Step by step guide to vehicle registration process at RTO

As per the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, every new two-wheeler and four-wheeler must be registered at the local RTO. If it is a used vehicle, the registration and car/bike insurance should be transferred to the new owner.

If you’re planning to purchase a vehicle, here’s everything you should know about the RTO registration process-

What is RTO vehicle registration?

Every vehicle plying on the Indian roads should be registered by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It is through registration that the RTO creates a database of all the vehicles and their owners in the country.

Once registered, a vehicle’s registration number remains the same even when sold to someone else. In such cases, the RC (Registration Certificate) and other essentials like car/bike insurance are transferred to the new owner.

How to register a new vehicle at RTO?

RTO registration for new vehicles can either be done by the dealer or the owner. If you’d like to do it yourself, you’ll have to visit the nearest RTO office with your vehicle. Here are the documents you’ll need to register your vehicle-

• Form 20- Application for new vehicle registration

• Form 21- Sale certificate issued by the vehicle dealer.

• Form 22- Vehicle roadworthiness certificate issued by the vehicle manufacturer.

• Form 34- In case the vehicle is purchased through a vehicle loan.

• Insurance Certificate- 3rd party insurance is mandatory for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. You can purchase 3rd party bike/car insurance or a comprehensive policy for added protection.

• Temporary Registration Number- Dealers provide a temporary registration number in some cases.

• Personal Documents- Documents such as ID proof, address proof, passport-sized photograph, PAN, etc.

During registration, an RTO officer inspects the vehicles and verifies the registration documents. If everything is in order, you can pay the applicable registration fee and road tax. On successful registration, the RTO will send the Registration Certificate (RC) to your registered address.

How to transfer registration certificate (RC) of used vehicles?

If you’re purchasing a used car or bike, its Registration Certificate (RC) should be transferred from the old owner to the new owner.

If the vehicle is sold in the same jurisdiction, the RC should be transferred within 14 days of the sale. If it is sold to a different jurisdiction, the transfer should be completed within 30 days.

Here are the documents you’ll need to transfer RC-

• Form 29- Includes seller details.

• Form 30- Includes buyer details.

• Form 28 (NOC)- If the vehicle is sold to a different jurisdiction.

• Bike/car insurance copy

• PUC copy

How to transfer vehicle insurance after RC transfer?

After successful RC transfer, the insurance policy should also be transferred to the new buyer. It can be done by the seller or buyer by submitting these documents to the insurance provider-

• Copy of Form 28, Form 29, and Form 30 used for RC transfer

• NOC from the previous owner

• Clearance Certificate received by the RTO on successful RC transfer

• ID and address proof of the new buyer

• Original car/bike insurance policy documents

• Vehicle inspection report issued by the insurer

Complete vehicle registration/RC transfer while purchasing a vehicle

Vehicle registration is mandatory by law. If you’re purchasing a new vehicle and registering it on your own, follow the steps above to complete registration at the local RTO.

If it is a used vehicle, besides transferring RC, ensure that you also transfer bike/car insurance. Sellers and buyers can contact the issuer of the existing policy for any assistance regarding the insurance transfer process.

Read More about:
• RTO Office
• RTO Office Mumbai

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