Tamil Nadu Regional Transport Office (RTO) List, Services & Registration Charges

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The Regional Transport Office (RTO) of Tamil Nadu plays a pivotal role in regulating and managing vehicle registration and licensing across the state. With over 72 million people and over 33 million registered vehicles, the Tamil Nadu RTO oversees a vast and complex transportation network.

This comprehensive guide will provide extensive details on all key aspects of the Tamil Nadu RTO including TN registration of vehicle procedure, fees, and others.

Overview of Tamil Nadu RTO

The RTO Tamil Nadu functions as part of the state's Transport Department to implement the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and related regulations. It carries out several critical responsibilities:

Registration of new vehicles and subsequent transfers
Renewal and termination of vehicle registration
Issuance of high-security registration number plates
Allotment of registration marks (numbers) to vehicles
Issuance and renewal of driving licenses
Issuance of learner's permits and conductor's licenses
Regulation of vehicle fitness through testing and inspection
Collection of road taxes and fees as per schedules
Granting national and inter-state permits for goods/public carriers
Regulation of transportation of hazardous materials
Implementation of motor vehicle emissions standards
Promoting road safety through campaigns and advocacy

The RTO has over 90 offices across all 32 districts and sub-divisions of Tamil Nadu. This facilitates access to RTO services across the state. Vehicle owners can also access many online RTO services through the Transport Department's Parivahan portal and mobile apps.

Organisational Structure

Every day, the RTO offices all over Tamil Nadu are run by Deputy Regional Transport Officers (DRTOs) and Regional Transport Officers (RTOs).

Motor vehicle inspectors (MVIs), office assistants, data entry operators, and testing and inspection drives are all part of the RTO's service to drivers and vehicle owners.

The Regional Transport Authority headed by the Collector coordinates activities of all RTO offices within each district. The senior most RTO represents the region in the State Transport Authority chaired by the Transport Commissioner to advise the Transport Department on policies and reforms required to improve transportation systems.

Objectives of Tamil Nadu RTO

The RTO in Tamil Nadu has several key objectives which it strives to achieve:

Effective administration and enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989
Smooth facilitation of vehicle registrations and issuance of high-security number plates
Ensuring roadworthiness and emission compliance of vehicles through rigorous fitness inspections
Systematic testing and transparent issuance of learner's permits and driving licenses
Regulation and control over permits for commercial goods and passenger carriers
Facilitation of legal inter-state transport of goods and passengers
Promotion of road safety awareness among vehicle owners and drivers
Upkeep and maintenance of accurate records of vehicles, licenses and permits
Collection and reconciliation of motor vehicle revenues

By fulfilling these objectives, the RTO plays a vital role in keeping vehicles and drivers compliant with regulations through periodic checks. It also enforces safety and emission norms in the larger interests of the general public.

Contact Details of Regional Transport Offices in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has over 90 RTO offices mapped to each district, sub-division and major city. Here is the detailed list of all the RTO codes and offices in Tamil Nadu:

