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

Updated on - 06 Feb 2026

Getting a new car or bike is exciting, but before hitting the road, you must register it with the RTO. Registration gives your vehicle a legal identity, proves ownership, ensures compliance with traffic rules and makes it easy to get car insurance online; so you can compare plans, check coverage and choose the best policy for your vehicle.

This guide explains the complete process, required documents, fees, and convenient online options.

Steps to register your new vehicle at the RTO

Registering your new vehicle at the RTO may seem complex, but following these steps carefully will ensure a smooth and hassle-free process:

1. Visit the RTO: Take your new vehicle to the nearest Regional Transport Office.
2. Submit Form 20: Fill out the form and attach all required documents.
3. Document Verification: The RTO supervisor checks and verifies your documents.
4. Pay Registration Fee: Complete the payment at the counter.
5. Vehicle Inspection: A vehicle inspector examines your vehicle.
6. Data Entry: RTO staff enter your vehicle details into the central database.
7. Data Verification: The RTO superintendent reviews the entered information.
8. Approval: The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) approves the registration.

Can you go for an online vehicle registration?

No, new vehicle registration cannot be completed entirely online because a physical inspection of the car or bike at the RTO is mandatory. Parivahan’s e-portal cannot register a new vehicle but can be used for related services, such as renewals, ownership transfers and applying for high-security number plates.

How to apply for a new number plate?

To comply with the Motor Vehicle Act, every vehicle must display a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP). To apply online:

1. Visit your state’s RTO-approved HSRP website.
2. Enter all required vehicle and owner details.
3. Select the vehicle class (personal or commercial).
4. Make the online payment and download the acknowledgement receipt.
5. You will receive a notification once your HSRP is prepared and dispatched.

Vehicle registration forms

Registering a new vehicle is easier when you know the required forms. You can download them online via the Parivahan website. The key forms you need for vehicle registration in India include:

Vehicle registration fee

The table below shows the vehicle registration fee 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

When you buy a new vehicle, the dealer provides a temporary registration number, usually valid for about one month. Within this period, the vehicle owner must apply to the RTO for a permanent registration number, after which the vehicle is officially registered with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

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

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

After applying for vehicle registration, you can check your RC status online:

1. Visit the official Parivahan website and go to Online Services.
2. Click on Vehicle Related Services.
3. Select your state and RTO office, then click Proceed.
4. Click Status and select Know Your Application Status.
5. Enter your application number and captcha code, then click Submit to view your RC status. 

How to get a duplicate RC?

If your original Registration Certificate (RC) is lost or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate RC online or offline. To apply online, visit the Parivahan website, go to Online Services > Vehicle Related Services, select your state and enter your vehicle registration number.

Choose RC Related Services > Apply for Duplicate RC, enter the last five digits of the chassis number and attach required documents such as FIR, identity proof, insurance and PUC.

Pay the prescribed fee online and download the payment receipt. Finally, visit the RTO with the documents to collect your duplicate RC or submit your application directly at the RTO for offline processing.

How to download a duplicate RC?

To download a duplicate RC, visit the DigiLocker website or open the mobile app and log in or create a new account. Navigate to Registration of Vehicles and enter your vehicle registration number and chassis number.

Your RC will appear under Issued Documents, where you can view and download the digital copy for easy access.

Duplicate RC fees

The fees may vary depending on the state. The following table lists duplicate RC fees:

Documents required for a duplicate RC

To apply for a duplicate RC, you need to submit Form 26 along with supporting documents such as the FIR reporting loss or theft, PUC certificate, valid vehicle insurance and proof of address (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.).

You will also need traffic challan and tax clearance for commercial vehicles, PAN card or Form 60/61 if PAN is unavailable, chassis and engine numbers, owner’s signature proof and an affidavit stating the RC is lost and unrecovered.

Note: Document requirements may vary across states, so check with your local RTO.

Vehicle registration renewal: How to go for it?

You can easily apply for vehicle registration renewal on 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. Take your vehicle along with you.

RC renewal fees

Here are the RC renewal fees as per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989:

Documents required for the RC renewal

To renew your RC, you need to submit Form 25 along with the original registration certificate, PUC certificate, fitness certificate and road tax payment receipt.

You must also provide valid motor insurance, proof of the owner’s signature, PAN card or Form 60/61 if PAN is unavailable and the chassis and engine numbers. These documents ensure a smooth and hassle-free RC renewal process.

New rules for vehicle number plates in India

All vehicles registered after April 1, 2019, must have High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), while older vehicles require retrofitting. HSRPs feature tamper-proof elements, a unique serial number and a chromium hologram for added security.

Custom designs, fancy fonts and decorative plates are banned. Four-wheelers must display colour-coded fuel stickers: blue for petrol/CNG, orange for diesel and green for electric vehicles, with BS-VI compliant vehicles showing a green strip.

Penalties for non-compliance range from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Owners can apply online, select a fitment centre, pay fees and get the plates installed.

Bharat number plate (BH series number plate) registration

The Bharat (BH) series number plate allows seamless vehicle registration transfers across India for eligible individuals, including government and defence personnel and private employees working in companies with offices in at least four states or UTs.

The format follows 22 BH 1234 AA, with road tax paid every two years for the first 14 years and annually thereafter.

Existing vehicle owners can also convert to the BH series, and applications are processed online via the VAHAN portal or through dealers.

How to check for fake RC online?

To check for a fake Registration Certificate (RC) online in India, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Parivahan Sewa portal at parivahan.gov.in.
2. Go to the "Online Services" and click on "Vehicle Related Services."
3. Choose a state and enter the vehicle registration number.
4. Click on "Know Your Vehicle Details" to view the RC information.
5. Verify the vehicle owner's name, registration details, chassis and engine number against your RC.

How to surrender vehicle registration (in case of scrapping or export)

Surrendering your vehicle’s registration after scrapping or exporting helps avoid future legal or financial issues. Obtain Form 26 (or the state-specific form) and gather documents such as the original RC, scrapping/export certificates, insurance, PUC and address proof.

Submit your application and documents online via the VAHAN portal or at the RTO, pay the applicable fees and receive an acknowledgement or cancellation certificate.

Finally, inform your insurance company to prevent any future legal complications.

Conclusion

Proper vehicle registration and insurance are more than formalities; they protect you, your vehicle and your finances. The RC gives your vehicle a legal identity, while third-party car insurance provides essential coverage against damages or liabilities to others, helping you stay protected on the road.

By following the registration steps and selecting the right insurance, you can drive confidently and avoid future hassles. Secure your vehicle today by filling out the form on this page and get expert guidance on the ideal plan for you.

FAQs

1. Can I ride my new vehicle without getting an RC?

No, you cannot ride your new bike/car without getting an RC.

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

It usually takes 2-3 days to get a vehicle registration number.

3. What should I do if my RC is misplaced?

If your RC is misplaced, you must file a police FIR and then apply for a duplicate RC online via the Parivahan portal or offline at your local RTO office with the required documents and fees.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. 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.