New Vehicle Registration (RC) in India

Registering a new vehicle is the first and most important step after buying a car, bike, or any other vehicle in India. The Registration Certificate (RC) is an official document issued by the RTO that proves your vehicle is legally registered and allowed to run on Indian roads. This page is your complete, easy-English guide to the new vehicle registration process, eligibility, documents, fees, and FAQs for 2025.

Why, When, and Who Needs New Registration?

• Mandatory for all new vehicles: Cars, bikes, commercial vehicles, and special vehicles.
• Required for insurance and road tax: Insurance companies and RTOs require valid registration for policy issuance and tax payment.
• To avoid fines and legal action: Traffic police can issue challans of ₹5,000–₹10,000 for unregistered vehicles.
• Proof of ownership: RC is needed for all future transactions (sale, transfer, loan, hypothecation, etc.).
• Compliance with emission and safety norms: Registration ensures your vehicle meets all legal and environmental standards.
• Required for commercial use: Commercial vehicles need additional permits and fitness certificates.

Every new vehicle owner in India must register their vehicle within 7 days of purchase. The rules apply across all states and union territories, with some states having additional requirements for commercial vehicles, electric vehicles, and imported vehicles.

How to Register a New Vehicle: Step-by-Step Process

1. Buy your new vehicle from an authorized dealer. Collect sale certificate, invoice, insurance, and PUC.
2. Fill Form 20 (application for registration) and attach all required documents (see below).
3. Submit the application and documents at your local RTO or online via the Vahan Parivahan portal.
4. Pay the applicable registration fee and road tax (varies by state, vehicle type, and value).
5. Get your vehicle inspected at the RTO (for chassis number, engine number, and emission compliance).
6. RTO verifies documents, payment, and inspection report.
7. After approval, receive your Registration Certificate (RC) and number plate (HSRP in most states).
8. For commercial vehicles, obtain fitness certificate and permits as required.
9. Track your application status online using the Vahan portal or state RTO website.
10. Collect your RC smart card and keep it safe for all future transactions.

Note: Online process is available in most states. Offline process: Visit RTO, submit forms, pay fees, and follow RTO instructions. For electric and imported vehicles, additional steps may apply.

Fees & Road Tax for New Registration (2024)

• Registration Fee: ₹600–₹1,500 (varies by vehicle type and state)
• Road Tax: 3%–18% of vehicle cost (varies by state, vehicle type, fuel, and segment)
• Smart Card Fee: ₹200–₹500
• Other Charges: Postal, HSRP (number plate), and miscellaneous fees
• Late Fee: ₹100–₹500 per day (if applicable, varies by state)
• State-specific surcharges or discounts (e.g., for EVs, women, commercial vehicles)

Check your state RTO or Vahan portal for the exact fee and road tax structure. Some states offer online calculators for road tax. Always collect and keep all receipts for your records.

Legal Notes, Compliance & Scam Awareness

• Driving an unregistered vehicle is a punishable offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
• Insurance claims may be rejected if the vehicle is not registered at the time of accident.
• Always use official RTO/Vahan portals for forms and payments to avoid scams.
• Do not hand over your documents to unauthorized agents without proper verification.
• Keep your RC and related documents updated in DigiLocker or mParivahan for easy access.
• Beware of fake RCs and fraudulent agents. Always verify the RTO's authorization.
• Some states conduct random checks and enforcement drives. Non-compliance can lead to vehicle seizure and heavy fines.

Advanced FAQs: New Vehicle Registration

• Q: New vehicle registration online kaise karein?
  A: Vahan portal par login karein, form fill karein, documents upload karein, fees pay karein, aur status track karein.
• Q: Registration ke liye kaunse documents chahiye?
  A: Form 20, sale certificate, invoice, insurance, PUC, address proof, etc.
• Q: Registration fee aur road tax kitna hai?
  A: Vehicle type, state, aur value par depend karta hai. State portal par calculator check karein.
• Q: RC kitne din me milta hai?
  A: Usually 7–15 din, lekin state aur process par depend karta hai.
• Q: Digital RC valid hai?
  A: Haan, DigiLocker/mParivahan ka digital RC valid hai.
• Q: Registration ke baad insurance update kaise karein?
  A: Insurance company ko updated RC submit karein.
• Q: State-wise process kaise check karein?
  A: Apne state RTO ya Vahan portal par details check karein.
• Q: Commercial vehicle ke liye kya extra steps hain?
  A: Fitness certificate, permit, aur stricter compliance apply karte hain.
• Q: Imported vehicle registration ka process kya hai?
  A: Customs clearance, NOC, aur extra documents required hain. State RTO se details lein.
• Q: EV (Electric Vehicle) registration me kya special hai?
  A: Kuch states me road tax discount ya exemption milta hai. State portal par check karein.