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As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is mandatory to register a new bike with the RTO (Regional Transport Office). If you have recently bought a new bike, you can either visit the nearest RTO office directly or opt to carry out the new bike registration online. Even if you do choose the online bike registration process, you may have to physically visit the RTO office for certain procedures. At the RTO, inspectors may inspect and verify the vehicle and then allot a registration number to your new bike. You can even check the new vehicle’s number online on the Vahan portal.
There are various types of number plates in India, each indicating a specific purpose:
White plate with black letters: Used for privately owned, non-commercial bikes.
Yellow plate with black letters: Reserved for bikes used for commercial purposes like delivery or transport services.
Green plate with white letters: Allotted to EV motorcycle registration, electric two-wheelers, indicating eco-friendly status.
Black plate with yellow letters: Issued to rental or self-drive bikes operated by aggregators.
Red plate with white letters: Temporary registration provided by dealers until permanent registration is completed.
This classification helps traffic authorities and users identify vehicle type and usage at a glance.
To register your new bike, visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) under whose jurisdiction your bike dealership falls. The 2 wheeler registration ensures your bike ownership is legally recorded, and a smart card-based Registration Certificate (RC) is issued for road use across India.
Visit the RTO with your new bike and the purchase invoice
Submit all required RTO forms (Form 20, 21, 22/22A, 34) and other documents
Present your bike for physical inspection by the vehicle inspector
Provide proof of insurance, PUCC (Pollution Under Control Certificate), Temporary Registration Certificate from the RTO, and address proof (like Aadhaar card or utility bill)
Pay the RTO charges for new bike registration like new bike registration fee, hypothecation charges (if applicable), and collect the fee receipt
Once verified, you’ll receive your smart card RC at your mailing address or the RTO
You can also track the registration status using the VAHAN portal, a centralised vehicle database managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Here is a breakdown of the typical charges you can expect when registering a new bike:
Component |
Fee |
Description |
|---|---|---|
New Bike registration fees |
₹300 |
Basic fee for registering the new two-wheeler with the RTO. |
Smart Card Issuance |
₹200 |
Cost for issuing the smart card-based Registration Certificate (RC). |
Hypothecation Charges (if any) |
₹1,500 |
Applicable if the vehicle is under a loan and needs hypothecation entry. |
These charges may vary slightly across states or union territories. Additional fees may apply for optional services such as fast-track RTO processing or address change.
The following official forms are mandatory for registering your bike at the RTO:
Form 20 – Application for Registration
This is the primary application form that includes owner details, vehicle information, insurance details, and declaration. It is the starting point for initiating the registration process.
Form 21 – Sale Certificate from Dealer
Issued by the authorised bike dealership, this certifies that the sale of the two-wheeler is legitimate and complies with transport regulations. It includes the dealer’s name, address, and vehicle details.
Form 22/22A – Roadworthiness Certificate from Manufacturer
Provided by the manufacturer or authorised dealer, this form certifies that the vehicle is fit to be driven on roads and complies with emission and safety norms.
Form 34 – Hypothecation Agreement
If the vehicle is financed via a loan, this form mentions the financier's details and is necessary to record the hypothecation in the RC.
Ensure all forms are duly filled and signed. Any discrepancy in form details may delay the registration approval.
Here is the complete list of bike registration documents required along with registration forms for the new bike registration process:
Roadworthiness certificate from the manufacturer
Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC) from the dealer
Temporary Registration Certificate from the RTO
Purchase invoice of the dealer and the manufacturer
Form 34, in case the bike is financed through a lender
Engine and Chassis number print by pencil sketch
Address proof (Copy of Driving Licence/Passport/Voter’s ID/Utility bill)
Age proof (Copy of Driving Licence/Passport/Voter’s ID)
Copy of PAN card/Form 34
Passport size photographs
If you want to check the new bike’s number plate process online, you can follow the steps mentioned below:
Visit the VAHAN portal launched by the Government of India
Log in to your account using your registered mobile number and password
Enter the application number and verification code
Click on ‘View Report’
Your application status will be displayed on the screen
If you lose your Registration Certificate or RC by chance, you can get a duplicate copy of the same. Follow the steps mentioned below for duplicate RC issuance.
Visit the Parivahan web portal launched by the Government of India.
From the top menu bar, click on ‘Online Services’.
Choose ‘Vehicle Related Services’ from the dropdown menu.
Select the state name from the list available.
Enter the vehicle registration number, select RTO and click on ‘Proceed’.
From the new window, click on ‘Services’ and select ‘RC Related Services' from the dropdown menu.
Choose ‘Apply for Duplicate RC’.
Now, enter the last 5 digits of the Chassis number and click on ‘Validate’.
On the new window, enter your mobile number and generate an OTP.
Type in the OTP received and select ‘Show Details’ on the screen.
Tick on specific ‘Application Selection’.
Fill in all the required details and choose the payment option.
Once the payment is done, you can take a printout of the fee receipt.
Visit your RTO with this fee receipt and other necessary documents to get the duplicate RC.
Read More: How to Apply for Duplicate RC
Renewing your vehicle's Registration Certificate (RC) is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with road safety laws. The renewal is typically required after 15 years of first registration and every 5 years thereafter.
In India, the initial Registration Certificate (RC) for private two-wheelers is valid for 15 years. Upon completion of this period, it is mandatory to renew the RC to continue using the vehicle legally on public roads.
Submit Form 25 at your local RTO.
Present the original RC, insurance certificate, and PUC.
The bike must undergo a thorough fitness inspection to assess roadworthiness.
Pay the renewal fee, and obtain a receipt.
On successful verification, a renewed smart card RC is issued for 5 years.
After the first renewal at 15 years, the RC must be renewed every 5 years thereafter. The process remains similar but may include stricter inspection norms depending on state-specific regulations.
Note: States like Delhi have restricted the renewal of petrol and diesel two-wheelers beyond 15 years under air quality regulations. Always check with your local RTO for compliance.
Keep ready the following documents required for bike registration when applying for RC renewal:
Duly filled Form 25 (Application for renewal)
Original Registration Certificate (RC)
Valid insurance certificate
Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
Address proof (Aadhaar card, utility bill, passport, etc.)
PAN card or Form 60 (for non-PAN holders)
Renewal fee receipt
Fitness certificate (mandatory for commercial vehicles only)
Updated Form 25
Recent fitness certificate from the RTO
Valid insurance and PUC
Original RC and address proof
Applicable renewal fee receipt
Registering your bike through the RTO ensures your vehicle complies with legal and safety norms. If you're yet to purchase a bike, consider exploring bike loans to make the process seamless and affordable.
No, you cannot drive a new bike on Indian roads without registration. It is a punishable offence under Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
You have to apply for RC renewal after 15 years. Post this period, it has to be renewed after every 5 years.
You will have to pay an additional fee for the delay apart from the RC renewal fee. This is charged at ₹300 per delayed month for a motorcycle owner and ₹500 for those who own other non-transport vehicles.
The RTO charges for new bike registration is ₹300.
Once you register your vehicle with the RTO, the validity of the registration lasts for 15 years.
Through the Parivahan portal, you can apply for a duplicate RC if you have lost or misplaced the original RC.
The temporary registration number of bike is valid for up to 30 days.
Yes, as per the Motor Vehicle Act it is mandatory to carry your RC when you are driving your vehicle. In case you are asked by a traffic police personnel, the RC has to be presented.
Yes, you may use a vehicle that is older than 15 years. However, it is necessary for you to register your vehicle once again to be able to do so.
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