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If you're in India and planning to buy a used bike, the most crucial step is completing the two-wheeler ownership transfer online or offline through your local RTO. This transfer, handled at your local Regional Transport Office (RTO), is essential for everything from getting new insurance for your second-hand vehicle to avoiding future legal issues. The following sections will guide you through this important process.
Whether you're selling or buying a scooter or bike, it's important to understand how to transfer bike ownership correctly. The process officially updates the vehicle's records at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) with the new owner's details. This isn't just paperwork. It's crucial for the new owner to get valid insurance, protecting them financially.
It's equally important for the seller. A proper transfer frees them from any future responsibility for the vehicle, like accidents or traffic tickets. Both the buyer and seller must follow RTO rules carefully. The bike ownership transfer process can be done both online and offline, and it requires accurate submission of documentation.Doing so ensures a smooth and legal change of ownership.
Knowing how to change ownership of a bike is especially important when you inherit or receive the vehicle as a gift. It ensures the vehicle’s legal status is updated and liabilities shift correctly. Beyond sales, it's also crucial when ownership changes due to the death of the registered owner (transfer to legal heir), acquisition through auction, or even if the bike is given as a gift. Completing this transfer within specified timelines is essential to establish legal ownership for the buyer, clear the seller from future responsibilities, and maintain compliance with motor vehicle laws.
The bike ownership transfer cost includes processing, smart card, and sometimes hypothecation removal charges. Your bike owner transfer charges will depend on factors such as whether the vehicle is under finance or being moved inter-state.
RTO Charges
The bike transfer fees that RTOs levy are quite affordable, ranging from just ₹30-35 depending on the state where you take the transfer.
Smart Card Charges
Nowadays, RTOs all over the country are providing registration certificates in the form of a smart card. The charges for the smart card are set at Rs. 200.
Processing Fee
Expect a standard RTO processing fee ranging from ₹150 to ₹500 for the ownership transfer depending on state/vehicle class.
Road Tax (Inter-state)
If the bike is moved to a new state, an additional road tax will apply, calculated based on its age, model, and the new state's specific regulations.
Hypothecation Removal Charges
If the bike was financed, removing the hypothecation (the lender's claim on the vehicle) is a necessary part of the transfer process and might involve an additional fee. It's wise to confirm the exact amount with your RTO or a professional to avoid unexpected costs.
It is extremely important to be aware of the list of documents that you need to submit to initiate the bike ownership transfer. To avoid delays, always verify your bike ownership transfer form requirements at your local RTO. This will not only speed up the process, but will also reduce the chances of rejection. Check out the list of the required documents below:
Registration Certificate (RC)
Every vehicle is required to be registered with an RTO, which would provide the owner with a Registration Certificate (RC). The RC comprises several details regarding the owner and the vehicle in question.
Pollution Certificate (PUC)
As the name itself signifies, a Pollution Certificate is a document that certifies that the bike meets all the emissions and pollution control criteria laid out by the transport authorities.
Insurance Certificate
Every vehicle is mandatorily required to possess a valid insurance policy as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. An insurance certificate is a mandatory document that you should produce to be able to effect the bike ownership transfer.
Sales Receipt
When you purchase a used bike, the seller is required to give you a sales receipt specifying the bike transfer price. It is a signed document that acts as a confirmation of the sale.
Proof of Identity
You would also have to submit a copy of your identity proof. This can be anything from your PAN card or Aadhaar card to your driving licence or passport.
Proof of Address
You will also need to provide proof of your address. Your Aadhaar card, passport, electricity bill, and utility bill are all accepted address proofs.
Road Tax Certificate
A road tax certificate is a document that serves as proof of road tax payment and needs to be submitted along with the other documents.
Form 28
In the case of inter-state bike ownership transfers, you would have to produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Form 28 from the RTO of the state from which you wish to transfer the bike.
Form 29
Two copies of Form 29, which is essentially a notice of the transfer of ownership of the bike, have to be submitted with the RTO.
Form 30
And finally, another two copies of Form 30, which acts as a confirmation of Form 29, are also required to be submitted.
Passport-size photographs
Provide passport-size photographs that need to be submitted.
No-Objection Certificate
An NOC from the original RTO is required if the transfer is carried out to another state.
In the case of the death of a bike’s owner, the legal heir is supposed to transfer the bike onto his name. Here’s a quick look at the additional documents that you would have to submit along with the ones above to effect the bike ownership transfer.
