Vehicle Registration - RTO New Car/Bike Registration Process

Vehicle registration in India is a mandatory legal requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, ensuring vehicles are identified, taxed, and insured for road use. Managed by Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), the process involves obtaining a Registration Certificate (RC) with a unique registration number.

This article outlines the types, procedures, documents, fees, and key considerations for vehicle registration.

Types of Vehicle Registration

Registration Process

The process can be completed via the dealer, an agent, or by the owner through the RTO or online Parivahan Sewa portal. Below is the self-registration procedure:

• Visit the Local RTO: Go to the RTO in whose jurisdiction you reside or operate your business within 7 days of vehicle purchase.
• Submit Application (Form 20):
  • Fill and submit Form 20 (available at RTO or online via parivahan.gov.in).
  • For hypothecated vehicles (on loan), include an additional Form 20 photocopy.
• Document Submission: Provide required documents (listed below) for verification by the RTO superintendent.
• Pay Fees and Taxes: Pay registration fees and road tax at the RTO counter or online. Road tax varies by state and vehicle type.
• Vehicle Inspection: Present the vehicle for inspection by the Inspector of Motor Vehicles (IMV) to verify chassis/engine numbers and roadworthiness.
• Data Entry and Approval:
  • RTO enters vehicle details into the Vahan database.
  • The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) approves the registration.
• Issuance of RC: A RC is issued and mailed to the registered address, typically 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: For vehicles bought in another state, include NOC from the original RTO and dealer.
• 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

• Issued under High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) rules.
• Font: Modern Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
• Color Coding:
  • Private vehicles: Black letters on white background (e.g., DL-03-AB-1234).
  • Commercial vehicles: Black letters on yellow background (e.g., MH-19-AG-5465).
  • Rental vehicles: Yellow letters on black background.
  • Diplomatic vehicles: White letters on light blue background.
  • Temporary: Red letters on yellow background.
• Format: XX-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.

Vehicle Registration Status

To check Vehicle Registration Status:

• Visit the Transport Department portal: https://parivahan.gov.in/
• On the homepage, go to Online Services and click Vehicle Related Services.

• Select your State and RTO.
• You’ll be redirected to the Vehicle Citizen Portal.
• Click Status in the menu.
• Select Know Your Application Status.

• Enter your Registration Number or Application Number and click Submit.
• Your vehicle registration status will appear on the screen.