RTO New Vehicle Registration Process 

As per the rules laid down in the 1988 Motor Vehicles Act, a person who desires to drive on Indian roads needs to follow certain guidelines. These include getting your vehicle insured with motor insurance such as the one available on Finserv MARKETS to protect it from any damage. However, you should get your vehicle registered at the nearest RTO on priority even before you do that.

The Road Transport Authority of India under the jurisdiction of the Central government has offices across India and is responsible for the regulation of motor vehicles plying on Indian roads. Your vehicle will be inspected and verified, after which it will be granted a unique registration number that differentiates it from others and stays the same even when you sell it to someone else. 

RTO vehicle registration procedure

Your car or bike is first registered by the dealer from whom it is purchased and later you can go for RTO online registration by yourself. Vehicle registration status is categorised as:

Temporary: This refers to the number allotted to you by the car or bike dealer which is applicable only for a short duration. During this period, you need to apply for a permanent vehicle status at the local RTO.

Permanent: Your vehicle is registered permanently with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways once you submit an application at the nearest RTO. This number cannot be changed and requires re-registration when moving from one state to another

Registering your vehicle online

The facility of RTO online registration by the government has made a new car registration process simpler, easier and convenient for everyone. All you need to do is log on to VAHAN, a one-stop portal that offers numerous services including registering new vehicles, permit renewal, fitness certificate issuance among others. Detailed information of your vehicle can also be accessed online or through SMS in case of a mishap or emergency simply by furnishing the registration number.

Applying for a vehicle registration certificate at RTO 2020

Here is how you can register your car or bike at the RTO near you and get the vehicle status

• Go to an RTO office near you with your new vehicle and fill your details in Form 20 that would be made available at the office
• After you provide the application along with necessary documents, the RTO superintendent will inspect it
• Meanwhile pay the fee for the registration and applicable tax at the  counter
• The Inspector of Motor Vehicle (IMV) will check your car or bike
• Vehicle data is keyed into the central database and verified by the RTO Superintendent
• Vehicle registration is approved by the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO)
• Smart card will be issued by the RTO office and delivered to your address as specified in the application

Forms for vehicle registration

There are various forms on the VAHAN website, so in order to avoid confusion and make your new car registration process simple, you need to understand what each of these forms imply. Let us take a look:

About temporary RTO registration number

It refers to the number issued by the shop owner at the time of purchase of the vehicle. The validity of this temporary vehicle registration status is one month during which you need to apply for a permanent number for your car or bike from the nearest RTO

Importance of permanent vehicle registration number

Once you complete your new car registration process, you will be assigned a permanent registration number by the RTO which is also visible on the nameplate of your vehicle. This unique number establishes you as the owner of the vehicle and also makes it easier to identify your car or bike on the road by viewing its chassis and engine.

Getting a customised registration number

The RTO conducts an auction to allow bidding for special numbers at the Parivahan website for those who wish to have a customised number plate. You need to choose the number out of the list and bid for the minimum price set for it. The balance amount is to be paid to the RTO if you win or else the money is refunded back to you. A person is allowed to bid for up to 5 numbers per vehicle.   

Document list for new vehicle registration

In order to upgrade your vehicle status from temporary to permanent, here are a few documents that you would need:

• Form 20 or application for new vehicle registration
• Form 21 or sales certificate, PUC Certificate, temporary registration certificate and the purchase invoice coupled with the manufacturer’s invoice from the dealer
• Form 22 or certificate of roadworthiness given by vehicle manufacturer
• Insurance Certificate or valid insurance policy document
• Address proof such as Voter ID, Aadhar, etc.
• Form 34 if you have taken a bank loan to buy the vehicle
• PAN Card copy or a filled form 60 in the absence of the form
• Your passport size photograph
• Proof of Date of birth such as Driving Licence, Passport, etc.
• A print of the chassis and engine number of your car or bike

RTO vehicle registration Fee

The applicable fee to get a permanent vehicle registration for various categories is as under:

Knowing your vehicle registration status online

Once you have completed the process of registering your vehicle at the RTO, you can check your application status easily on the VAHAN portal. Simply go to the application status section and fill in your application number. Then, click on ‘view report’ to reveal the current status.