TN RTOs	RTO Code
(CENTRAL)	TN01
RTO,CHENNAI(NORTH WEST)	TN02
RTO,CHENNAI(NORTH EAST)	TN03
RTO, CHENNAI (EAST)	TN04
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, CHENNAI (NORTH)	TN05
RTO CHENNAI(SOUTH-EAST)	TN06
RTO CHENNAI(SOUTH)	TN07
RTO, Chennai West.	TN09
RTO CHENNAI(SOUTH-WEST)	TN10
RTO TAMBARAM	TN11
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, PARUTHIPATTU	TN12
RTO, AMBATTUR	TN13
RTO, SHOLINGANALLUR	TN14
RTO, Ulundurpet	TN15
RTO, Kalakurichi	TN15M
RTO, Tindivanam & Enforcement wing.	TN16
RTO, REDHILLS	TN18
RTO CHENGALPATTU	TN19
RTO, THIRUVALLUR	TN20
RTO KANCHIPURAM	TN21
RTO MEENAMBAKKAM	TN22
Regional Transport Office, Vellore	TN23
RTO KRISHNAGIRI	TN24
RTO, Tiruvannamalai	TN25
RTO NAMAKKAL (NORTH)	TN28
RTO DHARMAPURI	TN29
RTO,SALEM(WEST)	TN30
RTO, Cuddalore	TN31
RTO, Viluppuram	TN32
RTO, ERODE EAST	TN33
RTO Tiruchengode	TN34
RTO GOBI	TN36
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, COIMBATORE (SOUTH)	TN37
RTO COIMBATORE NORTH	TN38
Regional Transport Office, Tirupur North	TN39
METTUPALAYAM	TN40
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, POLLACHI	TN41
Regional Transport Office, Tirupur South	TN42
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, OOTY	TN43
RTO, TRICHY WEST	TN45
RTO, PERAMBALUR	TN46
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, KARUR	TN47
RTO-SRIRANGAM	TN48
RTO Thanjavur	TN49
RTO Tiruvarur	TN50
RTO Nagapattinam	TN51
SANKAGIRI	TN52
RTO,SALEM(EAST)	TN54
RTO Pudukkottai	TN55
RTO PERUNDURAI	TN56
RTO Dindigul	TN57
RTO Madurai(South)	TN58
RTO Madurai (North)	TN59
RTO Theni	TN60
RTO ARIYALUR	TN61
RTO. SIVAGANGAI	TN63
RTO Madurai (Central)	TN64
RTO, RAMANATHAPURAM	TN65
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, COIMBATORE (CENTRAL)	TN66
RTO, VIRUDHUNAGAR	TN67
RTO Kumbakonam	TN68
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, TUTICORIN	TN69
RTO HOSUR	TN70
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, TIRUNELVELI	TN72
Regional Transport Office, Ranipet	TN73
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, NAGERCOIL	TN74
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, MARTHANDAM	TN75
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, TENKASI	TN76
RTO, ATTUR	TN77
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, DHARAPURAM	TN78
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, SANKARANKOVIL	TN79
RTO, TRICHY(EAST)	TN81
RTO Mayiladuthurai	TN82
Regional Transport Office,Vaniyambadi	TN83
Regional Transport Office,Tirupattur	TN83M
RTO, SRIVILLIPUTTUR	TN84
Rto Kundrathur	TN85
RTO ERODE WEST	TN86
SRIPERUMBUDUR	TN87
RTO NAMAKKAL SOUTH	TN88
RTO,SALEM(SOUTH)	TN90
RTO, Chidhambram	TN91
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE, THIRUCHENDUR	TN92
METTUR	TN93
RTO Palani	TN94
RTO, SIVAKASI	TN95
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE,KOVILPATTI	TN96
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE,ARANI	TN97
REGIONAL TRANSPORT OFFICE,COIMBATORE (WEST)	TN99

Key Services Offered by Tamil Nadu RTO

The Regional Transport Offices across Tamil Nadu provide a wide range of services to vehicle owners, drivers and other stakeholders in the transportation ecosystem:

Vehicle Registration and Certification

Fresh registration - For newly purchased vehicles
Temporary registration - For vehicles brought from other states
Renewal of registration - Upon expiry of the 15-year validity period
Duplicate RC book - In case of loss or damage of original
Transfer of ownership - Upon sale of vehicle to another party
Change of address in RC book
Termination of vehicle loan hypothecation
Alteration of vehicle - Approval for modifications
issuing Certificates of Fitness - Upon passing fitness inspection
Vehicle scrapping and deregistration - For end-of-life vehicles
Trade certificate registration - For dealers buying and selling vehicles

Driving Licenses and Permits

Learner's license - For novice drivers
Permanent driving license - Valid for 20 years
Driving license renewal upon expiry
Duplicate driving license in case of loss or damage
Additional vehicle class authorization
Conductor license - For public bus drivers
Change of address/name in license
Temporary permits - For learners
International driving permit - For driving overseas
Driver training authorization - For driving schools

Permits and Clearances for Transport Vehicles

Stage Carriage permits - For buses plying on approved routes
Contract Carriage permits - For private charter buses
Private Service Vehicle permits - For company transport
National permits - For inter-state cargo movement
Goods Carriage permits - For goods transport vehicles
Temporary permits - For trips to other states
Tourist Vehicle permits - For tourist buses/cabs
Taxi permits - For registered taxis
Max weight clearance - For overloaded consignments
NOC for vehicle transfers - No objection certificate

Other Services

Collection of motor vehicle taxes
Collection of fees for services
Vehicle fitness testing and inspection
Trade Certificate registration - For dealers
Records maintenance and information services
Pollution under Control Certificates
Authorization of automated testing centers
Setting up Inspection & Certification centers
Advisories on enforcement of regulations

Charges and Fees for RTO Services in Tamil Nadu

The RTO levies a rational fee structure for services provided to vehicle owners and drivers. Here are some of the key charges applicable:

Category	Fees
Learner license	Rs 100 for 3 years
Permanent DL	Rs 400 for 20 years validity
DL renewal	Rs 500 for 5 years
Duplicate DL	Rs 200
Registration fee	Rs 300 (two-wheelers), Rs 600 (four-wheelers)
Temporary Registration	Rs 300 valid for 1 month
RC renewal	Rs 600 for 5 year
Duplicate RC	Rs 100
Fitness certification	Rs 100 per 2 years
Transfer ownership charge	Rs 50

Process for Vehicle Registration in Tamil Nadu RTO

Follow these steps to register your new or old vehicle with the Tamil Nadu RTO:

Step 1: Obtain Application for Registration Form 20 Form 20 is the application form for vehicle registration which captures details like:

Category (transport, personal)
Fuel type
Vehicle manufacturer and model
Engine and chassis numbers
Vehicle invoice value
Vehicle Insurance details
Vehicle purchase details It is available online or at RTO offices across Tamil Nadu.

