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How to Renew Your Vehicle's RC (Registration Certificate): A Step-by-Step Guide

Team AckoNov 12, 2024

Renewing your vehicle's RC (Registration Certificate) is a crucial task that all vehicle owners must complete to ensure compliance with legal requirements and maintain the validity of their vehicle's documentation. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of renewing your RC.

From gathering the necessary documents to submitting the application, we've got you covered. Whether you're a first-time vehicle owner or need a refresher on the process, this article will provide you with all the information you need to successfully renew your RC.

Contents

What is the Renewal of RC?
Documents Required for RC Renewal
How to Renew RC Online
- How to Pay Road Tax Online
How to Renew Registration Certificate Offline
What Are the Fees for RC Renewal?
How to Check the Status of RC Renewal
Validity of RC Renewal
Points to Consider Before Applying for RC Renewal
Benefits of RC Renewal Online
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Renewal of RC?

Renewal of RC refers to the process of extending the validity of your vehicle's Registration Certificate (RC). The RC is an essential legal document that serves as proof of registration and ownership of a vehicle. It contains vital information such as the vehicle's registration number, engine and chassis numbers, owner's details, and other relevant information.

The RC is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It has a specific validity period; for instance, private vehicles have a validity of fifteen years. It is necessary to renew the RC before it expires to ensure compliance with legal requirements and maintain the validity of your vehicle's documentation.

Documents Required for RC Renewal

You will need the following documents to renew your vehicle’s RC.

Original Registration Certificate

Form 25 (Duly filled and signed)

Vehicle insurance certificate

Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

Copy of PAN card or Form 60 or Form 61 (whichever is applicable)

Pencil print of vehicle’s engine and chassis number

Fitness Certificate (FC)

Proof of road tax payment

Vehicle owner’s signature identification

Address proof

Identity proof

How to Renew RC Online

You can follow the following steps to renew the Registration Certificate online.

Step 1: Access the Parivahan Sewa portal. Navigate to the menu and click on "Online Services". From the options presented, select "Vehicle-Related Services".

Step 2: Choose the state where you reside. It's important to note that not all states allow online registration renewal for vehicles. For example, West Bengal may not offer this service.

Step 3: Select the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) available to you. Proceed by clicking on the "Proceed" button.

Step 4: From the drop-down list of "Services", locate and click on "RC-related Services". Look for the option specifically mentioning "Renewal of Registration".

Step 5: Provide your vehicle's registration number and chassis number in the designated fields. To ensure accuracy, click on "Verify Details" to validate the information entered. This step completes the application process.

How to Pay Road Tax Online

To pay your road tax, please follow the steps provided below.

Step 1: Access the official Parivahan Sewa website.

Step 2: Select your state of residence from the available options.

Step 3: Navigate to the 'Services' section and locate the 'Pay Your Tax' option. Click on it.

Step 4: Enter the registration number of your vehicle.

Step 5: Proceed by selecting the 'Verify Details' option. Review the information to identify any outstanding tax payments.

Step 6: Utilise your debit card or opt for net banking to complete the payment process.

Step 7: Once the payment is successfully made, you have the option to schedule an RC renewal. Choose a preferred Regional Transport Office (RTO) where you would like to undergo a vehicle inspection.

How to Renew Registration Certificate Offline

If you prefer to renew your RC offline, follow these steps.

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

Collect all the necessary documents for RC renewal, including your current RC, insurance certificate, PUC certificate, address proof, identity proof, and any other documents specified by your Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Step 2: Visit the Nearest RTO

Locate the nearest RTO office in your area. Visit the office during working hours, ensuring you have sufficient time to complete the renewal process.

Step 3: Request the Application Form

At the RTO office, request the RC renewal application form from the designated counter or official. You may be required to fill out personal and vehicle-related information in the form.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Complete the application form accurately, providing all the required details. Attach the necessary documents as specified by the RTO. Double-check the form and documents for any errors or missing information.

Step 5: Pay the Renewal Fee

Calculate the applicable RC renewal fee based on your vehicle type and pay the amount at the designated counter. The RTO will provide you with an official receipt or payment acknowledgement.

Step 6: Vehicle Inspection

In some cases, the RTO may require a physical inspection of your vehicle. Follow the instructions provided by the RTO officer and present your vehicle for inspection at the designated area within the RTO premises.

Step 7: Verification Process

The RTO will verify the submitted documents, application form, and inspection report (if applicable). This process ensures the accuracy of the information provided.

Step 8: Collect the Renewed RC

Once the verification process is complete, the RTO will issue the renewed RC. Collect the renewed RC from the designated counter by presenting the receipt or payment acknowledgement.

What Are the Fees for RC Renewal?

To renew the registration of your vehicle, you are required to pay a renewal fee to the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The charges for RC renewal may vary across the country and depend on the type of vehicle being renewed.

For instance, the renewal fee for a bike is generally lower compared to heavy-duty vehicles. To get a better understanding of the RC renewal after 15 years fees, refer to the following table. This table consist of RC renewal fees for two wheeler, four-wheelers, and all other vehicle types.

