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RTO New Vehicle (Car/Bike) Registration Process Explained!

Team AckoNov 11, 2024

The first things to do after buying a new vehicle are to insure the vehicle with car/bike insurance and RTO registration.

Yes, The Motor Vehicles Act states that every motor vehicle needs to be registered at the respective RTO (Regional Transport Office) to comply with the rules and regulations.

So, how do you register your new car/bike in India? Read on as we provide a deep insight into new vehicle registration.

Contents

What is Vehicle Registration?
How to Register Your New Vehicle?
Steps to do Vehicle Registration at RTO
Online Vehicle Registration
How to Apply for a Car/Bike Number Plate?
New rules for Vehicle Number Plates in India
Vehicle Registration forms
Vehicle Registration fees
How to Check the RC Status for Your Vehicle?
Misplaced Vehicle RC? Steps to Get Duplicate RC
How to Download the Duplicate RC?
Duplicate RC fees
Documents Required for a Duplicate RC
Vehicle Registration Renewal Steps
RC Renewal Fees
Documents Required for RC Renewal
New rules for vehicle number plates in India
Bharat Number Plate (BH series number plate) Registration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Vehicle Registration?

Whether you have bought a new or second-hand vehicle, it is important to get its registration done as soon as possible. Vehicle registration is the process of officially recording a motor vehicle with the relevant governmental authority, the Regional Transport Office (RTO). This process involves assigning a unique registration number, issuing a license plate, and ensuring that the vehicle complies with legal, safety, and environmental standards. Vehicle registration helps track ownership, ensures proper taxation, and promotes road safety by confirming that vehicles are insured and meet local regulations. It is required before a vehicle can be legally driven.

How to Register Your New Vehicle?

Getting the registration number for a new vehicle is not a complex process. If you are aware of the required forms and documents, it’s a relatively simple process. A new bike registration process is similar to that of a car. Following are the ways to get the new vehicle registration number.

Through the new vehicle (car/bike) dealer: When you buy a new vehicle from the dealer, the showroom will deliver the vehicle only after the registration. That means the dealer will take care of the registration process. All you have to do is provide the required details and documents. However, the dealer may levy a service charge for the same.

By yourself: Registering the new vehicle by yourself comes in handy when you wish to register the vehicle in another city or state. This method involves you visiting the RTO and submitting the application and documents, paying the fees and taxes and producing the vehicle for inspection. With all the documents and forms in place, it’s a relatively straightforward process.

Steps to do Vehicle Registration at RTO

Here are the steps for RC registration of a vehicle at the RTO.

Step 1: Visit the RTO with your new vehicle.

Step 2: Submit the duly filled application forms and all relevant documents,

Step 3: The RTO official will verify the details and documents.

Step 4: Pay the registration fees and road tax at the fee collection counter and collect the acknowledgement receipt.

Step 5: The RTO inspector (Inspector of Motor Vehicle) will thoroughly inspect the new vehicle.

Step 6: The vehicle data (make/model, fuel type, emission standard, seating capacity, engine capacity, etc.) is uploaded to the central database.

Step 7: The RTO Superintendent will verify the uploaded vehicle data.

Step 8: The ARTO (Assistant Regional Transport Officer) will approve the vehicle registration.

Step 9: Post approval, the RTO will generate the RC (Registration Certificate) smartcard.

Step 10: Once the RC is ready, the RTO will dispatch it to your registered address via post.

Online Vehicle Registration

Wondering if vahan registration can be done online or not? If so, then you must understand that it is not possible to apply for a new vehicle registration online. This is because there is no provision for online vehicle registration via the Parivahan portal. However, you can only apply for the renewal of vehicle registration online. Since the new vehicle registration process involves a physical vehicle examination, one cannot complete the registration process online.

How to Apply for a Car/Bike Number Plate?

Every motor vehicle must display the registration number on the HSRP (High-Security Registration Plate) to comply with The Motor Vehicles Act. You can apply for a new number plate online by following the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: Visit the RTO-approved website (of your respective state) for an HSRP online purchase.

Step 2: Provide basic details like your name, address, vehicle registration number, engine and chassis number, mobile number, etc.

Step 3: Select the vehicle class (transport or non-transport).

Step 4: Make the payment online and download/print the acknowledgement receipt.

Step 5: You will receive a notification when the HSRP is dispatched.

Note that the steps mentioned in this section may not work for all states. Some states may not have a dedicated website for new number plate online purchases. In that case, you can visit the respective RTO or go to an authorised dealer to get an HSRP number plate for your vehicle.

