How to renew Vehicle Registration Certificate

The Registration Certificate (RC) of a motor vehicle is a legal document stating that the vehicle is registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) authorities of the Government of India. It is as essential a document for your motor vehicle as to the driving license. Registration Certificate can be availed either in the form of an RC Book or an RC Smart Card.

The RC book provides the below mentioned essential information about your vehicle-

• Registration Number
• Registration Date
• Chassis Number
• Engine Number
• Ownership Serial
• Make and Vehicle Class
• Hypothecation (Loan) Status
• RC Chip
• Customer Details
• Car Details
• RTO Details
• Road Tax Details

Documents required for Vehicle RC

Following is the list of documents required when applying for a Registration Certificate for your vehicle-

• Dealer and Manufacturer Invoice copy
• Insurance Plan copy
• Valid 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

The process to apply for a Registration Certificate (RC)

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

1. Visit your nearest RTO with your vehicle to get it inspected by the RTO vehicle inspecting authority.
2. Fill Form 20 for obtaining a new RC.
3. An imprint of the vehicle chassis number is taken by the RTO authorities.
4. Submit the required documents.
5. Pay the registration fees and collect the receipt.
6. The RC is sent to the registered address of the vehicle owner.

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.

1. 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

2. 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.

Duplicate RC

In case the RC of your motor vehicle is lost, you can apply for a duplicate RC both online as well as offline. Here’s a step-to-step guide for the same.

How to apply for a duplicate RC online?

1. After lodging an FIR, fill Form 26 on the Parivahan Sewa website.
2. Submit the fees for the generation of duplicate RC (depending on the vehicle category).
3. Download and print the receipt generated after the payment.
4. Submit the receipt along with the following documents at the RTO of your jurisdiction.
   • FIR original copy (in case the vehicle is stolen/lost)
   • PUC attested copy
   • Insurance certificate attested copy
   • Address proof
   • PAN card attested copy
   • Chassis & Engine Pencil print
   • Challan clearance from traffic police
   • Affidavit that states you lost your RC and has not been recovered.

How to apply for duplicate RC offline?

1. File an FIR in the police station of the area where the RC was lost.
2. Visit the RTO under which the vehicle was first registered and submit the following documents.
   • RTO Form 26.
   • FIR copy
   • Bank NOC (If the vehicle is leased/financed)
   • Chassis imprint of the car
   • PUC copy
   • ID proofs
   • An affidavit claiming the loss of RC (to ensure your RC is not seized)
3. Pay the fees.

The Duplicate RC is sent to the registered address of the vehicle owner. Read more: Function and Importance of RTO