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Temporary Registration Number Guide

Explains temporary registration numbers for vehicles, including validity, process, and required documentation. Highlights their importance for vehicle owners during the transition to permanent registration.

  • 31 Jan 2025
  • 8 min read
  • 164 views

The thrill of acquiring a new car or bike is unparalleled, but before hitting the open roads, you need to get a temporary registration number. This provisional number holds immense importance as it acts as a legal requirement until your vehicle is granted a permanent registration number by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). While you’re at it, don't forget to secure car insurance for your new vehicle. Insurance not only protects you financially in case of an accident but is also mandatory under law for all vehicles on the road. It is essential to note that driving any vehicle, even if temporarily, without proper registration is against the law. It can lead to legal consequences. Given that the process of obtaining a permanent registration might take some time, temporary registration number can be your saving grace. It ensures that your newly purchased vehicle can be safely driven from the showroom to the RTO for the official registration process. It's a necessary step to ensure compliance with regulations while enjoying your new set of wheels.

What is Temporary Vehicle Registration?

You might be tempted to cruise around without this temporary number plate for a car, but hold on – that is against the law!  It might not be the most thrilling part of getting a new car or bike, but it is a crucial step before you hit the road. It is a legal requirement until your vehicle gets its official permanent registration number from the Regional Transport Office.

  • It is a makeshift arrangement so that you can use you new car until the actual registration number comes by.
  • Temporary number plate for a car or bike is provided by the dealer from whom the vehicle is bought.
  • Temporary registration number is to cover the time lag that a vehicle owner has to deal with as registration process requires some time to complete.
  • Until your actual registration number is generated, it is a legal mandate to drive the car with the vehicle’s temporary registration details.

How to Get Temporary Vehicle Registration Number in India?

  • Apply with Form 20: To get a temporary vehicle registration number in India, apply with Form 20. This form is an application for the temporary number and can be downloaded from the official website.
  • Fill and Submit: Fill out Form 20 with all the necessary details and submit it to your area's Regional Transport Office (RTO).
  • Provide Documents: Along with the application form, provide required documents such as Form 21 (Sale Certificate), Form 22 (Road Worthiness Certificate), Insurance Certificate, Address Proof (like Ration Card or Electricity Bill), Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), and PAN Card copy.
  • Pay Tax and Fees: Pay the specified tax and fees associated with the temporary registration.
  • Approval and Issuance: Once everything is submitted and reviewed, the RTO will approve your application and issue the temporary registration number plate.
  • Validity and Extension: The temporary registration number is valid for one month. Ensure to get permanent registration within this time. You can also apply for an extension for a temporary registration number by submitting the required documents if needed.
  • Online Process: To download the required forms and check the vehicle temporary registration details, visit the official Parivahan Sewa website and navigate to the 'Downloadable Forms' section under 'Vehicle Registration.'

Temporary Vehicle Registration Process

  • Form 20 Application: Apply with Form 20, the application form for a temporary vehicle registration number.
  • Fill and Submit: Complete the form with the required details and submit it to the local RTO.
  • Provide Documents: Attach necessary documents like Form 21 (Sale Certificate), Form 22 (Road Worthiness Certificate), Insurance Certificate, Address Proof, PAN Card copy, and PUCC.
  • Tax and Fees: Pay the specified tax and fees.
  • Approval: After review, the RTO approves and issues the temporary number, valid for one month.

Documents Required for Temporary Registration 

  • Form 20: The application form for temporary registration.
  • Form 21: Sale Certificate as proof of vehicle purchase.
  • Form 22: Road Worthiness Certificate indicating the vehicle's fitness.
  • Insurance Certificate: Proof of valid vehicle insurance.
  • Address Proof: Documents like Ration Card, Electricity Bill, etc., for verifying your address.
  • PUCC: Pollution Under Control Certificate to ensure compliance with emission norms.
  • Pan Card: Copy PAN Card or Form 60 and 61 if PAN is unavailable.
  • Extension Documents: If seeking an extension, provide Form 21, Form 22, PUCC, Insurance Policy Document, Address Proof, and Design Approval Copy (if applicable).

Also read:

Extension of Temporary Vehicle Registration

If you need an extension for your temporary registration number, here is what you will need:

  • Form 21: Sales Certificate as proof of the vehicle's purchase.
  • Form 22: Road Worthiness Certificate confirming its fitness for the road.
  • PUCC: Pollution Under Control Certificate to ensure emission compliance.
  • Insurance Policy Document: Valid insurance proof for the vehicle.
  • Address Proof: Documents like Ration Card, Electricity Bill, etc., verifying your address.
  • Design Approval Copy: In the Semi-Tandem Axle (STA) Semi-Trailer or Trailer.
  • Form 21: Original Sales Certificate for ex-army vehicles.

Documents Required for Extension of Temporary Registration

When seeking an extension for your temporary vehicle registration number, you will need the following documents:

  • Form 21: Sales Certificate as evidence of the vehicle's purchase.
  • Form 22: Road Worthiness Certificate to ensure its fitness for the road.
  • PUCC: Pollution Under Control Certificate to meet emission standards.
  • Insurance Policy Document: Valid insurance proof for the vehicle's coverage.
  • Address Proof: Documents like Ration Card, Electricity Bill, etc., confirming your address.
  • Design Approval Copy: Required for Semi-Tandem Axle (STA) Semi-Trailer or Trailer.
  • Form 21: Original Sales Certificate for ex-army vehicles. These documents are crucial to extending the temporary registration and keeping your vehicle legally compliant while ensuring safe usage.

How To Download Temporary Registration Form Online?

To download the Temporary Registration Form online, follow these steps -

  • Visit Official Website: Go to the official Parivahan Sewa website.
  • Access Forms Section: Click on the 'Information Services' dropdown menu and select 'Vehicle Registration' under 'Downloadable Forms.'
  • Download Form: On the new page, you can download the required documents for temporary registration. Look for Form 21, which is the application form for temporary registration.
  • Save and Print: Download Form 21 and save it to your device. You can then print it out and fill in the necessary details to initiate the process of obtaining temporary registration for your vehicle. This convenient online process eliminates the need to physically visit the RTO and saves time.
  • Charges/Fees for Temporary Registration of Motor Vehicles: The charges or fees for temporary registration of motor vehicles vary across different states in India. Here are some details; however, for states without fees mentioned, it's advisable to contact the local RTO for accurate information.

What is the Motor Vehicles Act 1988?

The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 is a complete legislation. It is enacted by the Indian Parliament to regulate various aspects of motor vehicles in the country. It outlines rules and regulations about vehicle registration, traffic management, motor insurance, issuance and renewal of permits, road safety, and penalties for violations. This act is crucial for ensuring motor vehicles' proper functioning, safety, and accountability on Indian roads. Key points about the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 include

  • Purpose: Enacted to bring uniformity and discipline in motor vehicle-related matters nationwide. Effective Date Came into effect on July 1, 1989.
  • Coverage: Addresses issues related to vehicle registration, driving licenses, permits, road safety, motor insurance, and penalties for traffic violations.
  • Compulsory: All motor vehicles must have a valid registration number, and drivers to possess a valid driving license.
  • Amendments: Over the years, the act has been amended to accommodate changing road and traffic dynamics.

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.

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