Updated on - 6 May 2026
Are you considering purchasing a used or second-hand bike? If so, you’ll need to complete the bike registration transfer process. The owner’s demise or the bike’s auction may also necessitate this transfer. It’s essential to consider bike registration transfer for in-state sales and interstate transfers and sales. Additionally, when acquiring a bike, including a pre-owned one, ensure adequate insurance coverage. This blog explains how to transfer bike ownership.
Steps to Transfer Your Bike Registration
To facilitate a smooth ownership transition, transferring your bike’s registration entails crucial steps. These steps describe how to transfer ownership of a bike through two distinct scenarios:
Within the State:
Step 1 - Application Form
It is the seller who needs to fill out an application for ownership transfer.
Step 2 - Document Transfer
The seller must hand over all necessary documents to the buyer. Both the buyer and seller need to provide some additional documents to complete the transfer. There is a fee to complete the process.
Step 3 - Online Bike Registration Transfer (Within the Same State)
Some places offer the convenience of transferring bike registration online. For example, in Delhi, you can use the ‘Parivahan’ online portal to start the process. Here is what you do:
- Go to the online ‘Parivahan’ portal.
- You will need to fill out an application form.
- Submit your documents.
- Pay the fees.
Between States:
When transferring the bike from one state to another:
Step 1 – Bank’s NOC (For Bikes Bought on Loan)
If the seller purchased the bike on loan, the seller needs to get a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) from the lender to transfer it across states. So, if you are a seller, contact your bank and give them the necessary documents to get this NOC.
Step 2 - NOC from the RTO of Initial Registration
The seller needs to get an NOC from his Regional Transport Office (RTO). This process requires documents such as chassis details and a bank NOC (No Objection Certificate).
Step 3 - Registration in the New State
Contact the local RTO in your new state with all the necessary documents. If you are selling your bike to someone in the new state, make sure the buyer's name is updated on the documents before you submit them.
Once you submit all the necessary documents, the authorities will complete the bike’s registration transfer within a few days, and you will receive a new certificate with the updated information. Note that this process is not required if you temporarily travel to a different state for up to 12 months.
Step 4 – Road Tax
Road tax varies from state to state, and you must pay it again in your new state. If you have already paid a lifetime road tax in your initial state, you can get a refund for that payment.
You can also transfer the RC online when transferring a bike from one state to another using the online portal ‘Parivahan Sewa'.
Conclusion
The transfer of bike registration is simple. Now that you know how to transfer your bike registration, you can sell or buy a pre-owned bike. But what you should remember while purchasing a bike is to invest in bike insurance. You should review different policies carefully before making your choice.
Nowadays, you can get bike insurance online. This makes it easier to compare plans and coverage terms, so you can pick the best one for yourself.
FAQs
1. Do I need to transfer insurance while transferring ownership?
Yes. Transferring the insurance policy to the new owner is mandatory. Until the transfer is completed, the insurance coverage, especially third-party liability, is legally tied to the previous owner.
2. Can a bike be used before the transfer is complete?
Before utilising the bike, you should wait for the ownership transfer to be completed. Legally speaking, the previous owner is still responsible for any debts, which could lead to problems in the event of accidents or violations.
3. What happens if I don’t update the insurance after buying a used bike?
Benefits (such as own-damage coverage) may not be available to the new owner if the insurance policy is not transferred. Failing to update ownership might result in legal and financial concerns, even though third party bike insurance may still provide limited protection.
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. Please read the sales brochure/policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.