A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is mandatory for all vehicles with internal combustion engines in India under the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1989. It ensures emissions meet government standards, reducing air pollution.
This guide details how to obtain a PUC certificate online and offline, covering validity, costs, penalties, and more.
What is a PUC Certificate?
A PUC certificate is an official document issued by authorized emission testing centers, verifying that a vehicle’s emissions comply with Bharat Stage (BS) norms. It’s required for all ICE vehicles (petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG) but not electric vehicles.
Key Details Included in a PUC Certificate
- Serial Number: Unique identifier.
- Vehicle Details: Registration number, make, model, fuel type.
- Date of Emission Test: Test date.
- Validity Period: 6 months (older vehicles) or 1 year (new vehicles).
- Emission Test Readings: CO, HC, NOx, PM levels vs. permissible limits.
- Issuing Authority: Testing center details.
- Photo of Number Plate: Sometimes included.
Why is a PUC Certificate Important?
- Legal Compliance: Mandatory under Section 190(2), Motor Vehicles Act. Non-compliance risks fines (₹1,000–₹10,000) or imprisonment.
- Environmental Responsibility: Reduces air pollution and health risks.
- Insurance Renewal: Required for motor insurance renewal.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Identifies engine/exhaust issues.
- Nationwide Validity: Valid across India.
Who Needs a PUC Certificate?
All ICE vehicles, including:
- Two-wheelers, four-wheelers, commercial vehicles.
- Petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG, PNG vehicles.
- New and old vehicles (BS6 included).
Validity of a PUC Certificate
- New Vehicles: 1 year from registration.
- Older Vehicles: 6 months; shorter if emissions are high.
- Grace Period: 7 days post-expiry.
Cost of a PUC Certificate
- Range: ₹60–₹100 + GST.
- Factors: Varies by state, fuel, vehicle type.
Obtain a PUC Certificate
Obtain via online or offline methods. Emission test at an authorized center required.
Option 1: Online Process
- Go to the https://puc.parivahan.gov.in/, select “PUC Certificate.”

- Input registration number, last 5 chassis digits, security code.

- Pay ₹60–₹100 via card, net banking, UPI. Get a test slot and ID.
- Drive to center for emission test (gas analyzer measures CO, HC, NOx).
- If passed, download from Parivahan portal under “PUC Details.”
Option 2: Offline Process
- Find centers at petrol pumps, RTOs, or via Parivahan website.
- Bring a vehicle; no appointment needed.
- Gas analyzer tests exhaust for BS compliance (few minutes).
- Pay ₹60–₹100, get a certificate if passed. If failed, get rejection slip; service and retest.
- Carry hard/soft copy (DigiLocker, mParivahan valid).
Check PUCC Center List
To check the list of PUC (Pollution Under Control) centers in India, follow these clear steps:
- Open the Parivahan Website: Go to the official Parivahan Sewa website at https://puc.parivahan.gov.in using any web browser on your phone or computer.
- Find the PUC Centre List Option: On the homepage, look for the "PUC Centre List" link in the top navigation menu. Click on it to proceed.
- Select Your State: A new page will load with a dropdown menu. Choose your state (e.g., Delhi, Maharashtra, etc.) from the list to filter PUC centers in your area.
- Choose RTO (Optional): If required, select the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for your city or region from another dropdown. This narrows down the list to specific centers under that RTO.
- View the PUC Centers: After selecting the state and RTO, a list of authorized PUC centers will appear. It includes details like the center’s name, address, and contact number.
You can now note down the details of a nearby center to get your vehicle’s PUC certificate.
Helpline
For Any Technical Problem Related To | Email-id | Contact Number | Timings |
---|---|---|---|
PUCC | helpdesk-vahan@gov.in | +91-120-4925505 | 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM |