Vehicle Transfer: Car/Bike Registration Transfer Process, Fee, and Required Documents

Published on 2 Aug, 2021, 11:51 AM IST

Updated on 14 Jun, 2024, 7:23 AM IST

Team Ackodrive

22 min read

Interesting Articles

If you plan to use your car or bike on public roads, you need to get the vehicle registered. This registration process is conducted at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of your area. Upon successful registration, you receive a Registration Certificate (RC). This document is like a proof of ownership. Therefore, when you transfer the ownership of your vehicle to someone else, you need to transfer the RC to that person as well.

The Registration Certificate transfer process involves providing the correct documents. Also, it can be different if you want to transfer the RC in the state of residence or some other Indian state. Read ahead to know all the necessary details concerning a car or bike’s registration transfer process, fees, documents, and other information.

Event	Changes
Sale of vehicle	Here, the vehicle’s RC is transferred in the new owner’s name. Which means the RC now features the name of the vehicle’s new owner instead of the previous owner’s name.
Owner’s death	In the case where the vehicle’s registered owner dies, the vehicle’s ownership will most likely transfer to the owner’s legal heir. The necessary transfer process (visit RTO) must be followed by the legal heir within the stipulated time frame (within 30 days after the owner’s death) for RC transfer.
Auction	This event is like that of a sale of the vehicle. The old vehicle owner’s name needs to be replaced with the new owner in the case of an auction.

Normal Sale	Owner's Death	Public Auction
Form 29	Form 31	Form 32
Form 30	Certificate of registration	Certificate of registration
Form I
·Certificate of registration	Certificate of insurance	Certificate of insurance
·Certificate of insurance	Death certificate in relation to the registered owner	Certificate or order stating the vehicle sale signed by the authorized person.
·Certificate of pollution under control	Certificate of pollution under control	Certified copy of the order of the Central Government or State Government authorising the auction of the vehicle.
·PAN card (of the person selling and buying) or Form 60	PAN card (successor) or Form 60	Certificate of pollution under control
·PAN card (of the person selling and buying) or Form 60	Chassis & Engine Pencil Print	PAN card (of the person selling and buying) or Form 60
·Print of the vehicle’s Chassis & Engine number	Proof of Date of Birth of successor	Print of the vehicle’s Chassis & Engine number
·Proof of Date of Birth of purchaser	Proof of address	Proof of Date of Birth of purchaser
·Proof of address	Signature Identification of Seller	Proof of address
·R.C. Book	Declaration by the applicant and all other Legal Heirs of the deceased	Purchaser's undertaking
·Purchaser's undertaking	Verification of vehicle on Form 20	R.C. Book
·Passport size photograph	R.C. Book	Passport size photograph
·Tax clearance certificate	Passport size photograph
Form II
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) granted by the registering authority	Proof of succession

FAQs

What is the validity period of a vehicle’s registration certificate?

There are two types of registration certificates – one is a temporary one and the other is a permanent one. The temporary one is valid for one month only. After that, one needs to move towards a permanent one. A permanent or a long-term RC comes with a renewable timeframe of five years and lasts for 15 years.

I purchased a car on loan and now I am selling it. Is it compulsory to repay the bank’s loan before selling the vehicle?

Loan repayment is crucial before selling a vehicle. You will need a No Objection Certificate from the bank before selling the car, which has an ongoing loan. In case you have a special requirement, you can discuss the terms with the loan providing bank.

What are the fees for RC transfer within a state?

The charges for RC transfer vary from one Indian state to another. Contact your nearest RTO for exact fees.

Is the presence of the concerned vehicle at the RTO required for RC transfer?

You should have all the necessary documents in place for a smooth RC transfer process. The presence of the concerned vehicle should not be necessary at the RTO unless specified otherwise.

Is the vehicle’s insurance policy required for RC transfer?

The vehicle’s insurance policy is required to complete the transfer of ownership of the vehicle. RC transfer can be viewed as a part of the complete transfer of ownership process.

Can I change my name on my vehicle’s RC?

Yes, you can change the name on your vehicle’s RC by providing the necessary supporting documents. You can do so by approaching your nearest RTO and following their process.

How can I apply for my car’s RC via the online method?

RC application via the online mode depends upon your RTO’s functionality. You can initiate the online RC application process for some states. Visit Parivahan website for more information.

How many days does it take for RC transfer?

The RC transfer can take place between one to four weeks based on the RTO and the complexities involved.

