Losing an RC (Registration Certificate) book for your vehicle can be very stressful, rendering you almost unable to make out the things you have to do next.
However, the first thing, either in the case of such an occurrence or otherwise, always remains to keep calm and follow the right protocol. That is why this article aims to put forth some very useful pieces of information on what one can do after losing an RC book, what action one has to take, and how to apply for a duplicate RC book.
What is an RC Book?
An RC book, or registration certificate book, is a government-issued legal certificate for the registration of a motor vehicle. It is very important proof that a vehicle is registered in the name of an individual or company and contains information regarding the registration number, details of the owner, engine, and chassis numbers, registration date, and other relevant particulars.
The RC book is important to prove ownership and legality of the vehicle for a variety of reasons; transfer, insurance, and law enforcement.
This book signifies that the vehicle is duly registered with the Regional Transport Office-RTO. The document remains valid for 15 years and requires renewal every 5 years. Nowadays, RC books are also provided in the form of smart cards, thus easy to carry and durable.
What to do if an RC Book gets damaged or misplaced?
Discovering that your vehicle's RC (Registration Certificate) book is damaged or misplaced can initially be concerning, but fortunately, there are solutions available to address this issue.
This is important for you because it will free your mind about those demoralizing thoughts and take initiative steps to apply a duplicate RC.
There are two ways through which you can apply for duplicate RC, and they are:
Online
Offline
Documents You Need To Issue A Duplicate RC Book
Here are documents needed for issuing a duplicate RC Book:
Essential Documentation Checklist Primary Documents
Police FIR or RC lost report
Original RC (if damaged)
Completed Form 26
Bank NOC (for financed vehicles)
Additional Requirements (varies by state):
Valid PUC certificate
Current insurance documentation
Government-issued ID proof
PAN card
Engine and chassis imprints
Notarized affidavit
Traffic challan clearance
Tax clearance (commercial vehicles)
Recent passport photo
Note: The document requisitions differ in different states. It is better to have all these documents in place when applying to it. The online procedure simplifies the application in that regard because the application would be submitted online. The offline procedure, however, also requires one to visit the nearest RTO office.
Also Read:- How to Apply HSRP Through SIAM
How to apply for Duplicate RC Online
One can easily apply for the duplicate RC online through Parivahan. The steps involved in it are:
Visit the Official Government website
Navigate through vehicle registration options
Input your vehicle's registration details and state information
Access RC-related services through “Basic Services” menu
Complete the duplicate RC application form
Verify using chassis number and OTP
Provide reason for duplicate RC request
Pay required fees through payment gateway
Download and print Form 26
Upload necessary documentation
How to apply for Duplicate RC Offline
The other way to apply for duplicate RC is by way of performing offline steps. For this you can visit the RTO and adhere to the required formalities.
Below, are the sequential steps that you need to follow:
Register the loss of the RC book: First of all, go to the nearest police station and report the loss or misplacement of your RC book. Mention the particulars of the incident as well as details regarding the owner's name, address, Chassis Number, Engine Number, model, color, and registration number. Self-signed copies of ID proof, Driving License, and Address proof must be attached. The FIR can be filed online as well as offline.
Challan against the Lost RC Book: A Challan will be issued by the police against the lost RC book; the fee is nil.
Fill Form 26: Download the application Form 26 from the RTO's official website and keep filling in all particulars accurately.
Affidavit: Make an affidavit on stamp paper for the reason for applying for duplicate RC book, and mention all vehicle particulars.
Submission of Documents: Three copies of Form-26 (one copy must be attested with endorsement from the financier, if applicable), the affidavit, and requisite documents (mentioned below) are submitted to the RTO superintendent:
FIR copy
Self-signed ID proof, driving license, and address proof
Vehicle insurance copy
Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
Original RC book (if available)
NOC from the financier (if applicable)
Document & ID Proof Verification: The officer or superintendent at the RTO will verify the submitted documents and provide their signature. Go to the Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) for ID proof verification and attestation.
Payment: You have then to pay the requisite fee for duplicate RC book issuance. It usually amounts to Rs 500. Collect a receipt of the payment.
Superintendent Verification: Return to RTO Superintendent with payment receipt, and they will verify and sign the receipt.
Acknowledgement slip: Collect an acknowledgement slip by which the counter will show the date when you can take your duplicate RC book.
Thus, with these simple steps you have successfully applied for duplicate RC. Just ensure all the required documents are carried with you and that you follow the guidelines of the RTO, for an easy process.
Also Read:- How to Apply HSRP through FTA
Documents required for application of duplicate RC offline
The documents required by RTO to accept an application are same both in online and offline submission, barring the fact that in offline submission an applicant has to submit the fee payment receipt also to the RTO officer or at the counter. For online submission, this part needs to be completed in the due process so that the applicant can reach that stage of uploading documents.
What is the expected time involved in issuing a duplicate RC?
The duplicate RC book is generally delivered within seven days of registering the complaint. You can also check the status of your RC book online from the official website parivahan.gov.in/rcdlstatus.
A word of caution! - Never listen to agents whom you meet in connection to a duplicate RC book. The whole process itself costs about 500 rupees, but the charges by these agents are about 2000-3000 rupees as a service. Pretty much, the whole scheme is like that. It can also be a fake or duplicate RC book.
Also Read:- How Can I Apply HSRP Number Plate Online
Conclusion
There may be several cases requiring duplicate RC books in addition to losing or misplacing one's existing RC books. These include obtaining a duplicate RC book, mismatch of data that appears as incorrect in the original RC book, difference in data during Vahan Check or original registration certificate, and an unreadable Chassis number.
It is really easy, cheap, and hassle-free to get a duplicate RC book if one knows what to do. Learn more about functions and the registration process at RTO.