RTO New Vehicle (Car/Bike) Registration Process in India

Last updated: 06 Feb 2025

Buying your dream car or bike brings you unmatched joy. You may have been eyeing the model you love, researching about it, saving up money, and making plans around it, but have you thought about registering it? If not, then you must. 

In India, you must register your brand-new vehicle at the Regional Transport Office (RTO), and get a new vehicle registration number to be able to take it out on the road. If you are caught driving your new car without a registration number and certificate, you will have to pay hefty fines, and in some cases, you may even face imprisonment.

Registering your vehicle is mandatory and there is no point delaying it. Therefore, once you pay for your car or bike, initiate the registration process. Here’s how you can do it.

How to register your new vehicle?

Registering your vehicle at the RTO requires submitting certain documents and paying the required fees.

Steps to register your new vehicle at the RTO

If you plan to pursue new RTO registration of your vehicle yourself, then follow the steps below:

Step 1: Visit the nearest RTO. Take your new car or bike along with you.

Step 2: Fill out the registration form and submit it along with other necessary documents.

Step 3: Post submission of the form and the documents, the RTO will check them.

Step 4: Meanwhile, pay the RTO charges for the new vehicle registration. The charge may differ for bikes and cars. Also, pay the road tax and collect the receipt of both payments.

Step 5: A designated RTO inspector will inspect the vehicle.

Step 6: Vehicle details such as the make and model, fuel type, engine capacity, and more will be recorded and uploaded to the central database.

Step 7: The Superintendent of the RTO will verify the uploaded data.

Step 8: The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) will approve the registration of the vehicle.

Step 9: Once the ARTO approves the registration, the Registration Certificate (RC) and a corresponding RC smartcard will be generated.

Step 10: When the RC is ready, it will be sent to your registered address via post.

Can you go for an online vehicle registration?

No, you cannot get new car registration or two-wheeler bike registration done online. It is extremely important to note that the e-portal of Parivahan cannot be used for new vehicle registration online. It can be used only for the renewal of vehicle registration.

This is because a new car registration or a new two-wheeler bike registration essentially requires a physical inspection of the vehicle at the RTO. Since the physical presence of the vehicle is compulsory for new vehicle registration, you cannot register a car or bike online.

How to apply for a new number plate?

Every motor vehicle must display its unique registration number on the High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) fixed on the front and back of the vehicle. Aluminium-made and colour-graded HSRPs cannot be tempered.

This plate is attached to the vehicle using two non-reusable locks. However, you can get a new bike number plate or car number plate online and offline.

To apply for a new number plate online, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the RTO website of your state.

Step 2: Submit all necessary details like your name, address, contact number, car registration number, chassis number, and more.

Step 3: Next, select the vehicle class, whether it is used for commercial or personal use.

Step 4: Pay the required fee and collect the payment receipt.

Step 5: You will get the acknowledgement notification that your HSRP has been created and dispatched.

Alternatively, if you do not have easy access to the RTO website or you are not comfortable will the online method, you can go to the RTO and submit the required form, make the payment, collect the receipt and get your HSRP number. You can also get the new number plate from your dealer.

Vehicle registration forms

Getting a new vehicle registration number may look like a complicated process if you are not aware of the forms that you must fill out.

You can find all the details on the Parivahan website, and even download the forms from there. Meanwhile, here is the list of forms that you must have for vehicle registration:

Besides the forms mentioned above, you will have to submit the following documents to the RTO when applying for new car registration:

• Identity proof
• Age proof
• Address proof
• PAN card (if PAN card is not available, then Form 60)
• Engine Number and Chassis Number
• Purchase invoice of the vehicle given by the dealer and the manufacturer
• Passport size photographs

Vehicle registration fee

Listed below are the fees that you may have to pay in association with vehicle registration in India.

Necessity of Vehicle Registration

Registering your vehicle is important and mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. It gives legal ownership to you and helps you and the authorities keep track of the vehicle in case of accidents or theft. Registration number is also necessary to check whether your automobile complies with road and environment-related regulations. It helps verify the insurance, pollution under control (PUC) certification, and fitness certification status of the vehicle.