Step 2: Fill Application Form 20 with Accurate Vehicle and Owner Details Provide details like correct chassis/engine numbers, vehicle invoice issuer, engine power etc. accurately to avoid problems later. Enter the 17-character VIN accurately as engraved on the chassis.

Step 3: Submit Filled Form 20 Along With Supporting Documents Some key documents required along with Form 20 include:

PAN Card copy
ID and address proof
Vehicle invoice from the dealer/seller
Valid insurance certificate
Road-worthiness certificate from an authorized RTO dealer

Emission test certificate from approved centre

Step 4: Pay Applicable Registration Fees and Taxes Visit RTO to pay fees and taxes including:

Registration fees
Road/goods tax
Fee for temporary registration number
Fee for trade certificate if buying from dealer Taxes are calculated based on vehicle invoice value, category, fuel type etc.

Step 5: Get Vehicle Physically Inspected at RTO Premises On the allotted date, take the vehicle to the RTO for inspection. The RTO inspector will:

Verify chassis/engine numbers
Check critical functional and safety components
Look for any unauthorized modifications or manipulations
Assign chassis/engine numbers if not engraved

Step 6: Collect Registration Certificate (RC Book) If all documents are in order and inspection is satisfactory, you will receive the RC book with registration number within 1-2 weeks through post or collection at the RTO office.

Step 7: Get High-Security Number Plates Installed RC books must be accompanied by government-approved high-security plates with registration number as per design, color and dimension regulations.

How to Get Driving Licence from Tamil Nadu RTO?

Listed below are the steps you need to follow to get TN RTO:

Visit the official website of Tamil Nadu State Government
Fill the driving licence application form and submit the required documents
Choose a slot for driving licence test
The RTO officer will supervise the driving licence test
Once the applicant completes the test, driving licence will be sent to the registered address

Role of Motor Vehicle Inspectors in Tamil Nadu RTO

Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) play a crucial role in the functioning of Tamil Nadu RTOs. They have the following key responsibilities:

Overseeing vehicle fitness inspections at authorized testing centers
Conducting on-road checks of vehicles for compliance
Physically verifying stenciled chassis/engine numbers during registration
Certifying new registrations after vehicle inspection
Issuing fitness certificates, Pollution Under Control Certificates
Evaluating applications for vehicle modifications
Inspecting vehicles involved in serious accidents
Detecting cases of unauthorized vehicle alterations
Facilitating issuance of transport permits for commercial vehicles
Supporting enforcement drives against overloaded goods carriers

MVIs need to constantly update technical knowledge through training on latest vehicle technologies, inspection procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions on Tamil Nadu Regional Transport Office

Which is TN 38 district?

TN 38 represents the North Coimbatore Office.

Does RTO Chennai fall under RTO Tamil Nadu?

Yes, RTO Chennai falls under RTO Tamil Nadu.

Q: How many RTO offices are present in Tamil Nadu?

A: Tamil Nadu has over 90 regional and sub-regional RTO offices spread across all its 32 districts.

Q: What documents do I need when transferring ownership of my car in Tamil Nadu?

A: You need the original RC book, insurance papers, NOC from financier, signed transfer forms, address proof, transfer fee payment receipt and signatures of both parties on Forms 29 and 30.

Q: What is the penalty for driving in Tamil Nadu with an expired vehicle registration?

A: Driving a vehicle in Tamil Nadu without renewing its expired registration can attract a minimum penalty between ₹2000 - ₹5000. The vehicle may also be impounded.

Q: How do I get a duplicate registration certificate (RC) if the original is lost?

A: You can obtain a duplicate RC book in Tamil Nadu by submitting an FIR copy of the document loss along with prescribed fees to the RTO. The fees for a duplicate RC is ₹100.

Q: What is the maximum validity period of a permanent driving license issued in Tamil Nadu?

A: Like other states, the permanent driving licenses issued by Tamil Nadu RTO are uniformly valid for 20 years from the date of issue before requiring renewal.

Q: Is PUC certificate mandatory during renewal of old vehicles in Tamil Nadu?

A: Yes, a valid PUC certificate from an authorized test center is mandatory across Tamil Nadu for renewing the fitness certificates of old vehicles due for registration.

Q: How can I check if a vehicle is registered in Tamil Nadu?

A: You can instantly check Tamil Nadu registration details of any vehicle using its registration number on the Parivahan portal, Vahan database or mParivahan app.