The Know-How to Get Registration Certificate for a New Vehicle

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Vehicle Registration Certificate a.k.a. Vehicle RC

The Registration Certificate is a government-initiated document for a vehicle, or in simpler words, an identity card for your car which states that the same is registered with the Indian Government.

An RC book of a vehicle, states very clearly the territorial boundary in which the motor vehicle must be driven, the chassis and engine number, the type of fuel used, and cubic capacity, and also specifies the category of the car or vehicle.

Did You Know These Facts about Vehicle RC?

According to the Motor Vehicle Act, all motor vehicle owners must have a valid registration certificate. Only with a valid RC will you be able to drive the car on Indian roads.

An RC book/card is valid for 15 years from the date of issue.

After the expiration of the RC, it can be renewed for the next 5 years.

Temporary RC books are valid only for a month.

Procedure to Avail a Vehicle RC?

Regardless of whether you own a brand-new car or a pre-owned one, you need to visit the regional RTO to avail the registration certificate for your vehicle.

Here is the process to apply and avail RC for your vehicle:

• Visit the regional RTO with your vehicle.
• Once you reach the RTO, the inspection authority will inspect your car/vehicle.
• Fill out Form 20 to apply for the RC.
• The authority will then take the imprint of the chassis number.
• Submit all the necessary papers as requested.
• Make the payment of the registration fees and collect the receipt.
• There will be a waiting period till you receive the RC.

There are motor dealers who can apply and avail you a registration certificate for your vehicle. However, these dealers will have to possess a valid trade certificate with the state RTO. The dealer is given login credentials to process the same. They can access the official website and get you an RC. The request for an RC can be processed after entering the details and submitting the documents. The original document of RC will be dispatched by the regional RTO.

Documents Required to Avail a Vehicle RC

Getting the RC for your vehicle or car is not a cumbersome job if you have all the papers you need handy.

Here is a list of documents you need to keep ready when planning to apply for an RC.

• Valid Identity Proof.
• Valid age proof.
• Copy of Vehicle Insurance
• PAN Card copy.
• Temporary registration was issued by the dealer.
• Registration fees receipt.
• Form 20.
• Form 21 - Sales certificate issued by a vehicle dealer
• Form 34 if the vehicle was purchased on the HP scheme

Checking RC Details Online

There is an official website called the Vahan e-service portal by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways which makes it easier and digitalized to check RC details.

• Step 1: Visit the Vahan e-service portal at https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/ and click on ‘Online Service’.
• Step 2: Go to the ‘Vehicle Related Services’ option and select your state of registration from the drop-down menu.
• Step 3: Click on the ‘State RTO’ from the drop-down menu. Click on the ‘Status’ option from the menu.
• Step 4: Now click on the ‘Know Your Application Status’ option visible. Click on ‘Submit’ once you enter your application number.
• Step 5: Click on ‘View Report’. The RC details will now be visible on your screen.

Take Away

It is compulsory to carry either a softcopy or a hardcopy of the vehicle registration certificate while driving on Indian roads. There can be legal implications for not having one for your car or vehicle. You can be penalized for the same and will have to pay hefty penalties to the government.

Not owning a vehicle registration certificate can entitle the regional traffic policeman to confiscate or seize your car/vehicle. As per the MV Act, the authority can also levy a fine of Rs.5000/- for the first offense and Rs. 10,000/- for the subsequent offense.