Temporary and Permanent Registration Number

Temporary registration is provided by the dealer and remains valid only for a month. The RTO does a permanent registration after you finish obtaining the registration number.

Vehicle registration status: How to check the RC status of your vehicle?

After you have applied for a new vehicle registration, you can check the status of your application online. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Parivahan

Step 2: Search for “Online Services”

Step 3: Next click on “Vehicle Related Services”

Step 4: From the available drop downs, select your State and the RTO office

Step 5: Then click “Proceed” and you will arrive at the next page

Step 6: Click on “Status” and then click on “Know Your Application Status”

Step 7: Submit the application number and the captcha code

Step 8: Click “Submit” and you will be able to view your RC application status

How to get a duplicate RC?

The Registration Certificate (RC) is a necessary document for all vehicle owners. You must carry it along with you whenever you take your vehicle out on the road. In case, you lose your RC, you should apply for a duplicate RC without any delay. You can apply for a duplicate RC by doing the following:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Parivahan

Step 2: Search for “Online Services”

Step 3: Next click on “Vehicle Related Services”

Step 4: From the available drop downs, select your State and the RTO office

Step 5: Then click “Proceed” and you will arrive at the next page

Step 6: Click on “Service” > “RC Related Services” > “Apply for Duplicate RC”

Step 7: Submit the last 5 characters of your vehicle’s Chassis Number

Step 8: Click on “Verify Details”

Step 9: Next, enter some basic information and then click on “Payment”

Step 10: Make the payment and save the receipt of the payment

Step 11: Either visit the RTO to collect your duplicate RC, or download it from the Parivahan website.

You can apply for duplicate RC offline as well. Go to the RTO and submit all the documents, make the payment, and apply for a duplicate RC.

How to download a duplicate RC?

You can download your duplicate RC using DigiLocker, a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and IT, under the Digital India Programme. DigiLocker is a digital document wallet where citizens can access their important authentic documents.

Follow the steps given below to download your duplicate RC using DigiLocker:

Step 1: Visit the DigiLocker website or download and install the app on your smartphone or tab

Step 2: Create a new account if you are a new user. If you already have an account, then log in

Step 3: Select “Registration of Vehicles”

Step 4: Enter the registration number and the Chassis Number

Step 5: Go to the issued documents section

Step 6: View or download your duplicate RC

Duplicate RC fees

Listed below are the fees related to the issuance of duplicate RC:

Documents required for a duplicate RC

To get a duplicate RC, you will have to submit the following documents at the RTO:

• Form 26 – Application for issuance of a duplicate RC
• Address proof such as the Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID etc.
• First Information Report (FIR) from the police
• Affidavit stating the RC is lost, and not impounded
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
• Challan clearance from Traffic Police
• Insurance certificate of vehicle
• Tax clearance for commercial vehicles, obtained from Accounts Department
• PAN card (Form 60 and Form 61, in case PAN card is not available)
• Chassis Number
• Engine Number
• Identification of the owner’s signature

These are the documents usually required for getting a duplicate RC. However, the actual precise document list may differ from state to state.

Vehicle registration renewal: How to go for it?

The new vehicle registration remains valid for a stipulated period. After that, you must renew the registration certificate. The application for the renewal of registration cannot be made more than 60 days before the expiry date. You can easily apply for vehicle registration renewal in the Parivahan portal. Here’s how:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Parivahan

Step 2: Click on the “Online Services” tab. Choose “Vehicle Related Services” from the drop-down list

Step 3: Enter your state name and registration number. Click on the “Proceed” button

Step 4: Next, click on “Renewal of Registration”

Step 5: Enter the last 5 characters of your vehicle’s Chassis Number and then click on “Verify Details”

Step 6: Enter your registered mobile number. You will get an OTP

Step 7: Submit the OTP and then click on “Show Details”

Step 8: Verify the information and then click “Payment”

Step 9: Make the payment and download the receipt of the payment

Step 10: Visit the RTO. Take along all the necessary documents and duly filled forms. Do not forget to take your vehicle along with you.

After the inspection of the vehicle and verification of the documents, the RTO will issue the renewed RC.