Getting a duplicate RC

Your vehicle’s registration certificate is an important document that is to be carried at all times when driving it on the road. In case you lose your registration certificate due to any reason, you can get a duplicate one by visiting Parivahan Sewa, an online portal from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Alternatively, you can also visit the RTO where you got your vehicle registered and apply for a duplicate RC.

Documents needed for issuing a Duplicate RC

In order to get a duplicate registration certificate, you will require the following documents:

• Application Form or Form 26
• First Information Report(FIR) from the local police station
• Pollution Under Control Certificate
• Insurance Policy of your vehicle
• Address Proof such as Voter ID, Aadhaar, etc.
• Clearance Challan issued by the traffic police and enforcement wing of the Transport Department for commercial vehicles
• Tax clearance from the Accounts Department for commercial vehicles
• PAN Card or Form 60 and 61 in its absence
• Chassis and Engine number pencil sketch

The owner’s signature identification as well as an affidavit stating that the original RC is lost and not impounded may also be required as per the laws of some states.

How to get a Duplicate RC online

Follow the steps given below to receive the duplicate registration certificate for your vehicle

• Go to the Parivahan Sewa portal and click on ‘Online Services’ from the main menu
• Select ‘Vehicle Related Services’ from the dropdown menu which will direct you to a new page
• Choose your current state and then on the new page fill in your vehicle registration number
• Click on ‘Proceed’ and then choose the option ‘basic services’ which also comprises duplicate RC issuance
• Now, fill in the last 5 digits of your vehicle ‘chassis number’ and press on ‘validate registration number or chassis number’
• Enter your mobile number to ‘generate OTP’ and key in the same as sent to you
• Select the ‘show details’ tab and choose the ‘application selection’ option to fill in your details carefully
• Now choose the ‘payment gateway’ and press ‘continue’ to pay the duplicate RC fee
• Print the fee receipt once it is generated
• Assemble all the documents and visit your local RTO to get your duplicate RC

 Renewing your vehicle registration

You should try to renew your vehicle registration within 60 days of the prescribed due date of its renewal by submitting Form 25. The detailed process is as under:

• On the VAHAN website, select ‘vehicle related services’ option from the ‘Online Services’ drop-down menu on the main page
• Now, key in your vehicle registration number, and press ‘Proceed’
• Choose ‘Renewal of registration’ on the new page and fill in the last 5 digits of your vehicle’s ‘Chassis Number’
• Now press ‘Validate registration number’ and enter your mobile number
• A One Time Password (OTP) is sent on your registered mobile number. Enter it.
• Now click on ‘show details’ and check information on owner name, tax deducted, etc.
• Once you have verified these, proceed to ‘Payment’ to pay the renewal fee and update your vehicle status
• Take a print out of the fee receipt and visit your nearest RTO with necessary documents for the renewal of your vehicle RC

Vehicle registration renewal documentation

You would require the following documents to get your vehicle registration status renewed:

• Application form number 25
• Pollution Under Control Certificate
• Original vehicle registration certificate
• Vehicle Fitness Certificate
• Road tax receipts till date
• Valid vehicle insurance policy documents
• PAN Card or Form 60 and 61 in its absence
• Pencil sketch of engine and chassis number of your vehicle

Some states might also require an additional signature identification of the owner of the vehicle apart from the above documents.

Now that you know everything about the procedure of RTO online registration of your vehicle, its renewal and issuing a duplicate RC, you should also have a motor insurance plan for your two-wheeler or four-wheeler in place. A comprehensive motor insurance policy like the one available on Finserv MARKETS offers financial protection to both you and your car or bike against adverse conditions,  such as natural disasters(earthquakes, floods) as well as thefts, riots, etc.

Get your vehicle repaired at any of the network garages all over India and that too without the hassle of making a cash payment thanks to an extensive network that takes care of repairs of your vehicle. You can be assured of swift claim processing with a high claim settlement ratio coupled with the added convenience of applying for a claim online.

You can easily apply for the Motor Insurance available on Finserv MARKETS online with a few documents within minutes. Choose from a variety of add-on covers to enhance vehicle protection along with added benefits such as no claim bonus to customise your plan as per your requirements. Renew your policy online easily and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your car or bike is protected against unforeseen future events.