How do you Avail Temporary Registration Number for Cars? A Step-by-Step Guide

What is a Temporary Vehicle Registration?

You must always drive your car, bike, or vehicle with a valid registration number plate. You must obtain a registration number from the RTO when you buy a new car, and the number must be registered legally with the government. When you buy a brand-new vehicle, it does not always come with a registration number. It would help if you waited for the registration to become valid, which sometimes takes time. You must avail a temporary registration number for your new vehicle during this period.

A temporary vehicle registration is needed when the vehicle is yet to be assigned a permanent registration number by the Regional Transport Office. This temporary number is only valid for one month and identifies the car until it is registered with a permanent registration number. Usually, a temporary vehicle registration number is allocated by the dealership or the showroom on behalf of the buyer. The vehicle's owner must complete the permanent registration process before the temporary registration expires.

How To Obtain a Temporary Vehicle Registration Number in India?

When you buy a new vehicle, like a car or bike, you must ensure a temporary registration number is provided before the vehicle leaves the showroom. As mentioned above, this number must be changed to a permanent registration number with the RTO. The temporary registration number is valid for only a month. In India, driving any vehicle without a valid registration number is illegal. Suppose you do not have a permanent registration number. In that case, you must provide a temporary number and extend the number until you get a permanent registration number plate for your new vehicle.

What is the Application Process?

Preferably, you should ask the dealership or the executives in the showroom if they will provide a temporary registration number assigned to the vehicle. You must apply for a permanent number within one month of getting the temporary number and the car.

How to Apply?

• Use Form 20 for application
• Fill in the details in the form
• Submit the form to the RTO
• Give all relevant documents
• Pay the application fee

What are the Documents Required?

• Form 20 or Application Form
• Form 21 - Sale Certificate
• Form 22
• Insurance copy
• Address Proof
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
• Copy of the PAN Card

What are the MoRTH Guidelines for Temporary Vehicle Registration?

MoRTH, also known as the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has set a few guidelines for the temporary vehicle registration plates on vehicles. These regulations apply to all kinds of vehicles driven on Indian roads.

Pasting paper instead of a number plate with the vehicle number written with a pen or marker is a punishable offence.

All vehicles must obtain a temporary registration number written on the plate in Arabic numerals font and English letters.

The registration number plate for a temporary registration number must have red letters or numerals on a yellow background.

White letters are allowed on a red background for dealer vehicles.

Electric vehicles must use yellow numbers and letters on a green background.

Regional language must not be used on the number plate of a vehicle.

The dimensions for the registration number plate according to which all motor vehicles except two and three-wheelers are as follows:

Height – 65 mm

Thickness – 10 mm

Space – 10 mm.

Final Thought

It is mandatory for all vehicles driven on Indian roads to obtain a valid registration number plate upon purchase. The government keeps track of the car and its whereabouts through this number plate. It is, therefore, illegal to drive around without one.

Suppose you happen to buy a new vehicle and have not been assigned a valid registration number yet. In that case, you must apply for and be available for a temporary registration number until you receive the permanent one.