Also, read: Check Vehicle Owner details by Number Plate!

New rules for Vehicle Number Plates in India

You can refer to the points mentioned below to learn about the new rules for vehicle registration number plates in India.

The temporary registration number should be displayed on a yellow background with red lettering.
The dealer vehicles should display the registration number on a red background with white lettering.
The usage of regional languages in number plates is banned. Also, one cannot use fancy registration numbers sold or auctioned by the states or UT (Union Territories).
The BS-VI vehicle (four-wheelers) number plates should have a 1 cm green colour layer.
The BS-VI vehicle (four-wheeler) number plates should also have stickers attached to the green layer. Diesel vehicles should display an orange sticker, and vehicles running on petrol/CNG should display a blue colour sticker.
Driving a new vehicle with a paper-printed registration number plate is an offence.

Vehicle Registration forms

New vehicle registration becomes simple if you are aware of the required application forms. You can also download the vehicle registration form online via the Parivahan website. Here are the forms you must possess to register a vehicle in India.

Required Forms & documents for Vehicle registration	Download / How to get
Form 20 (Application for the registration of a motor vehicle)	Download Form 20 or Get it from Parivahan
Form 21 (The vehicle sale certificate with details of the vehicle, including the make/model, date of manufacture, total invoice amount, etc.)	You can get it from the vehicle dealer when buying a new vehicle or download it from Parivahan.
Form 22 (The roadworthiness certificate certifies that the vehicle complies with the safety requirements and pollution norms)	You can obtain it from the vehicle dealer
Form 29 (Vehicle ownership transfer notice)	Download Form 29 or Get it from Parivahan
Form 30 (Application for intimation and transfer of vehicle ownership)	Download Form 30 or Get it from Parivahan
Form 34 (Application form to add loan hypothecation to Registration Certificate)	Download Form 34 or Get it from Parivahan
Form 38 A (Vehicle inspection report)	You can get it from the RTO
Form 51 (Vehicle insurance certificate)	You can get it from the insurer
Form 60 (Working certificate in the absence of PAN card)	Download Form 60 or Get it from Parivahan

Apart from the forms mentioned in this section, you must also provide the following documents for RTO new vehicle registration.

Address proof (Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, Passport, etc.)

Proof of identity (Driving Licence, Voter ID card, Aadhaar card, etc.)

PAN card (Form 60 in the absence of PAN card)

Age proof (Birth certificate, Aadhaar card, Driving Licence, etc.)

Chassis and engine number print

Vehicle purchase invoice provided by the manufacturer and dealer

Passport-size photographs

Vehicle Registration fees

The following table denotes the fees related to RTO vehicle registration services in India.

Service	Fees (in Rs.)
Registration of two-wheeler/motorcycle	300
Registration of three-wheeler/quadricycle	Non-transport: 600 ; Transport: 1,000
Registration of car/Light Motor Vehicle (LMV)/four-wheeler	Non-transport: 600 ; Transport: 1,000
Registration of medium goods motor vehicle/medium passenger motor vehicle	1000
Registration of heavy goods motor vehicle/heavy passenger motor vehicle	1500
Registration of imported vehicle (car)	5000
Registration of imported motorcycle (bike)	2500
Registration of other vehicle (not mentioned in this list)	3000
Issuance of Smart Card (RC)	200
Issuance of duplicate RC	50% of the new vehicle registration fees
Correction of details in RC	50% of the new vehicle registration fees
Endorsement of Hypothecation/Hire Purchase/Lease agreement	Two-wheeler (bike): 500 ; Three-wheeler/quadricycle/LMV: 1,500 ; Medium/heavy vehicle: 3,000

How to Check the RC Status for Your Vehicle?

Once you have applied for the RTO registration, you can check the RC status online. The following steps explain the process of checking RC application status online.

Step 1: Visit Parivahan’s official website.

Step 2: Select “Vehicle Related Services” from the “Online Services” menu.

Step 3: Select the state name, select the RTO office and click “Proceed”.

Step 4: On the next page, click on “Status” and select “Know Your Application Status”

Step 5: Input the application number and captcha code and click the “Submit” button to view the vehicle RC status online.

Misplaced Vehicle RC? Steps to Get Duplicate RC

The Registration Certificate (RC) is one of the essential documents to drive a vehicle in India. You must carry the RC at all times when you drive the vehicle. If you lose/damage the original copy of the certificate of registration, you can apply for a duplicate copy.

Here are the steps to apply for duplicate RC online.

Step 1: Visit Parivahan’s official website.