Is it possible to get an RC book online?

The answer will vary from one RTO to another based on the supported technology.

How can I check the RC status of my vehicle?

You can check the RC status of your vehicle online as well as by sending an SMS. Please refer to the ‘Check RC Transfer Status’ section of this article.

What is the RTO fee for processing the vehicle’s transfer of ownership or how much does it cost to transfer car registration?

The exact processing fees and total charges will depend upon the RTO that is transferring the ownership. The rates can vary from one RTO to another.

Is it possible to conduct the vehicle hypothecation and transfer of ownership process simultaneously?

The vehicle hypothecation process needs to precede the transfer of ownership process.

How can I transfer a car from one person’s name to another person’s name?

You can transfer the car to someone else if you are the owner of the vehicle and your name appears in the vehicle’s RC. You will have to transfer the vehicle’s RC in the name of the other person, which can be done by visiting your nearest RTO and following the process.

How to approach the application for vehicle transfer If I am the new owner of the vehicle?

The transferor shall inform the RTO of the transfer by submitting Form 29 and the transferee will follow-up with Form 30 within 14 days if the transfer is within the state and within 45 days if the transfer is outside the state.

Can I register my vehicle in a different district than the one where I purchased the vehicle?

Yes, you can register the vehicle in a different district by approaching the respective RTO.

How can I check the transfer of vehicle ownership status?

You can check the status by visiting the Parivahan website.

Can I transfer the car’s insurance policy to the new owner?

Yes, you can transfer the vehicle’s active insurance policy while transferring the ownership to the new owner.

Which documents do I need for the RC transfer process?

Please refer to the ‘Documents Required for Vehicle RC & Ownership Transfer within the same State’ section of this article for the answer.

From where can I download the necessary forms for RC transfer?

Please refer to the ‘Required Documents – Download Vehicle Transfer Forms Online’ section of this article for the answer.

Can a passenger vehicle be transferred to a differently-abled person?

The ownership of the vehicle can pass from one person to another by providing the necessary documents. For specific queries, please contact your nearest RTO.

How to transfer the ownership of a vehicle if the owner/permit holder has died?

Please refer to the ‘Transfer of Ownership on the death of an owner of the vehicle’ section of this article for the answer.

How to find out the date on which the vehicle is transferred to the new buyer?

The date might be mentioned in one of the related documents like an acknowledgement or a receipt. You can contact your RTO for the precise answer.

Is there any financial liability on a private car owner if the vehicle is moved to a different state?

If the move is permanent or for a long period, then the owner needs to de-register the vehicle from the previous state’s RTO and re-register it in the new state’s RTO. The financial liability will be with the owner till the time the person is the legal owner of the vehicle.

How to transfer the ownership of the vehicle purchased in an auction?

Please refer to the ‘Transfer of ownership of a vehicle purchased in public auction’ section of this article for the answer.

What is the format to apply for a road tax refund?

To apply for a road tax refund, you will have to fill ‘Form DT’.

Can a new owner of the car take the vehicle out of the registration state while the ownership transfer process is underway at the RTO?

While driving a car in India, the RC of the vehicle must state the owner’s name. The new owner can drive the car in India without any issues when the RC features the owner’s name.

How many times can the RC of a private vehicle be transferred?

Please approach your nearest RTO for assistance.

How to find the vehicle transfer date?

The date might be mentioned in one of the documents associated with the transfer like a receipt or an acknowledgement, please approach the applicable RTO for your query resolution.

Can I transfer vehicle insurance along with vehicle transfer?

Transferring vehicle insurance is a part of the vehicle transfer process.

How much time will the RC transfer process take for a bike purchased from CSD?

The RTO that is responsible for the RC transfer will be able to tell you the right time frame as the period depends upon the complexities involved in the case along with other concerns.

How can I get car insurance for a used car whose RC has not been transferred yet?

Ideally, you should wait for the RC transfer process to be completed. The ownership transfer process also involves transferring car insurance. If you want to purchase a separate car insurance policy, you can speak with your preferred online car insurance provider about the issue.

How can I transfer the RC in the case I purchase a two/four-wheeler from overseas and want to bring it to India?

Usually, there is a lot of foolproof documentation involved in importing a car from a foreign land to India. The RC becomes a crucial document in this case as it signifies vehicle ownership and registration. RC transfer should be an integral part of an overseas vehicle purchase and the agencies associated with the process should be able to assist you. You can always contact your nearest RTO for any queries related to RC transfer.