Buying a pre-owned car can be a wise, cost-effective decision when you want to bring home a vehicle without stretching your finances. For sellers, selling an old car at a reasonable price allows them to recoup part of their investment.
However, selling a pre-owned car is rarely a quick affair. It involves a lot of legalities and formalities, particularly in transferring ownership of the car. This is where the RTO Form 29 becomes essential.
This article explores what RTO Form 29 is and everything you need to know before engaging in any pre-owned car transaction.
What is RTO Form 29?
RTO Form 29 is a mandatory document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Officially known as the "Application for Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle", it serves as a formal notification to the RTO indicating that a particular vehicle is changing ownership.
Thus, an RTO Form 29 allows the RTO authorities to make a note of the sale and update their legal records accordingly. It confirms that the vehicle owner and seller have all the right documentation in place to make the change of vehicle ownership happen.
Why is RTO Form 29 Important?
Submitting RTO Form 29 is crucial for the ownership transfer to be legally recognised under Indian law. Failure to submit this form can lead to legal complications and penalties for both buyer and seller.
Upon successful transfer, the new owner becomes responsible for the vehicle’s insurance and road tax obligations. The RTO will then issue a new Registration Certificate (RC) in the buyer’s name, reflecting the change in ownership.
How to Fill Form 29
Contrary to the popular belief that a change of car ownership is complicated, obtaining and filling out the RTO Form 29 is relatively easy. Follow these simple steps:
- Get the Form
- Online: You can download the form from the Parivahan website or the state RTO website.
- Offline: Visit the relevant RTO office to collect the form, fill out and submit it in person.
- Complete the Form Accurately
- Provide the personal information of both the seller and the buyer.
- Include accurate vehicle details such as make, model, registration number, engine number, and chassis number.
- Specify the date of sale and the sale price of the vehicle.
- If required, fill in any other relevant information as required by the form.
- Submit the Form
- Submit the filled-out form along with all the supporting documents, either to the concerned RTO office or online.
- Necessary Documents
Apart from filling in the RTO Form 29, you will also have to submit other necessary documents such as identity proofs, vehicle documentation certificates, etc. Here is a list of required documents:
- The original RC of the vehicle.
- A valid PUC certificate is mandatory.
- A valid car insurance policy.
- A valid driver's licence of the new owner.
- If the vehicle is being transferred from another state, an NOC from the previous owner's RTO is required. This is known as the RTO Form 28.
- Proof of residence of the new owner (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport).
- A legally binding sale deed or agreement detailing the sale of the vehicle.
- Pay Applicable Fees
After submitting the form, you will need to pay any applicable fees for the vehicle transfer. This can be done either at the RTO office or via an online payment platform. Note that this fee may vary from state to state.
How to Download RTO Form 29
Downloading RTO Form 29 is simple:
- Visit the Parivahan website – parivahan.gov.in
- Locate and click on the “Informational Services” tab.
- Navigate to “Downloadable Forms” and select “All Forms”.
- Find and download Form 29 from the list, saving it as a PDF on your system.
Conclusion
The importance of RTO Form 29 in the sale or purchase of a vehicle and the transfer of ownership is undeniable. It is one of the many forms required to prove the legality of the transaction and confirm that no pending dues or penalties prevent the sale.
To ensure a seamless transfer of ownership, verify that all details on the form are accurate and error-free. Retain copies of all submitted documents for your records. If needed, do not hesitate to consult a legal expert or a vehicle registration expert to clear any doubts.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.