Step 2: Select “Online Services” and click on “Vehicle Related Services”.

Step 3: Select the state of residence, enter the vehicle registration number and click on the “Proceed” button.

Step 4: Click on “Services” > “RC Related Services” and select “Apply for Duplicate RC”.

Step 5: Input the vehicle chassis number (last 5 characters) and click on “Verify Details”.

Step 6: Verify the details and fill in the required information and click on “Payment”.

Step 7: Pay the applicable fees online and download or print the acknowledgement receipt for future reference.

Step 8: Visit the RTO with all the relevant documents to get the duplicate RC.

You can also visit the RTO and apply for duplicate RC offline. Fill out the application form, submit the documents and pay the fees to get the duplicate copy of the RC.

How to Download the Duplicate RC?

You can download the duplicate copy of the RC via the DigiLocker app or website. Follow the steps mentioned below for duplicate RC download.

Step 1: Visit the DigiLocker website or download the mobile app.

Step 2: Log in to your account or create a new account if you are a new user.

Step 3: Select “Registration of Vehicles” and enter the registration and chassis numbers

Step 4: Go to the issued documents section to view or download the RC.

Duplicate RC fees

You can refer to the following table for duplicate RC fees.

Vehicle class	Fees (in Rs.)
Two-wheeler/motorcycle	150
Three-wheeler/quadricycle	Non-transport: 300 ; Transport: 500
Car/Light Motor Vehicle (LMV)/four-wheeler	Non-transport: 3000 ; Transport: 500
Medium goods motor vehicle/medium passenger motor vehicle	500
Heavy goods motor vehicle/heavy passenger motor vehicle	750
Imported vehicle (car)	2500
Imported motorcycle (bike)	1250
Other vehicle (not mentioned in this list)	1500

Documents Required for a Duplicate RC

Here’s the list of documents required to obtain the duplicate copy of RC.

Form 26 (Application for the issuance of duplicate RC)

First Information Report (FIR) from Police

PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate

Vehicle insurance certificate

Proof of address (Aadhaar card, Passport, Voter ID card, etc.)

Challan clearance (Obtained from traffic police)

Tax clearance from Accounts Department (for commercial vehicles)

PAN card (Form 60 and Form 61 in the absence of PAN card)

Pencil print of chassis and the engine number

Owner’s signature identification

Affidavit (Stating that the RC is lost and not impounded)

Note that the list of documents may vary from one state to another.

Vehicle Registration Renewal Steps

The vehicle RC comes with a limited validity of only a few years. Post that period; you need to renew the Registration Certificate. You can submit the registration renewal application not more than 60 days before the due date. It is a relatively simple process, thanks to the Parivahan portal. You can follow the steps mentioned below to apply for RC renewal online.

Step 1: Log on to the official website of the Parivahan portal.

Step 2: Click on “Vehicle Related Services” from the “Online Services” drop-down list.

Step 3: Select your state name, input the vehicle registration number, and click on the “Proceed” button.

Step 4: Click on “Renewal of Registration”.

Step 5: Input the vehicle chassis number (last 5 characters) and click on “Verify Details”.

Step 6: Enter the registered mobile number and click on “Generate OTP”.

Step 7: Input the OTP and click on “Show Details”.

Step 8: Verify the information and click on “Payment”

Step 9: Pay the applicable fees online and download or print the acknowledgement receipt.

Step 10: Visit the RTO with your vehicle and submit the printed receipt and relevant documents to complete the RC renewal process.

After the clearance of vehicle inspection and document verification, the RTO will issue the renewed RC.

RC Renewal Fees

Here are the RC renewal charges for different vehicle classes.

Vehicle class	Fees (in Rs.)
Invalid carriage	50
Two-wheeler (Motorcycle)	300
Quadricycle/three-wheeler/Light Motor Vehicle (LMV)	Non-transport: 600 ; Transport: 1,000
Medium goods motor vehicle/medium passenger motor vehicle	1000
Heavy goods motor vehicle/heavy passenger motor vehicle	1500
Imported vehicle (car)	5000
Imported motorcycle (bike)	2500
Other vehicle (not mentioned in this list)	3000

Documents Required for RC Renewal

Here are the documents you need to have to apply for the renewal of RC.

Form 25 (RC renewal application)
PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate
Original RC
Fitness certificate
Road tax payment receipt
The valid insurance policy certificate
PAN card (Form 60 and Form 61 in the absence of PAN card)
Owner’s signature identification
Pencil print of chassis and the engine number

Note that the list of documents may vary from one state to another.

