The purchase of a new vehicle comes with many formalities and paperwork that need to be done before the buyer can take their vehicle for a drive. A person cannot drive a vehicle on Indian roads if they don’t possess these documents-Driving License, Registration Certificate (RC), PUC Certificate, Insurance Policy, and other Required Permits.

This article takes you through the entire process of how to get a vehicle registered in a state (obtaining RC), the documents required for the same, the process of re-registration of a vehicle in a different state, and the renewal process of RC after its expiry period.

Read more: Vehicle Registration Process at RTO

Documents required for Vehicle RC

Given below is the list of documents required when applying for the Registration Certificate of your vehicle-

• Dealer and Manufacturer Invoice copy
• Attested copy of the Insurance policy
• Attested copy of Address proof
• PAN Card copy
• Passport-sized photographs
• Registration fees receipt
• Form 20 – Duly filled with accurate information
• Form 21 – Sales certificate issued by your vehicle dealer
• Form 22 & Form 22A – Roadworthiness certificate issued by the manufacturer
• Form34 – Duly signed by the owner and the financier

The process to apply for a Registration Certificate (RC)

Here’s a step-to-step guide to getting your vehicle registered.

• Visit your nearest RTO with your vehicle to get it inspected by the RTO vehicle inspecting authority.
• Fill out Form 20 for obtaining a new RC.
• An imprint of the vehicle chassis number is taken by the RTO authorities.
• Submit the aforementioned documents.
• Pay the registration fees and collect the receipt.

The RC is sent to the registered address of the vehicle owner.

Process for Transfer of Vehicle Registration to a different state

In case a person plans to shift to another state and wishes to transfer the registration for their vehicle to the new state, he/she can apply for the same with the given procedure.

• Obtain NOC from the RTO where the vehicle was first registered. (NOC from the financing bank is also required if the vehicle is under hypothecation.)
• Visit the RTO of the new state with all the required documents.
• Submit the documents.
• Apply for the re-registration of the vehicle in the new state. (Re-registration is not required in cases where you plan to use the vehicle in the new state for not more than 12 months.)
• Fill Road Tax challan.
• Pay the requisite fees for the processing of the transfer application.

Documents required

• Previous Registration Certificate (original)
• Three copies of Form 28 or the NOC issued by the previous state’s RTO.
• Form 20 - Application for the registration of the motor vehicle.
• Form 27 - Application for the assignment of a new registration mark to the motor vehicle.
• Attested copy of address proof
• Attested copy of valid Insurance
• Attested copy of PUC Certificate
• Copy of PAN Card or Form 60 & 66
• Fitness Certificate in case of commercial vehicle.

How to renew the Registration Certificate (RC) of a motor vehicle?

The registration certificate (RC) of a motor vehicle is valid for 15 years from the date of issuance. Hence, it is required to renew the RC not more than 60 days from the date of its expiry. The renewed RC is valid for 5 years.

Documents required for RC renewal

• Application in Form 25
• Pollution Under Control certificate
• RC Book
• Fitness certificate
• Certificate of registration
• Proof for the payment of up-to-date road tax paid
• Insurance certificate
• Copy of PAN card or Form 60 & Form 61 (as applicable)
• Chassis & Engine Pencil Print
• Signature Identification of the owner

The process to apply for RC renewal

• Fill in the required details in Form 25.
• Submit the form to the RTO under which the vehicle was first registered.
• The vehicle will also need to be produced at the RTO for inspection.
• Pay the due taxes levied on the vehicle by the RTO. (If applicable)
• Pay the RC renewal fees.