Transportation is one of the key components of our lives which makes our mobility easier and lives convenient and it is possible due to Vehicle Registration Certificate. Vehicle registration is one of the most important documents that a vehicle owner is required to have to successfully drive on the road without any legal complications or penalties.
Read the article to learn about the details of the Vehicle Registration Certificate ranging from its application to renewal.
Overview
Below is a table that summarises all the significant details about a vehicle’s RC that one should know about.
| Name of the certificate | Registration Certificate (RC) |
|---|
| Issued by | Regional Transport Office |
| Purpose | For driving legally and conduct various vehicle-related functionw like insurance, resale, etc. |
| For | All types of vehicles |
| Application Process | Online/Offline |
What Is A Vehicle Registration Certificate?
A Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) is an official government document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The document is proof that your vehicle is registered under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Every vehicle owner must apply for an RC to drive freely and legally on the road.
Features
There are several features of a vehicle registartion RC that make owning and driving a vehicle legal and safe. Some of its major features are described below in brief:
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All the necessary information about the vehicle is in the RC such as the vehicle’s engine number, geographical limits, and the details of the vehicle owner.
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RC is valid for a maximum period of 15 years from the date it has been issued. After which, vehicle owners are required to renew their RCs for an additional period of 5 years.
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The authorities have provided a provision for temporary Registration Certificates too. Please note that the temporary RCs are valid only for a month.
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A Driving Registration Certificate is issued in the form of smart cards for easier, tech-friendly, and efficient use.
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Benefits Of Vehicle Registration
A Vehicle RC has many benefits that makes it more appealing for the people rather than a mandatory thing. Some of the its benefits are laid down below in detailed points:
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Vehicle RC helps people in smoothly buying a second-hand vehicle or in selling their own.
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To transfer the ownership of a vehicle, one of the mandated documents is the Registration Certificate of the vehicle.
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RC of vehicles allow people to apply for loans easily and quickly without many legall complications.
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As it is a mandatory legal requirement, it is compulsory for everyone with vehicles to have its RC to avoid any legal consequences as well.
Eligibility Criteria
Vehicle owners are required to fulfil the eligibility criteria to apply for a Vehicle’s RC. The eligibility criteria is as follows:
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Individuals must own a vehicle.
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A valid address proof is a must.
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Vehicle owner should be at least 18 years old.
How To Apply For A Vehicle Registration Certificate Online?
One can apply for a Driving Registration Certificate in two ways, one by visiting the RTO office or the other by contacting the car dealer. Both ways are mentioned below:
1. Through RTO
Step 1: Please visit the nearest RTO office with the vehicle.
Step 2: Let the authorities check your vehicle’s condition and note its important details like engine number.
Step 3: Fill out the RC application form (form 20) and attach the supporting documents.
Step 4: Complete the payment of the registration fee and successfully finish applying for an RC.
2. Through Car Dealer
Some car dealers are authorised by the government to apply for an RC on behalf of a vehicle owner. Please check with your car dealer if they are authorised or not, and if they are, they will do it for you. However, please double-check the authenticity of your car dealer’s trade certificate to avoid any scams or fraudulent activities.
What Are The Required Documents For Vehicle Registration?
To successfully apply for an RC, one needs to submit some supporting documents. The list of those documents is as follows:
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Aadhaar card
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Proof of residence
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PAN card
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Vehicle purchase invoice
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Vehicle insurance
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Temporary Registration
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Receipt of registration fee
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Form 22 and 22-A (vehicle roadworthiness certificate issued by the car manufacturer)
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Form 21 (sales certificate issued by the car dealer)
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Form 34 if applicable (vehicle purchased under hire purchase scheme)
How To Renew A Vehicle Registration Certificate Online?
People who need to renew their Driving Registration Certificate can do so through both, online and offline platforms. Please confirm that you’re applying for the renewal at least 60 days before the expiration of your RC.
Offline Procedure
Step 1: Please visit the nearest RTO office with the vehicle.
Step 2: Request Form 25, fill it out, and attach the supporting documents.
Step 3: Schedule an appointment with the RTO for vehicle inspection and visit the office on the given date.
