Vehicle Fitness Certificate Guide
Complete guide to vehicle fitness certificate (FC) in India. Learn why it's needed, renewal process, documents, fees, validity, and FAQs for all vehicle owners.
What is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?
A Fitness Certificate (FC) is a mandatory document that certifies your vehicle is roadworthy and meets all safety/emission standards. It is required for all commercial vehicles and for private vehicles older than 15 years.
- Without a valid FC, your vehicle cannot be legally driven or renewed.
- FC is issued by the RTO after inspection and emission testing.
- Validity: 2 years for new vehicles, then renewed every year (for commercial vehicles).
- For private vehicles, FC is required after 15 years, then every 5 years.
Why is Fitness Certificate Needed?
- Ensures vehicle safety and emission compliance.
- Mandatory for insurance renewal and road tax payment.
- Required for transfer of ownership, NOC, and permit renewal.
- Prevents fines, penalties, and vehicle seizure.
How to Renew Vehicle Fitness Certificate
- Apply online at Vahan portal or visit your local RTO.
- Fill the application form (Form 22/22A for new, Form 25 for renewal).
- Submit required documents (see below) and pay the fee.
- Get your vehicle inspected at the RTO (safety, emission, and brake test).
- If vehicle passes, FC is issued/renewed. If not, rectify defects and re-inspect.
- Download/collect your Fitness Certificate from RTO or portal.
Note: Always renew FC before expiry to avoid penalty.
Documents Required for Fitness Certificate
- Application form (Form 22/22A for new, Form 25 for renewal)
- Original RC
- Valid insurance certificate
- PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate
- Tax payment receipt
- Address proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
- Permit (for commercial vehicles)
- Passport size photographs
- Applicable fee payment receipt
Additional documents may be required for special cases.
Fitness Certificate Fees & Validity
- FC fee: ₹200–₹600 (varies by vehicle type and state)
- Inspection charges: ₹200–₹400
- Validity: 2 years (new commercial), 1 year (renewal), 5 years (private after 15 years)
- Late renewal penalty: ₹50–₹100 per day (varies by state)
Check your state RTO or Vahan portal for exact fee and validity.
Online vs Offline Process
- Online: Apply, pay fee, and book inspection slot on Vahan portal (if available in your state).
- Offline: Visit RTO, fill forms, pay fee, and get vehicle inspected.
- Online process is faster and more transparent.
- Always keep digital/physical copies of all receipts and certificates.
FAQs: Vehicle Fitness Certificate
- Q: FC kab zaroori hai?
A: Commercial vehicles ke liye hamesha, private vehicles ke liye 15 saal baad. - Q: FC bina gaadi chala sakte hain?
A: Nahi, penalty lag sakti hai aur insurance bhi invalid ho sakta hai. - Q: FC renewal online ho sakta hai?
A: Kai states me online option hai, details Vahan portal par check karein. - Q: FC kitne din me milta hai?
A: Usually 1–2 din me, lekin inspection pass hona zaroori hai. - Q: FC ke bina transfer of ownership possible hai?
A: Nahi, valid FC required hai.
Important Links & Downloads
*Downloads are for reference. Hamesha apne RTO/state portal se latest form lein.
