Driving Licence Registration Certificate (RC)
In you are the owner of a vehicle, you must know the importance of the RC card/book. The Government of India has made it mandatory to carry a copy of the RC card/book while you are driving. A Registration Certificate copy or RC is a document that proves your vehicle is registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) authorities. Nowadays, you can avail your Registration Certificate copy in the form of a Smart card.
The smart card will have the following information on it:
- Registration Number
- Registration Date
- Engine Number
- Chassis Number
- Colour of the vehicle
- Type of the vehicle
- Seating Capacity
- Model Number
How to Apply for a Vehicle RC?
Follow the steps mentioned below to apply for a Registration Certificate:
- Visit the RTO nearby.
- The officer at RTO will inspect your vehicle.
- You will have to submit a completed Form 20 at the RTO along with other required documents.
- The RTO officer will take an imprint of the vehicle chassis number.
- Pay the fee for registration.
Documents Required to Obtain a RC
You will need the below mentioned documents to get your vehicle registered:
- Form 20 (Filled up application form).
- Form 21 (Sales certificate issued by vehicle dealer).
- Form 34.
- Form 22 and 22A.
- PAN card.
- Passport size photographs.
- Vehicle invoice.
- Address proof.
How to Renew vehicle RC?
A Registration Certificate is valid for 15 years from the date of issuance. After expiry, you can apply for RC renewal and get it renewed every 5 years for as long as vehicle is deemed fit by the RTO.
Follow the steps mentioned below for RC renewal:
- Fill the required details in Form 25.
- Submit a completed Form 25 at the RTO where you had got your vehicle initially registered.
- Pay the fee.
Documents required for RC Renewal
- Form 25 for application.
- Vehicle's Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
- R.C.Book
- Vehicle Fitness certificate
- Certificate of registration*
- Documents proving the timely payment of the road tax.
- Vehicle's insurance certificate
- A copy of PAN card or Form 60 & 61 (as applicable).
- Chassis & Engine Pencil Print.
- Vehicle owner's signature identification.
But what should you do if you lose your smart card (original)? Well, do not worry or panic. As long as you know the process well, it is not difficult to get a duplicate smart card issued. You must also have all the required documents in place before you apply for the duplicate smart card.
How to Apply for Duplicate RC?
- Firstly, you need register a complaint with the police at the nearest police station. You must provide all the details about how and where exactly you lost your RC card. You must also mention the registration number of your vehicle, model, your name and address, chasis number of the vehicle, engine number, etc.
- A challan will be issued to you that says 'RC Card Lost'.
- Download Form 26 and fill it up. You will easily find this form on the official website of RTO.
- If you purchased the car or bike on loan, you will have to get the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank that gave you the money.
- A triplicate copy of Form 26 should carry the endorsement of vehicle registering authority.
- You must carry a photocopy of your vehicle insurance, emission test paper and driving licence.
- Submit all of these documents to the vehicle registering authority.
- Pay the required amount for your duplicate smart card.
Documents Required for a Duplicate RC
- Form 26 for application.
- Police certificate.
- Vehicle's PUC certificate.
- Vehicle's insurance certificate.
- Address proof.
- Challan clearance from traffic police & Enforcement wing Transport Department in case of commercial vehicles.
- Tax clearance certificate from Accounts Department in case of commercial vehicles.
- A valid copy of PAN Card or Form 60 & Form 61 (as applicable)
- Chassis & Engine Pencil Print.
- Signature Identification of owner.
- Affidavit stating that RC is lost and has not been impounded.
How to Check Pending Transactions Against My Vehicle
To check pending transactions against vehicle, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Step 1: Visit the official website
- Step 2: Select 'Status' and Select 'Check Pending Transaction'
- Step 3: Fill your Registration No., Chassis No. (Last 5 Digit) or Transaction Number
- Step 4: Select 'Show Details' tab.
- Step 5: Select 'Transaction Number' and check the pending transactions.
How to Change Details Mentioned on Vehicle RC
Follow the steps mentioned below to change details mention on RC:
- Step 1: Visit the official website
- Step 2: Enter your "Vehicle Registration Number"
- Step 3: Select "Proceed"
- Step 4: Select the "Basic Services" Option
- Step 5: Enter your Last 5 Digit of chassis No and Click on "Validate Regn_no/Chasi_no"
- Step 6: Generate OTP, Enter correct OTP and Submit
- Step 7: Select "Change Of Address"
- Step 8: Enter "Service Details"
- Step 9: Update "Insurance Details"
- Step 10: Pay fee as it Shows
- Step 11: Upload Doc and take Appointment
How to Surrender the RC
Follow the steps mentioned below:
- Step 1: Visit the official website
- Step 2: Enter your "Vehicle Registration Number"
- Step 3: Click on "Proceed"
- Step 4: Select on "Online Services" and choose "RC SURRENDER"
- Step 5: Feed Last 5 Digit of Chassis No and Click on "Validate Regn_no/Chasi_no"
- Step 6: Select Generate OTP and Enter OTP to Submit
- Step 7: Enter "Service Details"
- Step 8: Update "Insurance Details"
- Step 9: Review Fee Panel and Proceed
- Step 10: Pay fee as it Shows
- Step 11: Upload documents and take appointment.
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FAQs on Driving Licence Registration Certificate
- Is a registration certificate mandatory while driving?
Yes, you must carry a hard/soft copy of your registration certificate while driving on Indian roads. Your vehicle may be seized by the traffic police if you do not comply. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, you may be liable to pay a penalty of Rs.5,000 for the first offence and Rs.10,000 for the subsequent offence.
- What information is available in an RC book?
You can discover details about the person who owns the vehicle, including their name and address. The vehicle’s fuel type, engine, chassis number, cubic capacity, etc., are also mentioned on the RC book.
- What should I do if my registration certificate is about to expire?
If you want to extend the validity of your registration certificate for another five years, you need to submit an application to the Regional Transport Office.
- What is the validity of a registration certificate?
In case of non-transport vehicles, the validity of a registration certificate is 15 years from the date of the first registration. The registration certificate for goods and passenger transport vehicles are valid the certificate of fitness is in effect. The initial validity of a certificate of fitness for transport vehicles is two years, after which it must be renewed annually.
- What is the validity of temporary RC?
The validity of temporary RC is 30 days.
- How long will it take to receive a new vehicle registration number?
Typically, getting a registration number for your new vehicle may require 2 to 3 days. However, if there are too many people on the waiting list, it might take more than a week. The turnaround times can change depending on the state.
- Is it mandatory to do vehicle registration through the dealership?
No, registering your vehicle through the dealership is not compulsory. You may also choose to self-register at the relevant RTO.
- Can I check the status of my RC online?
Yes, you can check the status of your RC online.
- What should I do if I lose my RC?
If the RC is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate copy online via the Parivahan portal.
- What does it cost to renew an RC in India?
The fee for renewing an RC differs depending on the class of the vehicle.
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