Vehicle Registration – RTO New Car/Bike Registration Process

Vehicle-registration details in India are also mandatory requirements under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, ensuring vehicles are identified, taxed and insured for road use. The process, which is regulated by RTOs or Regional Transport Offices, include obtaining a Registration Certificate (RC) with distinctive registration number.

This article details the kinds, processes, papers, rates and other things to consider when you register a car.

Access Vehicle Related Serrvice

Types of Vehicle Registration

TypeIssuerValidityFormatPurpose/Notes
Temporary RegistrationDealer1 month (extendable for bodybuilding chassis)TMMYYAAZZ (e.g., T1223AA1234)Legal driving until permanent registration; “T” for temporary, MMYY for purchase month/year, AA for state code, ZZ for alphabetic sequence.
Permanent RegistrationRTO (after application/verification)15 years (non-transport, renewable for 5 years); 20 years (commercial)XX-YY-ZZ-1234 (e.g., MH-02-AB-1234)Remains unchanged with ownership change; re-registration needed for interstate transfers.
Special RegistrationRTO/Parivahan PortalVaries (BH-Series: job duration; Vintage: rally use; Fancy: permanent)BH: 22BH1234XX; VA: Vintage; Fancy: CustomBH-Series for interstate job transfers; VA for 50+ year vehicles; Fancy via e-auction.

Registration Process

You can complete the process by the dealer, an agent or the owner through RTO or online Parivahan Sewa portal.

  • Visit Local RTO: Go to RTO within 7days of vehicle purchase.
  • Submit Application (Form 20):
    • Enter all information and submit Form 20 (available at RTO or online through parivahan.gov.in).
    • For Loan vehicles, Form 20 have additional photocopy.
    • In Vahan database, RTO enters vehicle details.
    • Registration is approved by Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO).
  • Vehicle Inspection: By Inspector of Motor Vehicles (IMV) verify chassis/engine number and roadworthiness.
  • Data Entry and Approval:
    • In Vahan database, RTO enters vehicle details.
    • Registration is approved by Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO).
  • Issuance of RC: RC is send to registered address within a week.

Documents Required

  • Form 20: Application for registration.
  • Form 21: Sales certificate from the dealer.
  • Form 22: Roadworthiness certificate from the manufacturer.
  • Form 34: For hypothecated vehicles (if applicable).
  • Identity Proof: Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, passport, or driving license.
  • Address Proof: Aadhaar, Voter ID, ration card, utility bill, or rent agreement.
  • Vehicle Insurance Certificate: Valid insurance policy.
  • PUC Certificate: Pollution Under Control certificate.
  • Invoice: Original retail and manufacturer invoice.
  • Road Tax Receipt: If paid by the dealer.
  • NOC: Get NOC from original RTO and dealer if vehicles bought in another state.
  • Additional for Re-Registration:
  • Form 25: For RC renewal after 15 years.
  • Form 27/28: For interstate transfers, with NOC from the original RTO, financier, and National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB).
  • PAN card copy or Form 60/61 if PAN is unavailable.
  • Fitness certificate for commercial vehicles.

Fees and Charges

  • Registration Fees (as per Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, subject to change):
  • Two-wheelers: ₹300.
  • Cars (non-transport): ₹600.
  • Commercial vehicles: ₹1,000–₹1,500.
  • Late renewal: ₹300/month (two-wheelers), ₹500/month (other non-transport vehicles).
  • Road Tax: Varies by state (e.g., 4–10% of vehicle cost in most states).
  • Fancy Number Fees: Determined via e-auction (e.g., ₹5,000–₹1 lakh for premium numbers like 0001).
  • Smart Card Fee: ₹200–₹500.
  • Hypothecation Charges: ₹500–₹1,500 for loan-financed vehicles.

Number Plate Specifications

CategoryDetails
RuleIssued under High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) rules
FontModern Latin letters and Arabic numerals
Color Coding
Private VehiclesBlack letters on white background (e.g., DL-03-AB-1234)
Commercial VehiclesBlack letters on yellow background (e.g., MH-19-AG-5465)
Rental VehiclesYellow letters on black background
Diplomatic VehiclesWhite letters on light blue background
Temporary VehiclesRed letters on yellow background
FormatXX-YY-ZZ-1234 (XX: state code, e.g., DL for Delhi; YY: RTO code; ZZ: series; 1234: number)

Renewal and Re-Registration

  • RC Renewal (after 15 years for non-transport vehicles):
  • Submit Form 25, original RC, insurance, PUC, and tax receipt.
  • Pay renewal fees and undergo a vehicle inspection.
  • New RC valid for 5 years.
  • Interstate Re-Registration:
  • Required when moving to another state for over 12 months.
  • Submit Form 27/28, original RC, NOCs (RTO, financier, NCRB), insurance, PUC, and tax receipts.
  • Pay re-registration fees and new state’s road tax.

Check Vehicle Registration Status

To check Vehicle Registration Status follow these steps:

  • Visit the Transport Department portal https://parivahan.gov.in/.
  • Click on Online Services and click Vehicle Related Services.
Parivahan-Portal-2
  • Select you State and RTO a new Vehicle Citizen Portal is opened.
  • Click Status and open Know Your Application Status.
Vehicle-Status
  • Enter your registration number or Application Number.
  • Click on Submit vehicle registration will appear.
Vehicle-RC-Application-Status

Note

RTO will provide a Registration Certificate (RC) after issuing the permanent registration number. Digital copy of certificate is stored in DigiLocker or the mParivahan app

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