Vehicle Type	RC Renewal Fees (in Rs.)
Invalid carriage	50
Motorcycle	300
Three-wheeler/light motor vehicles (Non-transport)	600
Three-wheeler/light motor vehicles (Transport)	1,000
Medium passenger motor vehicle	1,000
Medium goods vehicle	1,000
Heavy passenger motor vehicle	1,500
Heavy-duty vehicle	1,500
Imported motorcycle	2,500
Imported motor car	5,000
Other vehicle categories	3,000

How to Check the Status of RC Renewal

To check the status of your RC renewal application online, you can follow these steps.

Step 1: Access the Parivahan Sewa portal. From the menu, click on "Online Services" and choose "Vehicle Related Services" from the provided options.

Step 2: Select your state of residence from the drop-down menu available on the website.

Step 3: Proceed by selecting the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) and click on the "Proceed" button.

Step 4: Locate and select "Status" from the available options. Choose the option that allows you to "Know Your Application Status".

Step 5: Enter either your vehicle's renewal application number or registration number, depending on your convenience. Additionally, enter the captcha code provided on the screen. Once all the details are entered, select "Submit".

Step 6: You will be directed to a page where you can enter the application number that was issued to you upon payment of the renewal fees. To view the status of your vehicle's RC renewal, select "View Report".

Validity of RC Renewal

Once you have renewed vehicle registration certificate, it will be valid for another 5 years. This means that after this period of time, you will again have to renew the RC or do rc renewal after expiry as long as the RTO deems it necessary. You need to follow the similar steps for RC renewal online or offline as mentioned above.

Points to Consider Before Applying for RC Renewal

It is crucial to adhere to the following guidelines, as stated by the Parivahan Sewa portal, to ensure a seamless RC renewal process and avoid any future inconvenience.

Timely Application Submission: Submit your application for RC renewal within 60 days prior to the expiry date of the registration certificate. Applying too early or too late may lead to unnecessary complications.

Payment of Renewal Fee: Make sure to pay the renewal fee as per the guidelines outlined in Rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989. The fee structure may vary depending on the type of vehicle and its category.

Settle Pending Taxes: Prior to renewing your car's Registration Certificate, ensure that all due taxes are cleared. It is essential to clear any pending tax payments to complete the renewal process smoothly.

Utilise Available Options: If the online option for RC renewal is available, consider applying through the official website. Alternatively, you can opt for the offline process if online renewal is not accessible. Familiarise yourself with the specific procedures and required documents for a hassle-free application.

Benefits of RC Renewal Online

The online process of renewing RC is convenient than the offline one in the following ways:

The online process is less time consuming as almost all the required steps can be done from the comfort of your home
Through the online process, you can easily track the application status of RC renewal. This ensures overall transparency in the process
When it comes to payment of RC renewal fees, it can be easily done online. The online payment process is more secured and transparent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions and their answers related to the renewal of RC.

Can RC be renewed after 15 years in India?

Yes, RC can be renewed after 15 years in India, once it has expired.

What happens to a car after 15 years?

After 15 years, the registration certificate of the car gets expired, which makes it essential to renew it.

When should I apply for RC renewal?

It is recommended to apply for RC renewal within 60 days prior to the expiry date mentioned on your current Registration Certificate. Applying within this timeframe helps avoid any inconvenience or penalties.

Can I renew my RC online?

Yes, in many states, RC renewal can be done online through the official Parivahan Sewa portal or the respective state transport department's website. However, availability may vary depending on your location.

What documents are required for RC renewal?

The documents required for RC renewal typically include your current Registration Certificate, insurance certificate, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, address proof, identity proof, and any other documents specified by the RTO.

How much does RC renewal cost?

The cost of RC renewal varies depending on the type of vehicle and its category. The fees are prescribed by the respective state's transport department and can be found on their official website or at the RTO office.

Can I renew my RC after it has expired?

Yes, it is possible to renew your RC even after it has expired. However, in such cases, you may be required to pay additional penalties or late fees as per the rules and regulations of your state's transport department.

Is vehicle inspection required for RC renewal?

In some cases, a physical inspection of the vehicle may be required by the RTO during the RC renewal process. The inspection is conducted to verify the vehicle's condition and compliance with safety standards.

How long does it take to get the renewed RC?

The processing time for RC renewal varies depending on the RTO and the workload. It can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. It is advisable to check with the RTO or the Parivahan Sewa portal for updates on the status of your application.

What happens if I fail to renew my RC?

Failure to renew your RC can result in legal consequences, fines, and penalties. Additionally, driving with an expired RC is considered a violation of traffic regulations and may lead to complications with insurance claims in case of accidents or other incidents.

Can I renew my RC if I have outstanding traffic fines?

Generally, it is necessary to clear any outstanding traffic fines before renewing your RC. It is recommended to settle all pending fines to avoid any issues during the renewal process.

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