Lost or Damaged RC Here’s How You Can Get it Replaced!

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Vehicle Registration Certificate a.k.a. Vehicle RC

The Registration Certificate or the RC book is a government-initiated paperwork for a vehicle, or in simpler words, an identity card for your car which states that it 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.

Here is the synopsis of the process to apply for an RC for your car

• 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 for a registration certificate for your vehicle. However, these dealers will have to possess a valid trade certificate with the state RTO. The dealer is provided login credentials to process the same. They can access the official website and get you an RC book.

The request for an RC can be processed after entering the details and submitting the necessary paperwork. The original document of RC will be dispatched by the regional RTO.

What to do in case of lost or damaged RC?

When the registration certificate of your car is reported to be lost, mutilated, torn, damaged or used-up, a duplicate registration certificate is issued to the registered owner on application.

Here is how you can get the RC book replaced

In case you lose or end up damaging your car’s RC book, report the same at the nearest police station in the jurisdiction you are. Intimate the fact in writing to the registering authority by whom the RC was initially issued.

After doing so, apply for a duplicate certificate of registration to the last registering authority in Form 26.

Pay the appropriate charges as specified in Rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989. You have now successfully applied for a replacement of your car RC book.

What are the documents required to avail a replacement for RC book?

• Application in Form 26
• Police certificate
• Pollution under control certificate
• Valid insurance certificate*
• Proof of address*
• Challan clearance from traffic police & Enforcement wing Transport Department in commercial vehicles*
• Tax clearance from Accounts Department in commercial vehicles*
• Attested 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*

What are the other important car documents to keep safe and handy?

Registration Certificate of your car

If you have bought a new car, ensure you get its registration certificate within 7 days of purchase before setting out on a long trip. It is one of the mandatory paperwork required on a road trip or in general, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Pollution Under Control certificate (PUCC)

There are legal standards establishing acceptable emission levels when it comes to motor vehicles. The Pollution under Control Certificate is proof that your car meets the same standards. Having a valid PUC certificate indicates that your car does not emit gases and smoke that further lead to air pollution.

• PUC test date
• Serial number of PUC
• Reading the car's emission test
• The validity date of PUC test
• Vehicle registration number

The Pollution under Control Certificate is one of the significant documents to be carried while driving. For new four-wheelers, you will get a PUCC valid for up to 1 year from your dealer.

Vehicle Insurance

All vehicles driven in a public area must be covered under a third-party insurance plan and this is mandatory. Your insurer is bound to give you with a Certificate of Vehicle Insurance during the purchase or renewal of the vehicle or insurance respectively, along with the policy papers according to Rule 141 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989.

The insurance certificate must be kept safe among the other car documents to be carried while driving. This is especially applicable when you are setting out on a road trip or a long drive.

Your Driving License

One of the most important documents to be carried while driving is your driving license (DL). Many individuals also mistake a DL for the only document required to be carried while travelling. This is not true, as you must carry the above-mentioned car documents as well.

Wrapping Up

You would have understood what paperwork is mandatory to avail if lost of damaged and how to do so. Also, the above-mentioned car documents must be kept handy while on the roads for you to avoid any penalties by the traffic in-charge or officer.