial when purchasing or selling a car.
   
• Validity of Insurance: RC status checks include information on the existence and status of your auto insurance.
   
• Ownership Transfer: Verifying the RC status of a used car will help you ensure that the ownership has been properly transferred.
   
• RC Renewal: Checking the RC status ensures you’re aware of when to renew the document, avoiding penalties for late renewals.

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. Here’s how:

• Through Parivahan Website
   
• Via the ACKO Mobile App
   
• Offline Process: Via RTO

Through Parivahan Website

The Parivahan Sewa portal simplifies the process of checking RC status for all vehicle owners. Here’s how to check it:

• Visit the Parivahan Sewa Website: Go to Parivahan Sewa.

• Navigate to "Online Services": Click on "Vehicle-Related Services."

• Select Tamil Nadu: Choose "Tamil Nadu" from the dropdown menu.

• Enter Vehicle Registration Number: Add your vehicle's registration number and solve the captcha.

• View RC Status: After you get done with all the above steps, the portal will display the status, including the registration date, validity, and more.

Via the ACKO Mobile App

Through their mobile app, ACKO provides a quick and easy way to verify the RC status of your car; this is very helpful for insurance-related inquiries. This is how you do it:

• Download the ACKO Mobile App: The app is available on Android and iOS.
   
• Enter Vehicle Details: Use the "Check Vehicle Details" feature and submit your vehicle's registration number.
   
• OTP Verification: submit 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

If you would rather verify your car's RC status offline, you can go to the closest RTO in Tamil Nadu. Here's how to approach it:

Visit the Nearest RTO Office

Go to the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) where your vehicle is registered. Each district in Tamil Nadu has its own RTO, and you should visit the one corresponding to your vehicle’s registration.

Submit the Required Documents:

At the RTO office, request the form for RC status inquiry. Fill in your vehicle’s registration number and other required details.

Submit supporting documents such as your vehicle’s insurance certificate and ID proof. To check RC status, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is typically not needed unless it's related to renewal or transfer processes.

Payment of Fees

Pay any applicable fees at the RTO counter. You will be provided with a receipt, which serves as proof of your payment and submission.

Verification

The RTO officer will verify your application and inform you of your RC status. This may take some time, depending on the workload at the office.

If the RC is not available immediately, you may be asked to return after a few days or check the status online via the Parivahan website.

Collection of RC

Once processed, you will be able to collect your RC from the RTO office, or it will be sent to your registered address if applicable.

Documents Required for RC

When registering a new vehicle or renewing an existing RC in Tamil Nadu, several documents are required. Here is a list of the essential documents:

• Duly filled out Form 20 (Application for Vehicle Registration)
   
• Sale certificate (Form 21)
   
• Form 25: the application for renewing the RC
   
• Roadworthiness certificate (Form 22) issued by the vehicle manufacturer
   
• Insurance certificate
   
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
   
• Identity proof of the owner (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, etc.)
   
• Address proof (utility bills, rent agreement, etc.)
   
• PAN card or Form 60 (if PAN is not available)
   
• Custom clearance certificate (for imported vehicles)
   
• Tax payment receipt

Details Present on Vehicle Registration Certificate

An RC contains critical information about the vehicle and its owner. Here are the main details you’ll find on a Tamil Nadu-issued RC:

• Vehicle registration number
   
• Date of registration
   
• Engine number
   
• Chassis number
   
• Owner’s name and address
   
• Vehicle type (e.g., two-wheeler, four-wheeler, commercial vehicle)
   
• Model and manufacturer details
   
• Fuel type (e.g., petrol, diesel, electric)
   
• Registration validity
   
• RTO office details
   
• Insurance details
   
• Pollution under control (PUC) certificate status

This information is essential for verifying the ownership and legality of the vehicle. If any of these details are incorrect or outdated, you may need to contact the RTO for corrections or updates.

RC Renewal

To check the RC status offline in Tamil Nadu, you need to visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) where your vehicle is registered. At the RTO, request and complete the appropriate form with your vehicle registration details and submit any necessary documents, such as proof of identity and the vehicle’s insurance certificate. After submitting the documents, pay any applicable fees at the RTO counter, for which you will receive a receipt. The RTO will then verify your application, and you may be informed of the RC status after some processing time. If not available immediately, you may return later or check online through the Parivahan portal. Once verified, you can collect your RC from the office or have it dispatched to your registered address.

Conclusion

In Tamil Nadu, a registration certificate is among the most crucial paperwork for the owner of a car. It serves as an identification of ownership and a mandate from the law to operate your car on public highways. It's important to know how to verify your RC's status, both online and offline, to make sure your car stays roadworthy and in compliance with the law. Maintaining track of the validity of your insurance and pollution certificates can also be facilitated by routinely verifying your RC status.

Frequently Asked Questions

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