RC renewal fees

Given below are the RC renewal fees for different class of vehicles:

Documents required for the RC renewal

For the renewal of the RC, you will have to submit the following documents:

• Form 25 – Application for RC renewal
• Original RC
• Payment receipt of road tax
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
• Vehicle insurance certificate
• Vehicle fitness certificate
• PAN card (Form 60 and Form 61, in case PAN card is not available)
• Chassis Number
• Engine Number
• Identification of the owner’s signature

New rules for vehicle number plates in India

There are some rules surrounding new registration vehicle numbers and number plates in India. You should be aware of them to avoid any face-off with the authority.

• If you are using a temporary registration number, it has to be displayed on a yellow background plate with red colour lettering.
• If the vehicle is that of a dealer, then the registration number is to be displayed on red background with white lettering.
• Regional languages cannot be used to display the registration number.
• Any such fancy or special number auctioned by the union territories (UTs) cannot be displayed on the number plate.
• The number plates of four-wheeler BS-VI vehicles should have a green colour layer of 1 cm.
• The number plates of four-wheeler BS-VI vehicles should have stickers attached that show the type of fuel used. Orange for diesel vehicles and blue for vehicles that run on CNG or petrol.
• Doesn’t matter if it is an old or a new registration vehicle number, a paper-printed registration number on the plate of a vehicle is not allowed.

Bharat number plate (BH series number plate) registration

Bharat number plate registration or BH series registration is a pan India vehicle registration set up essentially for government and private sector employees who have their offices in more than four states or union territories.

• The Bharat number plate or the BH series eliminates the extra work of applying for new registration when moving from one state to other.
• A unique feature of the BH series is that one has to pay the Motor Vehicles tax for 2 years or in multiples of 2 years, that is, that is, 4, 6, 8 years, or more.
• The road tax can be paid for 2 years and up to 14 years. After that, the road tax has to be paid yearly.
• The format of the BH series is 21 BH 1234 AA. Here, 21 is the year of registration, BH stands for Bharat, and the rest is the unique number for the vehicle.

FAQs

How many days does it take to get a new vehicle registration number?

Usually, it takes a couple of days to get a new vehicle registration number. However, if you are doing it offline by visiting the RTO, you can get the new vehicle registration number on the same day.

What to do if my RC is lost?

If you lose your RC, or it gets damaged, you can apply for a duplicate RC through the Parivahan portal.

How much time does it take to get an HSRP number plate for a car?

If you apply for your HSRP number plate for your car online, then it may take a few days to generate and dispatch the HSRP. However, if you visit the RTO or get your dealer to get one, you can get your HSRP the same day you apply for.

Who is eligible to get a BH series registration number?

Government employees and private sector employees who have offices in more than 4 states and UTs are eligible to get a BH series registration number.

Is it compulsory to register my vehicle through the dealership?

No, it is not compulsory to register your vehicle through the dealership. You can register your vehicle on your own via the online portal of Parivahan or offline by visiting the RTO.

How can I view the VAHAN application status online?

To view the VAHAN application status online, you will have to visit the official website of Parivahan. You will find the necessary instructions under “Online Services”. Follow them and you will be able to view your application status.

What is the road tax on new vehicle registration?

Road tax is the tax you pay to drive/ride your vehicle on Indian roads. This tax is used for the development and maintenance of roadways. Remember, road tax varies from state to state.

What is the RC renewal fee in India?

The RC renewal fee in India varies across different vehicle classes. Refer to the detailed table given above to know the applicable RC renewal fee for different vehicle classes and types.

Is there any late fee for the renewal of RC?

Yes, if you do not renew your RC in time you will attract a late fee of Rs 300/month for a two-wheeler and Rs 500/month for other non-transport vehicles.

Can I renew the RC of my car after 15 years?

Yes, you can renew the RC of your car after 15 years. After that, you will have to renew the RC of your car every 5 years.

What is the validity of the temporary registration number?

The validity of the temporary registration number is 30 days. In between, you must apply for and get your permanent registration number.

Conclusion

Registration of your vehicle is necessary for its recognition and getting car insurance. It will ensure that you abide by the rules of the government while having the best experience on the roads. Registration number also helps you trace your vehicle if it gets stolen.

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.