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

Type Issuer Validity Format Purpose/Notes
Temporary Registration Dealer 1 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 Registration RTO (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 Registration RTO/Parivahan Portal Varies (BH-Series: job duration; Vintage: rally use; Fancy: permanent) BH: 22BH1234XX; VA: Vintage; Fancy: Custom BH-Series for interstate job transfers; VA for 50+ year vehicles; Fancy via e-auction.

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.
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.
Vehicle Status
  • Enter your Registration Number or Application Number and click Submit.
  • Your vehicle registration status will appear on the screen.
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After issuing the permanent registration number, the RTO will provide a Registration Certificate (RC). This certificate is also available in digital format and can be stored securely in DigiLocker or the mParivahan app.