Duplicate RC (Registration Certificate) Guide
Complete, step-by-step, state-wise guide to getting a duplicate RC in India. Covers lost, stolen, damaged RC, legal process, required documents, FIR, fees, online/offline process, advanced FAQs, and downloadable forms. Optimized for Parivahan, Vahan, RTO, and all vehicle owners.
What is a Duplicate RC?
A Duplicate Registration Certificate (RC) is a re-issued document by the RTO when the original RC is lost, stolen, damaged, or mutilated. It is a legal proof of vehicle ownership and is mandatory for all vehicle-related services, including insurance, transfer, and renewal.
- Issued by the RTO after due verification and process.
- Required for all vehicles: cars, bikes, commercial vehicles, etc.
- Duplicate RC is valid and legally equivalent to the original RC.
- Can be physical (smart card) or digital (DigiLocker, mParivahan app).
Why is Duplicate RC Needed?
- Mandatory for driving, insurance, transfer, and all legal purposes.
- Required for sale, NOC, hypothecation, and address change in RC.
- Prevents legal issues, fines, and vehicle seizure.
- Essential for availing government schemes and subsidies.
When to Apply for Duplicate RC?
- RC is lost, stolen, damaged, torn, or illegible.
- RC is mutilated or destroyed in fire, flood, or accident.
- RC is not accepted by authorities due to poor condition.
- RC is required for transfer, insurance, or legal process.
How to Get Duplicate RC: Step-by-Step Process
- File an FIR at the nearest police station if RC is lost or stolen.
- Obtain a non-traceable certificate from police (if required by RTO).
- Fill Form 26 (application for duplicate RC) and sign it.
- Get NOC from financier (if vehicle is under loan/hypothecation).
- Submit application, FIR copy, Form 26, insurance, PUC, address proof, and fee at RTO.
- Pay duplicate RC fee and smart card charges.
- Vehicle inspection may be required for verification.
- RTO will verify and issue duplicate RC (usually within 7–15 days).
- Collect duplicate RC (smart card) or download digital RC from DigiLocker/mParivahan.
Note: Process may vary by state/UT. Always check your state RTO website for latest rules and online options.
State-wise Duplicate RC Rules & Links
- All India Parivahan Portal
- Delhi Transport
- Maharashtra RTO
- Tamil Nadu RTO
- Bihar RTO
- Andhra Pradesh RTO
- Karnataka RTO
- West Bengal RTO
- Chandigarh RTO
- More State Links...
*Always check your state/UT RTO portal for latest rules, forms, and online services.
Documents Required for Duplicate RC
- Form 26 (application for duplicate RC)
- FIR copy (in case of loss/theft)
- Non-traceable certificate (if required)
- Original RC (if damaged/mutilated)
- Valid insurance certificate
- PUC certificate
- Address proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
- NOC from financier (if under loan)
- Passport size photographs
- Applicable fee payment receipt
- Other documents as required by state/vehicle type
Tip: Keep both originals and photocopies for submission and verification. Check your state RTO for any extra requirements.
Duplicate RC Fees & Charges (2024)
- Duplicate RC fee: ₹200–₹500 (varies by state & vehicle type)
- Smart card charges: ₹200–₹400
- Other charges: Hypothecation, address change, etc.
Check your state RTO or Parivahan portal for exact fee structure and online calculators.
Online vs Offline Process
- Online: Apply, upload documents, pay fees, and track status on Parivahan or state RTO portal.
- Offline: Visit RTO, submit forms/documents, pay fees in person, and attend vehicle inspection.
- Online process is available in most states for private vehicles.
- Always keep digital/physical copies of all receipts and RC documents.
Legal Notes & Compliance
- Driving without a valid RC (original or duplicate) is a punishable offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Always update insurance and address after getting duplicate RC.
- For commercial vehicles, ensure all permits and fitness certificates are valid.
- Use only official RTO/Parivahan portals for forms and payments.
FAQs: Duplicate RC in India
- Q: Duplicate RC kaise banwayein?
A: FIR, Form 26, documents, aur fees ke sath RTO par apply karein. Online option bhi available hai kai states me. - Q: Kaunse documents chahiye?
A: Form 26, FIR, insurance, PUC, address proof, NOC, etc. - Q: Duplicate RC kitne din me milta hai?
A: Usually 7–30 din, state aur process par depend karta hai. - Q: Online duplicate RC kaise karein?
A: Parivahan portal par application number se status dekhein, documents upload karein. - Q: Lost RC ke liye FIR zaroori hai?
A: Haan, lost/stolen case me FIR required hai. - Q: Damaged RC ke liye kya process hai?
A: Damaged RC submit karein, Form 26 aur documents ke sath apply karein. - Q: Commercial vehicle duplicate RC me kya alag hai?
A: Fitness, permit, aur compliance extra hota hai. - Q: Duplicate RC delay hone par kya penalty hai?
A: Fine, legal notice, aur future liability ho sakti hai. - Q: Digital RC valid hai?
A: Haan, DigiLocker/mParivahan ka digital RC valid hai. - Q: Duplicate RC ke bina insurance claim possible hai?
A: Nahi, valid RC required hai.
Important Links & Downloads
*Downloads are for reference. Hamesha apne RTO/state portal se latest form lein.
