Indian RTOs play a crucial role in managing vehicle registration, ownership, transfer, and compliance assurance.
One of the most important documents that ensures road safety compliance is RTO form 31, used to transfer the ownership of a vehicle when the previous owner passes away. While the process of obtaining and filling out Form 31 is quite simple, it may seem complicated if you are not familiar with all the steps. In this blog, we will explain what Form 31 is, the correct process for filling and submitting it, and the documents you need to complete the form. This will ensure that the process is hassle-free for you.
What is RTO Form 31?
RTO form 31 is a legal document used to transfer the ownership of a vehicle in case of the registered owner’s death. This form ensures that the right nominee gets timely ownership of the vehicle. Filling out Form 31 is mandatory under traffic and road laws. Submitting it on time provides the new owner the lawful right to the vehicle, which is essential for completing other vehicle-related formalities, such as re-registration and applying for a car insurance policy.
As per the Motor Vehicles Act, vehicle ownership cannot be transferred officially without proper documents and due procedure. RTO Form 31 facilitates this transfer legally and ensures that the new owner does not face any issues due to non-compliance.
Some of the important details you need to provide while filling out Form 31 are:
- Personal Details: Information of the person nominated as the new owner
- Vehicle Information: Details such as the vehicle’s registration number and model
- Details of Ownership Transfer: Personal details of the previous and new owners
- Declaration Documents: Proof of nomination from the deceased owner and documentation for the transfer of ownership
How to Fill Form 31?
The process of filling out Form 31 is simple. You can follow the steps below to complete the form successfully:
- At the top of the document, provide the details of the RTO office and the registration number of the vehicle.
- Enter application details, such as full name, address, and relationship with the original owner.
- Fill in vehicle information, including registration number, model details, engine number, and chassis number, in the designated space.
- Provide the nominee information as specified in Form 1.
- Sign the form to declare that the details you have provided are correct.
- Submit the form to the RTO for verification and wait for approval to complete the process.
How to Download Form 31?
You can easily download Form 31 from the official website of the Regional Transport Office. Follow the steps below:
- Visit RTO’s official website.
- Go to the “Forms” or “Download” section, usually under the “Services” menu.
- From the dropdown list, find Form 31.
- Download and save the form as a PDF document.
- Print the form for submission after filling it out.
- Make sure that you download the form from an official website to avoid any issues during submission.
Documents Required for Form 31
You need to attach and verify certain documents along with RTO Form 31. Below is the list of required documents:
- Death certificate of the deceased, original owner
- Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle
- Car insurance policy documents
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
- Proof of address for the applicant
- Identity proof of the applicant
If there is more than one heir, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required from the other heirs of the deceased.
Moreover, a declaration from the previous owner naming the applicant as the new owner or nominee for the vehicle is necessary.
Conclusion
RTO Form 31 is an important document required for transferring ownership of the vehicle after the death of the registered owner. Correctly filling out the form with accurate personal details, verifying original documents, attaching copies of the required documents, and submitting the form on time are essential steps to ensure a seamless (and legal) ownership transfer process.
Although it may seem like a minor task, officially transferring and registering the vehicle to the new owner is a crucial step. This simple formality ensures that the new owner can fully benefit from claims under their car insurance policy and avoid penalties for non-compliance. By taking proactive steps in a timely manner, you save valuable time and resources while protecting your interests.
With Form 31, it is prudent to acquire a comprehensive car insurance policy that can financially protect you and your vehicle in the event of accident, loss or damage.
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.