Step 4: Please complete the payment of the renewal fee for the successful submission of the renewal application.
Online Procedure
Step 1: Please visit the official website of Parivahan.
Step 2: Click on ‘Vehicle Services’ and then navigate to the ‘Vehicle Related Services’.
Step 3: Select your state of residence.
Step 4: Click on the ‘Renewal of registration’ option.
Step 5: Fill in your registration number and pay the application fee.
Documents Required For RC Renewal
There are some documents that people submit while applying for renewal of an RC. Major supporting documents that needed to be submitted are:
How to Download A Vehicle Registration Certificate?
After applying for a Vehicle RC, people can download it through the online portal. The process is written below in points:
Step 1: Please visit the official site of DigiLocker and sign in using your credentials.
Step 2: Click on ‘Issued Documents’.
Step 3: Select ‘Registration of Vehicles’, enter the details of your vehicle, and download your RC from the portal.
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How To Apply For A Duplicate RC?
An individual can apply for a duplicate RC if their old RC was lost or damaged. A very simple process needs to be followed:
Step 1: Please lodge an FIR regarding the lost RC.
Step 2: Visit RTO and fill out the form to apply for a duplicate RC and attach the supporting documents.
Step 3: Please complete the payment of the renewal fee for the successful submission of the application for duplicate RC.
Documents Required For Duplicate RC
People who lost or damaged their old RC are required to submit some documents to complete their application such as:
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Copy of the FIR
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Proof of residence
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Challan clearance certificate
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Valid certificate of car insurance
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Tax clearance certificates
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PAN card or Form 60/61
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Signature proof
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Affidavit concerning lost RC
How To Change The Details Mentioned On The Vehicle RC?
Vehicle owners can change their Vehicle Registration Certificate. All they need to do is go through the stepwise process laid down for both, online and offline procedures.
Online Procedure
Step 1: Please visit the official website of Parivahan.
Step 2: Click on ‘Vehicle Services’ and then navigate to the ‘Permit Related Services’.
Step 3: Fill in your RC number.
Step 4: Navigate to the ‘Basic Services’ and fill in the last 5 digits of your vehicle’s chassis number.
Step 5: Click on ‘Validate Chassis Number’ and complete verification by OTP.
Step 6: A drop-down list will appear on your screen from which you can select the kind of information to be updated.
Step 7: Make the changes, pay the fee, and upload any documents, if any.
Step 8: Schedule an appointment with the RTO and keep the receipt safe.
Offline Procedure
Step 1: Please visit the nearest RTO.
Step 2: Request an application form (33), attach the supporting documents, and pay the fee.
Step 3: The RTO authority will verify your application and then approve the changes based on verification.
Documents Required To Do Corrections In The RC
Individuals who want to make corrections in their RC can do so but only by submitting some documents as well:
How To Surrender The RC?
Vehicle owners can surrender their RCs through both, online and offline measures. Both the processes are as follows:
Online Procedure
Step 1: Please visit the official website of Parivahan.
Step 2: Click on ‘Vehicle Services’ and then navigate to the ‘Permit Related Services’.
Step 3: Fill in your RC number.
Step 4: Navigate to the ‘Online Services’ and then select ‘RC Surrender’.
Step 5: Complete verification through OTP generation.
Step 6: Please pay the fees and schedule an appointment with the RTO for further processing.
Offline Procedure
Step 1: Please collect the hypothecation documents from the financier.
Step 2: Visit RTO and fill out the form to apply for surrendering RC and attach the supporting documents along with the hypothecation cancellation document.
Step 3: Pay the application fee and wait for further approvals.
Why Is It Important To Get An RC?
Getting an RC is not optional, it is a legal mandate that every vehicle owner is required to do to drive their vehicles freely on the road. The costs associated with RCs are minimal and necessary for safe commutes. We request you apply for an RC as a responsible citizen and drive freely and legally.
Conclusion
The Vehicle Registration Certificate is one of the most important documents that a vehicle owner is mandated to have and carry every day while driving (either hard copy or soft copy). It is not only a legal requirement but a moral one as well for the safety of all.
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