Quick Answer: A duplicate RC (Registration Certificate) plastic card costs about ₹150 for a two-wheeler and ₹300 for a car under Rule 81, plus roughly ₹200 for the smart card, so most owners pay ₹350 to ₹500 in total. You apply online on the Parivahan portal using Form 26.
Your lost, damaged, or stolen RC can now be replaced using a plastic card. The RC is an indication of your vehicle's registration with the government which can make you subject to various fines if you happen to be driving without it. This guide outlines the details concerning the duplication of an RC along with the cost, needed papers, and procedures for applying for the duplicate registration certificate online.
Overview: Duplicate RC at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Document | Duplicate Registration Certificate (RC) plastic card |
| Issuing authority | Regional Transport Office (RTO), under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways |
| Who can apply | Registered owner whose RC is lost, stolen, torn or defaced |
| Application form | Form 26 |
| Statutory fee | ₹150 (two-wheeler), ₹300 (car), plus about ₹200 smart-card fee |
| Mode | Online on Parivahan, then RTO verification |
| Delivery time | Usually 2 to 3 weeks by post |
What Is a Duplicate RC and When Do You Need One?
A duplicate Registration Certificate means the new Registration Certificate which is printed by the RTO after the original Registration Certificate is either destroyed or lost. The duplicate Registration Certificate process is not a new registration but rather a replacement of the original RC as it only has the same vehicle and registration details as the original Registration Certificate. The duplicate Registration Certificate process should not be confused with the process of ownership transfer, which is a different procedure that one can read and learn about further in the RC transfer process guide.
When should you apply for a duplicate RC?
You should apply for a duplicate when the certificate is:
- Lost or stolen (you will need a police report first).
- Torn, soiled or defaced so the details are hard to read.
- Damaged in a way that makes it unfit to produce at a check.
Do you still need valid insurance and pollution papers?
In order to drive, your vehicle should be registered and have an insurance policy. You must also own a pollution certificate.
How Much Does a Duplicate RC Cost in 2026?
A duplicate of the registration certificate (RC) will cost roughly ₹150 for two-wheelers and ₹300 for four-wheelers in 2026. The principal India government charge is stated in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, in Rule 81, which is half the amount of the registration charge. Additionally, some states charge their own printing charges to issue smart cards, which are approximately ₹200, so the amount paid will be around ₹350 to ₹500 in total.
| Vehicle type | Statutory duplicate fee | Smart-card fee | Typical total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-wheeler (motorcycle) | ₹150 | around ₹200 | around ₹350 |
| Car (light motor vehicle) | ₹300 | around ₹200 | around ₹500 |
Can the duplicate RC cost vary by state?
There might be a slight impact on the total cost from minor state fees, delivery charges, and taxes. A late fee might be charged if your RC is expired. Make sure to confirm the amount via the Parivahan portal prior to payment because smart card fees and the delivery fee may vary depending on the state transport authorities.
What Is the Cheapest Duplicate RC Service in Mumbai?
The easiest and cheapest method to get duplicate RC in Mumbai is to use the Parivahan portal and pay the requisite government fees. The Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Maharashtra use a single central rate in accordance with rule 81. So, a car would cost about ₹300 plus ₹200 for the smart card and a two-wheeler would add up to ₹350. No authorized agency can charge less than the fees charged by the government. Private agents charge an extra amount and take the government fees just for submitting the form for you. However, if you need support without expending any extra amount, the guided duplicate RC plastic card service walks you through the same official process.
What Documents Do You Need for a Duplicate RC?
You will have to submit Form 26 along with the supporting evidence for the losses incurred and having the relevant documentation for the vehicle on the Form. The main requirement of submitting Form 26 is the same everywhere but there can be certain modifications and variations depending upon RTO requirements.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Form 26 (signed) | The formal application for a duplicate RC |
| Police report or FIR | Required only if the RC is lost or stolen |
| Original damaged RC | Enclosed instead of a police report if torn or defaced |
| Valid insurance certificate | Proof the vehicle is insured |
| Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate | Proof of a valid emission test |
| Address proof and PAN or Form 60 | Identity and address verification |
| Chassis and engine pencil impression | Confirms vehicle identity at the RTO |
Where do you get Form 26 and the document list?
Users can see the application form for duplicate RC, along with the important documents that must be submitted in support of the forms on Form 26 page of the Parivahan online site.
How Do You Apply for a Duplicate RC Online?
If you want to create a copy of your Registration Certificate (RC), just head over to the Vahan portal and select the appropriate RTO. Once that's done, you can simply follow the steps detailed hereafter:
- File a police report if the RC is lost or stolen, and keep a copy.
- Open the Parivahan Vahan citizen services portal and select your state and RTO.
- Choose "Apply for Duplicate RC" and enter your registration and chassis number.
- Fill Form 26 with your vehicle details and the reason for the request.
- Upload the documents listed above, including the police report or the damaged RC.
- Pay the fee online and note down the application number.
- Visit the RTO on the given date for signature and document verification, if asked.
What happens after the RTO approves your request?
Once your application gets approved by the RTO, your plastic card will be prepared and delivered to the specified address.
How Long Does a Duplicate RC Take to Arrive?
Once your application is accepted, you will probably receive your RC within two or three weeks. Still, the timing may also be influenced by other factors such as the activities at your local RTO office, including that of the post office in your area. You can check the status of your application using the application number which you received in the acknowledgment. In case you don't get your RC within one month, you should get in touch with your RTO office. During this time, it is a good idea to keep the acknowledgment receipt in your vehicle and you can even download your RC details electronically.
What If Your RC Was a Smart-Card Type?
If you already have the smart card RC, you will receive the duplicate in the same style as before meaning the same application process applies to get this issued. The smart card is a type of PVC card that has a microchip embedded into it. This has made it possible to do away with the traditional paper RC and thus you will have to pay an additional fee of ₹200 to get the card printed in addition to paying any other fees applicable for getting RC issued. In case you are still using the old paper RC, the RTO will issue the smart card RC as the duplicate. Please refer to the vehicle Registration Certificate guide for further information.
