Updated on - 19 Jan 2026
Vehicles in India must have a valid registration certificate (RC) as proof of ownership, which is essential for legal driving, insurance and resale purposes. Misplacing or damaging the RC can lead to complications, including fines or difficulties during vehicle inspections. To address this, the government allows owners to apply for a duplicate RC through a standard process at their local Regional Transport Office (RTO). This process requires submitting Form 26, which is the official application for a duplicate registration certificate.
Knowing how to download and fill out Form 26 correctly avoids unnecessary delays and ensures a smooth process. Let’s take a closer look.
What is RTO Form 26?
RTO Form 26 is a legal document you need while applying for a duplicate registration certificate for your vehicle. It is required when you misplace or lose your original certificate. Since the RC serves as proof of ownership, having a valid copy is very important if you want to continue operating and driving your vehicle.
The form asks for the main details like your name, address and vehicle information, which includes registration number, make, model and chassis number. You will also be asked to mention how you lost or damaged the original RC. If your vehicle is financed or on loan, the financier’s approval must be included before submission.
Once completed, the form should be signed and submitted to your local RTO along with the required documents. Make sure to provide accurate information and cross-check it before submitting.
How to fill Form 26?
Filling out the RTO Form 26 involves a few simple steps, but you must be accurate and truthful with the information you provide in order to avoid any unnecessary complications or delays.
- Owner’s details: Enter your full name as per your official records. Provide your complete residential address, including the PIN code. Put in your phone number and email address for correspondence.
- Vehicle information: Enter the vehicle registration number as stated in the original RC. Mention the make and model of the vehicle, along with the chassis and engine numbers. These details can be found on the original RC or vehicle invoice.
- Details of the loss or damage: Specify how the RC was lost, stolen or damaged. If it was lost, provide the approximate date and location. For stolen RCs, attach a copy of the FIR.
- Financier’s consent (if applicable): If the vehicle is financed, obtain the financier's approval and signature on the form. This section is mandatory for vehicles under loan.
- Declaration: Sign the form and mention the date in the designated section.
- Supporting documents: Attach necessary documents like ID proof, a copy of the FIR (if applicable) and the original insurance papers.
How to download Form 26?
You can access RTO Form 26 online from the official Parivahan Sewa portal. Guided instructions are usually available at the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and your state’s transport department’s site.
Go to the ‘Forms’ or ‘Downloads’ section and look for Form 26 in the list. The forms are often arranged by purpose, so you are most likely to find them under duplicate RC applications.
Once located, download the PDF and print it on an A4-sized sheet. Make sure the printout is clear and concise, with all the sections being readable. The printed copy can then be filled, signed and submitted to your local RTO.
Situations when Form 26 is required
RTO Form 26 is required whenever your original Registration Certificate (RC) is missing or unusable. The most common reason people give is that the RC is lost or stolen. In this case, you’ll need to file an FIR and attach a copy with your application.
It’s also required in case your RC gets damaged due to wear and tear, water exposure or physical tearing that makes it unreadable. Even if only part of the document is affected, the RTO will issue a duplicate once you submit the form and proof of damage.
In some cases, Form 26 is also needed when applying for a re-registered vehicle that has been transferred from another state and the old RC is unavailable. Submitting the form makes sure your vehicle records are updated in the RTO system.
Things to consider before applying for a duplicate RC form
Before applying for a duplicate RC, make sure you have completed a few important steps in order to avoid rejection or any delay. If your RC was stolen, file an FIR at your nearest police station and attach a copy to your application. This will serve as the legal proof of your loss.
Always check that there are no pending fines, charges, challans or road taxes linked to your vehicle. The RTO will not process your application until all dues are cleared.
If your vehicle is under a loan, get written consent from the financier before submitting the form. Their signature is mandatory.
Lastly, gather all supporting documents and submit the form on time to avoid additional fines.
Documents to attach along with Form 26
When applying for a duplicate RC, you’ll need to attach a few documents along with RTO Form 26. These help verify your ownership and the reason for the duplicate request:
- A valid ID proof, such as your Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport or driver’s license, is a must in order to establish your identity.
- You’ll also need to submit an address proof, like a recent utility bill, rental agreement or voter ID, to confirm your residential details.
- Include a copy of your vehicle insurance papers, as they serve as proof that the vehicle is insured and actively registered.
- If your RC was lost or stolen, attach a copy of the FIR filed at your local police station.
- Lastly, include recent passport-sized photographs of the registered owner on the form.
Ensuring all these documents are complete and accurate helps the RTO verify your request quickly and issue the duplicate RC without delay.
Common mistakes to avoid with Form 26
Be vigilant and cross-check everything before submitting Form 26. Silly or small mistakes can lead to rejections and delays.
Incomplete or incorrect information is one of the main issues, so make sure that every field in the form is filled out accurately.
Another frequent mistake is missing documents. Do not forget to attach a copy of an FIR if your original RC was stolen, and always include the financier’s consent if it is applicable.
Applicants also often skip the financier’s approval when the vehicle is under a loan. Without this, the RTO will not process the request. Additionally, pay all pending fines or road taxes, as the RTO won’t issue a duplicate RC if dues remain unpaid.
Avoid using unofficial websites or agents to download or submit Form 26. Always apply through the Parivahan Sewa portal or your state transport department’s website to ensure authenticity and prevent scams.
Conclusion
Applying for a duplicate RC using RTO Form 26 is a simple process as long as you follow the right steps and provide accurate details. Keeping all supporting documents ready and getting the financier’s approval (if relevant) can make the process smooth and hassle-free.
It’s also a good time to review your car insurance details. Since your RC is linked to your policy, keeping both updated ensures there are no issues with claims or renewals. Whether it’s a comprehensive plan or a third-party car insurance, an active policy protects you from legal and financial troubles while driving. To get tailored car insurance advice, fill out the form on this page.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for a duplicate RC if my vehicle loan is still active?
Yes, you can, but you’ll need written consent from your financier before submitting Form 26. Without their approval, the RTO will not issue a duplicate RC for a financed vehicle.
2. Is it possible to get a duplicate RC if I’ve lost both the RC card and the vehicle’s registration number?
Yes, but it’s a bit more complex. You’ll need to provide the vehicle’s chassis number (found on the engine or frame) and proof of ownership, such as your insurance papers or purchase invoice, to help the RTO trace your registration details.
3. Can I use a digital copy of my RC while waiting for the duplicate?
Yes. You can use the DigiLocker or mParivahan app to store and present your RC digitally. These digital copies are legally valid under the Motor Vehicles Act until your duplicate RC is issued.
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