New rules for vehicle number plates in India

You can refer to the points mentioned below to learn about the new rules for vehicle registration number plates in India.

The temporary registration number should be displayed on a yellow background with red lettering.
The dealer vehicles should display the registration number on a red background with white lettering.
The usage of regional languages in number plates is banned. Also, one cannot use fancy registration numbers sold or auctioned by the states or UT (Union Territories).
The BS-VI vehicle (four-wheelers) number plates should have a 1 cm green colour layer.
The BS-VI vehicle (four-wheeler) number plates should also have stickers attached to the green layer. Diesel vehicles should display an orange sticker, and vehicles running on petrol/CNG should display a blue colour sticker.
Driving a new vehicle with a paper-printed registration number plate is an offence.

Bharat Number Plate (BH series number plate) Registration

BH registration for new vehicles makes the transfer of vehicle registration across the country hassle-free. Introduced in 2021, BH stands for Bharat, and the new registration series is available for government employees and private sector employees with offices in four or more states/Union Territories.

The BH number plate system eliminates the hassle of applying for new registration when you move from one state to another. Under BH series registration, one needs to pay MV (Motor Vehicle) tax for 2 years or in multiples of 2 (4, 6, 8, etc.). The vehicle owner can pay the road tax every 2 years till 14 years. Post that, the road tax should be paid every year.

BH number plate format: 22 BH 1234 AA

Here 22 stands for the year of registration, BH stands for Bharat, and the following numbers and alphabets are computer-generated vehicle numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers related to new vehicle registration.

What is the process of registering a car in India?

To get your car registered in India, you need to visit your nearest RTO along with relevant documents like sales certificate, chassis number details, roadworthiness certificate, and a few other documents.

Which state has the lowest rto charges?

Himachal Pradesh has the lowest RTO charges.

What is the cost of RC renewal in India?

The cost of RC renewal in India depends on the type of vehicle. For instance, it will be higher for heavy vehicles as compared to two-wheelers.

How many days does it take to get a new vehicle registration number?

Generally, it can take 2 to 3 days to get a registration number for your new vehicle. However, if the waiting list is too long, the process may take around a week (7 days). Please note that the turnaround time may vary from one state to another.

What to do if my RC is lost?

You can apply for a duplicate copy of the RC online through the Parivahan portal if you lose or damage the Registration Certificate.

How much time does it take to get an HSRP number plate for my car?

If you book the HSRP number plate online, it can take a few days for it to be delivered. However, if you visit the RTO or an authorised dealer, you can get the High-Security Registration Plate on the same day. For more clarity, you can contact the RTO or your nearest RTO-approved dealer to find out the exact timelines.

Can I obtain the BH registration series in Karnataka?

Yes, you can apply for a BH registration series in Karnataka if you are eligible for the same.

Who is eligible to get a BH series registration number?

Government employees and private sector employees with offices in four or more states are eligible to opt for a BG series registration number.

Is it compulsory to register my vehicle through the dealership?

It’s not compulsory to register your vehicle through the dealership. You can also go for self-registration at the respective RTO.

How can I view the VAHAN application status online?

You can view the VAHAN RC application status online by visiting the Parivahan website.

What is the road tax on new vehicle registration?

Road tax is a tax you need to pay to drive your vehicle on roads. It is utilised for the development and maintenance of the roads. The road tax differs from one state to another.

Should I carry the RC while driving the vehicle?

You need to carry the Registration Certificate while driving the vehicle. The Motor Vehicle Act states that you should have the RC at all times and should be able to show it to the authorities during an inspection.

What is the RC renewal fee in India?

The RC renewal fees vary from one vehicle class to another. For instance, for two-wheelers or motorcycles, the registration renewal fee stands at Rs. 300. You can refer to the renewal fees table.

Is there any late fee for the renewal of RC?

Yes, there are late fees for the delay in RC renewal. For two-wheelers or motorcycles, it stands at Rs. 300 per month and Rs. 500 per month for other non-transport vehicles.

What happens if I drive a vehicle with an expired RC?

If you drive a vehicle with an expired RC, the traffic police can levy a hefty penalty. The authorities can also impound the vehicle till you pay the fine.

Can I renew the RC of my car after 15 years?

Yes, you can apply for the renewal of RC after 15 years. After that, you need to renew the RC every 5 years.

What is the validity of the temporary registration number?

The validity of the temporary registration number stands at 30 days. Hence, you must get a permanent registration number within that period.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned on this page is compiled from different websites and government sources. The information may be updated from time to time. Hence, please refer to the respective government websites and verify before making any RTO-related decisions.

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