Vehicle Registration (RC) Guide
Complete, state-wise guide to vehicle registration in India. Step-by-step RC process, documents, fees, online/offline process, legal notes, advanced FAQs, and downloadable forms. Optimized for Parivahan, Vahan, RTO, and all vehicle owners.
What is Vehicle Registration (RC)?
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) is an official document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India, certifying that your vehicle is legally registered for use on public roads. It contains vital details like registration number, owner's name, chassis number, engine number, and validity period. RC is mandatory for all vehicles—cars, bikes, commercial vehicles, and more.
- Legal proof of vehicle ownership and compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Required for insurance, sale/purchase, and transfer of vehicles.
- RC is needed for all vehicle-related services: transfer, hypothecation, NOC, fitness, etc.
- RC can be physical (smart card) or digital (DigiLocker, mParivahan app).
Why is Vehicle Registration Important?
- Mandatory for driving on Indian roads—unregistered vehicles attract heavy fines and seizure.
- Essential for insurance claims, resale, and legal compliance.
- Helps authorities track ownership, prevent theft, and enforce traffic laws.
- Required for availing government schemes, subsidies, and tax benefits.
Types of Vehicle Registration in India
- Temporary Registration: Issued by dealer/RTO, valid for 1 month. Used for new vehicles before permanent RC.
- Permanent Registration: Issued by RTO, valid for 15 years (private vehicles), 5 years (commercial), renewable.
- Other Types: Diplomatic, Military, Dealer, Transport, and State-specific special registrations.
How to Register a Vehicle: Step-by-Step Process
- Purchase vehicle from authorized dealer and obtain sales invoice, Form 21, Form 22 (roadworthiness), and insurance.
- Apply for temporary registration (if not already provided by dealer).
- Within 1 month, apply for permanent registration at your local RTO.
- Fill Form 20 (application for registration) and submit with required documents (see below).
- Pay applicable registration fees, road tax, and other charges.
- Vehicle inspection by RTO officer (chassis/engine verification, pollution check).
- Receive Registration Certificate (RC) and number plate (HSRP) after approval.
- For commercial vehicles: Additional permits, fitness, and compliance required.
Note: Process may vary slightly by state/UT. Always check your state RTO website for latest rules.
Documents Required for Vehicle Registration
- Form 20 (application for registration)
- Form 21 (sales certificate from dealer)
- Form 22 (roadworthiness certificate from manufacturer)
- Valid insurance certificate
- Address proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Utility bill, etc.)
- Invoice of vehicle purchase
- PUC certificate (Pollution Under Control)
- Passport size photographs
- Temporary registration (if applicable)
- Customs clearance (for imported vehicles)
- Applicable fees and road tax payment receipt
- Other documents as required by state/vehicle type
Tip: Keep both originals and photocopies for submission and verification.
Vehicle Registration Fees & Charges (2024)
- Registration fee: ₹600–₹1,500 (varies by vehicle type)
- Road tax: 4%–15% of vehicle cost (state-specific)
- HSRP number plate: ₹400–₹1,100
- Smart card RC: ₹200–₹500
- Other charges: Hypothecation, fastag, green tax, etc.
Check your state RTO or Parivahan portal for exact charges and online calculators.
Online vs Offline Registration 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.
State-wise Vehicle Registration 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.
Legal Notes & Compliance
- Driving an unregistered vehicle is a punishable offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Always carry valid RC (physical or digital) while driving.
- Update RC for address change, ownership transfer, or hypothecation removal.
- Renew RC before expiry to avoid fines and legal issues.
- For commercial vehicles, ensure all permits and fitness certificates are valid.
FAQs: Vehicle Registration (RC) in India
- Q: RC kaise banwayein?
A: Dealer ya RTO par form, documents, aur fees ke sath apply karein. - Q: Kaunse documents chahiye?
A: Form 20, 21, 22, insurance, address proof, PUC, etc. - Q: RC kitne din me milta hai?
A: Usually 7–30 din, state aur process par depend karta hai. - Q: Online RC status kaise check karein?
A: Parivahan portal par application number se status dekhein. - Q: RC renewal ka process kya hai?
A: Expiry se pehle RTO par ya online renew karein. - Q: Duplicate RC kaise banwayein?
A: FIR, application, aur documents ke sath RTO par apply karein. - Q: Address change kaise karein?
A: Proof ke sath RTO par ya online apply karein. - Q: Commercial vehicle RC me kya alag hai?
A: Fitness, permit, aur compliance extra hota hai. - Q: RC smart card kya hai?
A: Chip-based card, digital RC ke liye DigiLocker/mParivahan use karein. - Q: RC transfer kaise hota hai?
A: Buyer-seller dono ke documents, NOC, aur fees ke sath RTO par apply karein.
Important Links & Downloads
- Parivahan Vehicle Registration Portal
- Form 20: Application for Registration
- Form 21: Sales Certificate
- Form 22: Roadworthiness Certificate
- Vehicle Registration Checklist (PDF)
*Downloads are for reference. Hamesha apne RTO/state portal se latest form lein.
