Vehicle Registration Certificate

Learn all about Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)

You rejoice holidays and brands with your money. But that is an accomplishment only when you do it with clarity and file your Income Tax. Similarly, you may own the most expensive car, yet can only drive it fearlessly only if you buy a Car Insurance policy for it.

Aside from this, you need to get your vehicle registered within 7 days after the purchase. Barring the fact that it is your vehicle, you need to get the vehicle registered. Why? What makes it so unavoidable? To understand this, let us first know about the Vehicle Registration Certificate a.k.a Vehicle RC.

What is a Vehicle Registration Certificate a.k.a Vehicle RC?

The Registration Certificate (RC) of your vehicle is the official document which states that your vehicle is registered with the Indian Government.

It mentions the territorial boundary in which the vehicle can be used, engine and chassis number, fuel used, cubic capacity, and specifies the category of the vehicle. Some important facts about the RC which is of relevance to you are:

How to get a Vehicle RC?

Whether your vehicle is new or used, you need to visit the local RTO to get the Registration Certificate. It is a feeling of delight when something precious is known in your name.

Well, worldly pleasures have their own cheer. But it gets better when you own them after completing all the legalities. Here is the procedure to acquire the RC:

Visit the nearest RTO office with your vehicle.
Once you reach the RTO office, the vehicle will be inspected by the inspecting authority.
Fill in the application form 20 for the RC.
The authority will take the imprint of the chassis number.
Submit all the essential documents as needed.
Pay the registration fees and collect the receipt.
Wait till the time you receive your RC.

A Registration Certificate can be arranged by your Motor Dealer also. These motor dealers need to have a valid trade certificate with state RTO. The motor dealer is given login credentials. They can access the website from their point.

After entering the details and submitting the documents, the request for RC can be processed. The original document of RC will be issued and dispatched by the state RTO. The entire procedure will save your time.

Documents required for Vehicle Registration Certificate

Getting your vehicle registered is not that a cumbersome job if you own all the essential documents. Here is the list of documents needed for your quick reference.

Valid Identity Proof.
Valid age proof.
Purchase Invoice of the Vehicle.
Copy of Vehicle Insurance
PAN Card copy.
Temporary registration issued by the dealer.
Registration fees receipt.
Form 20.
Form 22, Form 22- A i.e. roadworthiness certificate issued by the manufacturer
Form 21 - sales certificate issued by a vehicle dealer
Form 34 if the vehicle was purchased on HP scheme

How to Check RC Details Online?

The Vahan e-service portal by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has made it easier to check the RC details. The following steps can help you in this regard.

Step 1: Visit the official Vahan e-service portal at https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/. Click on the section of ‘Online Service’.

Step 2: Next, go to ‘Vehicle Related Services’ option. Select your state of registration from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Now, click on the ‘State RTO’ from the drop-down menu. Here, you will find the ‘Status’ option from the menu. Click on it.

Step 4: Click on the ‘Know Your Application Status’ option. Enter your application number and click on ‘Submit’.

Step 5: Click on the ‘View Report’ option. The RC details will be visible on your screen.

What is the cost of Vehicle Registration?

You should note that the vehicle registration charges are Rs. 600 irrespective of the value of vehicle. However, the Government of India was to increase the registration fees. But the drastic decrease in the sales volume of the cars have forced the government to keep this hike on hold.

What is Road Tax?

You must know that all roads in India belong to the Government. Citizens like you who use the roads for driving vehicles need to pay road tax. This cost of road tax varies from state to state. The road tax collected is used to:

Manage the cost of making as well as maintaining the roads.
Increase the security on some state or national highways.
To plant trees and take other steps to reduce carbon footprints. Your vehicle emits carbon mono-oxide which is a harmful gas.

Know more about Transfer of Vehicle Registration from One State to another State

How to get a Vehicle Registration Certificate online?

Just as other things are digitized with time, the activity for registration of the vehicle does not fall back. It is done to make the entire procedure convenient and quick. To get the registration certificate online, you will have to visit the integrated portal of Vahan for vehicle registration.

Other than the registration, you can also get the renewal of RC, fitness certificate, and apply for the transfer of ownership.

But there might be an instance when you may lose your RC. If that happens to you, simply apply for a duplicate RC.

What is the process to get a Duplicate Vehicle RC?

It will be the worst thing you would want to witness. You may lose your RC anywhere or somebody can steal it from you. In either of the case, you need to apply for a duplicate RC as quick as possible. Just follow these simple steps to fasten the procedure.

The first act would be to file an FIR in the nearest police station.
Then fill in Form 26 for the duplicate RC.
If the vehicle is on loan, then submit the form duly signed by the financier.
Submit Form 26 along with all the documents.

Is it mandatory to have the Vehicle RC while driving?

Yes, it is mandatory to carry either a soft or a hard copy of the vehicle RC while driving. Failing to do so, the traffic policeman has the right to seize your vehicle. The authority can also levy fine of Rs.5000/- for the first offence and Rs. 10,000/- for the subsequent offence as per the MV Act.