Temporary Registration (TR) Guide

Complete guide to obtaining a Temporary Registration (TR) for your new vehicle in India. Step-by-step process, documents, fees, online/offline process, FAQs, and downloadable forms.

What is Temporary Registration?

Temporary Registration (TR) is a provisional registration number issued for a new vehicle, allowing it to be used legally on the road until permanent registration is completed. TR is valid for a short period (usually up to 1 month), and is a legal requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It is issued by the dealer or RTO at the time of purchase and is mandatory for all new vehicles before permanent registration.

TR allows you to drive your new vehicle legally while permanent registration is being processed.
It is not valid for inter-state travel or after expiry.
TR number must be displayed on a red plate with white letters.
TR is required for insurance, delivery, and initial use of the vehicle.
Driving without TR or with expired TR is illegal and can attract heavy fines.

TR is especially important for vehicles purchased through loans, as banks require proof of registration for disbursing funds. It also ensures that your vehicle is covered by insurance from day one.

Why, When, and Who Needs Temporary Registration?

Immediately after purchasing a new vehicle: TR is issued before permanent registration is processed.
When permanent registration is pending: TR allows legal use of the vehicle on public roads.
Required for insurance and delivery: Insurance companies require TR for policy activation.
For commercial and private vehicles: Both categories require TR before permanent registration.
For inter-state vehicle purchases: TR is mandatory if the vehicle is to be registered in a different state.

Anyone buying a new vehicle in India—car, bike, commercial vehicle, or special vehicle—must obtain a TR before using it on public roads. Dealers usually facilitate this process, but you can also apply directly at the RTO.

State-wise Temporary Registration Rules & Links

All India Vahan Portal
Delhi Transport – Online TR application, downloadable forms, and state-specific rules.
Maharashtra RTO – Dealer/TR process, state-specific fees.
Tamil Nadu RTO – TR for commercial and private vehicles.
Bihar RTO
Andhra Pradesh RTO
Karnataka RTO
West Bengal RTO
Chandigarh RTO
More State Links...

*Always check your state/UT RTO portal for the latest rules, forms, and online services. Some states have unique requirements or online processes for TR, especially for commercial vehicles and inter-state purchases.

How to Get Temporary Registration: Step-by-Step Process

Fill the application form (Form 20 for new registration, Form 21 from dealer, and Form 22 for roadworthiness).
Gather all required documents (see below), including sale certificate, insurance, PUC, and address proof.
Submit the application and documents to the dealer or RTO. Dealers usually process TR for new vehicles.
Pay the prescribed TR fee (varies by state and vehicle type). Collect the receipt.
RTO/dealer issues TR number and certificate. TR number must be displayed on a red plate with white letters.
Affix TR number plate on the vehicle. Ensure it is visible and as per RTO guidelines.
Apply for permanent registration before TR expiry (usually within 1 month).
For inter-state purchases, obtain NOC and follow state-specific TR rules.
Keep all receipts, TR certificate, and documents for future reference.

Note: TR is not extendable beyond the allowed period except in rare cases (e.g., vehicle not delivered, court order, etc.). Always check with your RTO for specific rules.

Documents Required for Temporary Registration

Application form (Form 20 & 21, and Form 22 for roadworthiness)
Sale certificate from dealer (Form 21)
Valid insurance certificate (up to date)
PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate (if required)
Address proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Utility Bill, etc.)
Invoice of the vehicle
Passport size photographs
Applicable fee payment receipt
Self-attested copies of all documents
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, affidavits, or NOCs. For commercial vehicles, additional permits and clearances may be needed.

Temporary Registration Fees & Charges (2024)

TR fee: ₹100–₹1,000 (varies by state & vehicle type)
Other charges: Dealer handling, RTO processing, etc.
Late fee: ₹50–₹100 per day (if applicable, varies by state)
Other charges: Affidavit, NOC, police verification, etc.

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

Online vs Offline Process

Online: Apply, upload documents, and pay the fee on Vahan portal (if available in your state). Track status and download TR certificate online.
Offline: Dealer or RTO submits forms, documents, and pays the fee in person. Collect TR certificate from the RTO office or dealer.
Online process is faster and more convenient, with status tracking and digital TR certificate.
Some states require physical verification or vehicle inspection even for online applications.
Always keep digital/physical copies of all receipts and certificates for future reference.

Legal Notes, Compliance & Scam Awareness

Driving without TR or with expired TR is a punishable offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Insurance claims may be rejected if TR is not valid or expired.
Always use official RTO/Vahan portals for forms and payments to avoid scams.
Do not accept fake TR numbers or certificates from unauthorized dealers.
Keep your TR and related documents updated in DigiLocker or mParivahan for easy access.
For commercial vehicles, ensure all permits and clearances are obtained along with TR.
Beware of fraudulent agents and fake documents. Always verify the dealer's authorization.

Real-life Scenarios, Tips & Common Mistakes

Scenario 1: New car delivered without TR – owner fined during traffic check. Tip: Always ensure TR is issued and displayed before taking delivery.
Scenario 2: TR expired, permanent registration delayed – owner faces penalty. Tip: Apply for permanent registration well before TR expiry.
Scenario 3: Fake TR certificate from unauthorized dealer – insurance claim rejected. Tip: Always verify dealer's credentials and TR certificate authenticity.
Common Mistake: Using TR for inter-state travel. Tip: TR is not valid for inter-state use unless specifically endorsed.
Tip: Track your application status online using the Vahan portal or your state RTO website.
Tip: Keep digital copies of all documents in DigiLocker or mParivahan app.

Advanced FAQs: Temporary Registration

Q: Temporary registration online kaise karein?
A: Vahan portal par login karein, Form 20/21 fill karein, documents upload karein, fee pay karein, aur status track karein.
Q: TR ke liye kaunse documents chahiye?
A: Form 20, 21, 22, insurance, PUC, address proof, etc.
Q: TR expire ho gaya to kya karein?
A: Jaldi se permanent registration ke liye apply karein. Late fee lag sakta hai.
Q: TR ke liye affidavit kab chahiye?
A: Kuch states me affidavit required hai, details RTO se check karein.
Q: Application reject ho gaya to kya karein?
A: Reason samjhein, missing documents complete karein, aur dobara apply karein.
Q: Kitna time lagta hai TR me?
A: Usually 1–7 din, lekin state aur process par depend karta hai.
Q: Digital TR certificate valid hai?
A: Haan, DigiLocker/mParivahan ka digital TR certificate valid hai.
Q: TR ke baad insurance update kaise karein?
A: Insurance company ko permanent registration details submit karein.
Q: Commercial vehicle ke liye kya extra steps hain?
A: Permits, fitness, aur clearances bhi TR ke sath chahiye.
Q: State-wise process kaise check karein?
A: Apne state RTO ya Vahan portal par details check karein.

Important Links & Downloads

*Downloads are for reference. Hamesha apne RTO/state portal se latest form lein.

Temporary Registration (TR) in India

Quick TR Links

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