Death certificate of the owner of the bike
Form 30 and 31, duly signed by the transferee
Succession certificate
No Objection Certificate
Self-attested copy of the bike insurance policy
Copy of the transferee’s PAN card or Form 60
Seller’s signature identification
Vehicle verification on Form 20
The bike ownership transfer online process is simple and user-friendly through the Parivahan portal. If you’re wondering how to transfer bike ownership online, the necessary steps are given below-
STEP 1: Begin by navigating to the official Parivahan Sewa website- https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in
STEP 2: Select the ‘Online Service’ option to proceed with vehicle-related transactions
STEP 3: Choose the state where you currently reside or where the vehicle is registered to continue
STEP 4: Provide the bike's latest Registration Number as prompted.
STEP 5: From the available services, choose the ‘Ownership Transfer’ option.
STEP 6: Input your phone number and the bike's chassis number for identification.
STEP 7: A One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your registered mobile device for security verification. Enter the received OTP accurately to finalise the verification process.
STEP 8: Click ‘Show Details’ to view and confirm the bike's information.
STEP 9: Proceed to make the required online payment for the transfer fee.
STEP 10: Download and save the payment receipt for your records and future reference.
Transferring bike ownership offline is a simple, direct process. Here's a quick overview of the steps involved:
STEP 1: Download or collect the specific application forms required for the ownership transfer (e.g., Form 29, Form 30).
STEP 2: Fill out all sections of the application forms accurately and thoroughly.
STEP 3: Personally submit the completed forms along with all other mandatory documents (like the original RC, insurance, ID/address proofs, etc.) to the relevant Regional Transport Office (RTO).
STEP 4: Immediately make the required ownership transfer fee payment at the RTO counter.
STEP 5: Upon successful processing and verification, the RTO will issue the updated Registration Certificate (RC) in the new owner's name.
After the bike ownership is transferred to your name, you must also update the insurance policy.
Inform Insurer Quickly: Notify your insurer about the ownership change within 14 days, as per IRDAI guidelines. Failing to do so can result in claim rejections.
Submit Documents: You'll need to provide documents like your new bike registration (RC), the original insurance papers, your ID and address proof, and the sales receipt.
Get New Policy: Once documents are submitted, the insurer will issue a new policy certificate in your name.
Inform RTO (Optional but Recommended): It's wise to inform your RTO after receiving your new insurance policy.
Once the insurance is transferred, you can either keep the same insurer or buy a new policy when your current one expires.
The transfer of bike ownership is a critical legal step that you must do as soon as you purchase a used motorcycle or a scooter. Understanding how to change bike ownership correctly saves you from legal complications. Delaying the transfer may lead to fines or complications in claim settlement or legal liabilities, especially in case of accidents. To avoid paying extra bike ownership transfer charges, complete the procedure within the stipulated RTO timelines.
If you’re interested in purchasing a new insurance plan, simply head to Bajaj Markets’s website. Over there, you can browse through an extensive list of bike insurance providers and plans, compare them with one another, and choose the one that best fits your needs and requirements. Don’t wait any further and get started with selecting the right insurance plan!
Disclaimer: The fees and process may vary by state or union territory. Always consult your nearest RTO or visit https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Yes. Whenever you purchase a bike that’s been used by another person, you are mandatorily required to apply for the transfer of ownership immediately. Driving a bike without doing so can lead to trouble with the transport authorities.
The total bike ownership transfer charges typically range from ₹200 to ₹500 depending on your state and whether hypothecation removal or interstate transfer is involved.
Yes. The ownership of the bike can be transferred in the event of the previous owner’s death. However, only their legal heirs can initiate the process.
Yes. To be able to transfer the ownership of the bike from the seller to yourself, you would have to produce a No Objection Certificate. However, this would only have to be done if you’re transferring the bike from one state to another.
Yes. It is not enough to just transfer the ownership of a used bike that you purchase. You would also have to transfer the vehicle’s insurance plan within two weeks from the date of transfer of ownership.
No, a bike loan does not automatically transfer with ownership. The original borrower remains responsible for the loan unless it is either fully repaid or officially transferred through a bike loan balance transfer to the new owner. This requires the lender’s approval and a successful loan application by the new owner. You will also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your lender to complete the ownership transfer at the RTO.
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