RC Status In Telangana: How to Check Vehicle Registration Status

Published on 27 May, 2025, 9:39 AM IST

Updated on 10 Jun, 2025, 6:19 AM IST

Team Ackodrive

7 min read

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A document issued when a vehicle is registered is called a Registration Certificate, or RC. In Telangana state, the owners of all vehicles should have a copy of the RC. Not only does it validate vehicle ownership, but the car is in good order per the Motor Vehicles Act , 1988. It is necessary to find and check your RC status, for a brand-new vehicle or just to get it renewed. In the following sections, find more about how to check the RC status in Telangana, how one can apply for a new RC and other details of what an RC contains.

Contents

What is a Registration Certificate?

In Telangana, a Registration Certificate (RC) is an official document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It proves that a vehicle is legally registered with the state's transport authority. The RC is a mandatory document for cars to be used on the road for new and pre-owned vehicles.

Importance of Checking RC Status

Regularly checking the status of your vehicle’s RC in Telangana is crucial for the following reasons:

Buying a Used Vehicle: Ensures the vehicle details are accurate and helps prevent fraud.
RC Expiry Check: RCs are typically valid for 15 years. Keeping track of the status helps avoid missing renewal deadlines and fines.
Insurance Requirements: Insurance providers often require an updated RC to issue policies, making it vital to maintain a valid RC.
Accurate Vehicle Information: Regular checks ensure you are informed of your vehicle’s registration, insurance, and pollution compliance status.

How to Check RC Status

After applying for an RC in Telangana, you can check its status through various methods, including online portals, mobile apps, or by visiting the RTO in person. Below are the available methods:

Through the Telangana RTO Website
Via the ACKO Mobile App
Offline Process: Via RTO

Through Telangana RTO website

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the Telangana Transport Department's official portal: transport.telangana.gov.in

2. Access Vehicle Registration Services: Click on the “Registration” option on the navigation bar.

3. Select the “Fresh RC” Option: From the available services, click on the “Fresh RC” option to proceed with checking your registration status.

4. Enter Vehicle Registration Number: Type in your vehicle's registration number in the designated field.

5. Submit and Check RC Status: Submit the details to view your RC status, including ownership information, registration validity, and other relevant data.

Via the ACKO Mobile App

You can also check your RC status through the ACKO mobile app, which provides other vehicle-related services, such as insurance tracking.

Download the ACKO Mobile App: Available for both Android and iOS platforms.
Enter Vehicle Details: Input your vehicle’s registration number under the "Check Vehicle Details" option.
OTP Verification: Enter your mobile number and verify using the OTP sent.
View RC Status: The app will display your RC status along with other relevant details.

Offline Process: Via RTO in Telangana

Those who prefer offline methods can visit your local RTO to check the RC status. Follow these steps:

Visit the Nearest RTO Office: Go to the RTO where your vehicle is registered, ensuring that the renewal is initiated no more than 60 days before the RC expires.
Submit Form 25: Obtain Form 25 from the RTO or download it from the Telangana Transport Department's website, then fill it out with your vehicle details.
Submit Required Documents: Along with Form 25, you will need to provide your current RC valid insurance certificate, and your vehicle may need to undergo a physical inspection.
Pay the Fees: Pay the required renewal fees as per Rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. Fees vary depending on the type of vehicle.
Collect the Renewed RC: After processing, the renewed RC can be collected at the RTO or delivered to your registered address within 7-10 working days.

Documents Required for RC

When applying for the Registration Certificate (RC) of a motor vehicle in Telangana, it's essential to provide several mandatory documents to ensure smooth processing by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Below is the list of documents required to register your vehicle in Telangana:

Form 20 (Application for Vehicle Registration): This is the primary application form for registering a new vehicle. It must be filled and submitted to the RTO within 7 days of vehicle delivery.
Form 21 (Sales Certificate): The sales certificate issued by the vehicle dealer, is required as proof of vehicle purchase.
Form 22 (Road Worthiness Certificate): The manufacturer provides this certificate confirming that the vehicle is fit for use on the road and complies with all safety and emission standards. For body-built vehicles like trailers, Form 22A is required from the bodybuilder.
Valid Insurance Certificate: A valid motor vehicle insurance policy is mandatory. This document ensures that the vehicle has been insured against any third-party liabilities as per the law.
Proof of Address: You need to provide valid proof of address. Accepted documents include:
- Ration Card
- Electricity Bill
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Any other government-approved address proof.
Design Approval Copy from STA (for Trailer or Semi-Trailer): For vehicles like trailers or semi-trailers, a design approval copy from the State Transport Authority (STA) is required.
Form 21 (Original Sales Certificate for Ex-Army Vehicle): If the vehicle was purchased from the army (Ex-Army Vehicle), the original sales certificate must be provided, as per Form 21 from the concerned authorities.
Customs Clearance Certificate (for Imported Vehicles): For imported vehicles, a Customs Clearance Certificate is necessary to show that the vehicle has been cleared through customs and the appropriate duties have been paid.
Fee as per Rule 81 of Central Motor Vehicle Rules: The appropriate registration fee needs to be paid, as specified under Rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicle (CMV) Rules.
Road Tax as per TSMVT Act: In addition to the registration fee, road tax must be paid as per the Telangana State Motor Vehicles Taxation (TSMVT) Act.

Details Present on Vehicle Registration Certificate

The RC in Telangana contains important information that confirms the vehicle’s legal status. The typical details found on an RC include:

Registration Number: A unique identifier assigned to the vehicle.
Owner’s Details: Name and address of the vehicle owner.
Chassis Number: A unique 17-character code for vehicle identification.
Make and Model: Manufacturer and specific model of the vehicle.
Colour and Body Type: Physical description of the vehicle.
Fuel Type: Petrol, diesel, CNG, or electric.
RC Validity: Generally valid for 15 years, with options for renewal.
Insurance Details: Information regarding the vehicle’s insurance policy.
PUC Certificate: Details confirming pollution control compliance.

RC Renewal

To renew your RC in Telangana, you need to apply within 60 days before the expiration. Ensure that you have the necessary documents, including your current RC, a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and an insurance policy. Your vehicle will undergo a physical inspection as part of the process. After submitting the required forms and paying the renewal fee, the renewed RC will be issued within 7-10 working days. You can either collect it from the RTO or have it mailed to you. Completing this process on time ensures your vehicle remains legally compliant.

Conclusion

Owning and operating a vehicle in Telangana requires maintaining proper documentation, including a valid RC. Regularly checking your RC status ensures compliance with the law and avoids fines. Whether you’re applying for a new RC or renewing an existing one, Telangana offers convenient online and offline methods to make the process straightforward and efficient.