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RTO Guide for Bike

  • Register your bike at the nearest RTO
  • Register your bike at the nearest RTO
  • RTO registration is mandatory
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HONDA MOTORCYCLE - ACTIVA (102CC)

IDV: ₹5,00,000

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₹6,353 + GST
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Understand your vehicle registration number

Your vehicle registration number is the unique vehicle identification number issued by Regional Transport Office (RTO) and mentioned in your vehicle RC book. The vehicle registration number is printed on license plate and affixed to your vehicle.

Kindly note: While entering your vehicle registration number, please be careful about similar looking characters and number, like alphabet ‘O’ being used in place of number 0 or vice-versa.

  • 1 The first two letters together indicates the state in India where the vehicle is registered.
  • 2 The second group comprises two numbers, which represents RTO district code.
  • 3 The last group is usually a unique combination of a character(s) and four digits. If it’s 0001, please enter all the four digits and not just 1.

What Is an RTO and Its Role for Bike Owners?

Regional transport office or RTO. As a bike owner, you've probably heard this term often. So, what exactly is an RTO? It is a government office that looks after all vehicle-related work in your area. It’s the RTO where your bike gets registered and it’s the RTO that issues driving licences. It also maintains details of your bike’s ownership. It also collects road tax.

Importance of RTO Registration for Bikes

Bike RTO registration is extremely essential. Here’s why it’s important:

Gives Legality to Your Bike

Bike RTO registration is essential to run your bike on the roads legally. Riding is considered illegal without it. Traffic police can stop you at any time and issue a fine. In some cases, they can also seize your bike.

Required for Bike Insurance

No insurance company will insure an unregistered bike. Bike RTO details are needed to buy or renew insurance. If your bike is not registered, you cannot claim insurance in case of an accident. This can lead to heavy financial losses.

Mandatory for Selling or Transferring

You cannot sell or transfer a bike without RTO registration. The ownership change process needs valid registration papers. RTO registration makes resale smooth and hassle-free.

Step-by-step Process of Bike Registration At RTO

Want to register your bike at your designated RTO? Here’s how to do it:

  • Take Your Two-Wheeler to the RTO Office

    Start by taking your new vehicle to the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Once there, submit the completed application forms and all required documents. An RTO official will go through the details and verify everything you’ve submitted.

  • Pay Registration Charges and Road Tax

    Head to the fee counter to pay the registration charges and road tax. Make sure to collect the acknowledgement receipt once the payment is done. The next step involves a physical inspection of the vehicle. This is done by the inspector of Motor Vehicles.

  • Uploading of Details

    Following inspection, key vehicle details, such as the make and model, fuel type, emission norms, seating capacity and engine specifications, are entered into the central system. The RTO superintendent reviews these details to ensure accuracy.

  • Registration Approval

    The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) gives the final registration approval. After approval, the Registration Certificate (RC) smart card is generated. When it’s ready, the RTO sends the RC to your registered address by post.

Documents Required for Bike Registration

Documentation plays a vital role in bike registration. For bike RTO registration, you need these documents (see table):

Document What is it?
Form 20 Registration application
Form 21 Vehicle sale certificate that includes its make, model, invoice amount, etc
Form 22 Roadworthiness certificate
Form 34 Form to add loan hypothecation to registration certificate

Apart from these, you also need to produce these documents:

  • Address proof
  • Identity proof
  • PAN card
  • Passport-size photos

How to Check Bike Registration Status Online?

You can check your bike registration status online through the Parivahan sewa website. The process is simple. To do so:

  • Visit the official website of Parivahansewa
  • Click on ‘Know Your Vehicle Details’ under ‘Informational Services’
  • Enter your mobile number and verification code to create an account. If you already have an account login using your mobile number
  • Enter your vehicle number and click on ‘Vahan Search’ to know the registration status

Based on your choices, we will calculate and display your premium instantly.

Understanding Bike Registration Number Formats

When you register your bike, you get a number plate. This plate has essential details of your bike (see table):

Component What Does it Mean?
State code The first two letters tell the state or the union territory where your bike is registered. For example, ‘MH’ for Maharashtra, ‘AN’ for Andaman & Nicobar.
RTO code The next two digits represent the RTO code or district within the state where the vehicle is registered.
Unique Identifier It’s a unique alphanumeric code that may contain one or two letters followed by one to four digits.

Along with these, some plates may include the registration year to indicate the year the two-wheeler was registered.

RTO rules for New and Used Bikes

While RTO rules for new bikes require form 20, form 21 and form 22, among others (see above), for used bikes the RTO mandates these forms:

  • Form 29, which is a vehicle ownership transfer notice
  • Form 30, which represents the application for intimation and transfer of vehicle ownership
  • Form 38A, which is a vehicle inspection report
  • Form 51, which is a vehicle insurance certificate

RTO Rules for EV Bikes

Do you own an electric two-wheeler with a motor capacity of over 250W and a top speed of above 25km/hr? If so, you need to register it. The registration process is the same as for a regular two-wheeler, as mentioned above.

Road Tax and Fees Applicable for Bikes

Road tax is a tax levied on every bike on the road. It varies by state and is calculated based on the vehicle’s age and engine capacity. You can find out about the applicable charges in your state from the RTO office.

How to Transfer Bike Ownership at RTO?

Whether you want to sell your bike or buy a used one, ownership transfer is necessary. For bike ownership transfer at RTO, fill out the required form and produce/submit the following documents:

  • Original registration certificate
  • Valid insurance certificate
  • Sale agreement
  • Vehicle Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
  • Form 28, which is a no-objection certificate

You also need to pay the ownership transfer fee to complete the process.

Duplicate RC and How to Apply for It?

Have you lost your original RC? If so, file a complaint with your nearest police station and apply for a duplicate one. Receive a copy of your complaint and visit your RTO office. Here:

  • Collect and fill out Form 26A
  • Fill it up and provide the necessary documents, such as pollution certificate of vehicle, insurance certificate, your address proof, printed copy of engine copy and chassis, etc
  • Submit it along with the applicable fees
  • Upon successful verification, you will get a duplicate RC

RTO Rules for Bike Insurance and Pollution Certificate

Bike insurance and pollution certificates are two essential documents you need while riding your bike. As per RTO rules, you should at least have a third-party two-wheeler insurance policy. You can also opt for a comprehensive policy for wider coverage.

You can obtain a pollution certificate from the nearest emission testing centre. For a new bike, the validity of a pollution certificate is 1 year. Thereafter, you need to renew it every 6 months.

How to Update Address Details in RC Book?

If you have moved to a new address, you need to update your address in the RC book. To update your address details:

  • 1Visit the official website of Parivahansewa and log in using your credentials
  • 2Choose ‘Vehicle Related Services’ under ‘Online Services’
  • 3Enter the vehicle registration number and chassis number to verify ownership
  • 4Enter the OTP received on your registered number to verify authentication
  • 5Choose ‘Change of Address in RC’ option
  • 6Fill in the details of the new address and upload the necessary documents
  • 7Make payment and visit your RTO with the payment receipt and original documents for verification
  • 8Upon successful verification, your address will be updated

Two wheeler insurance articles

Bike RTO

Traffic rules for two-wheeler riders

This article outlines essential traffic rules for bike riders in India, including required documents, safety gear, lane discipline, signalling, overtaking guidelines, road signs and safe riding practices. It highlights how following these rules helps prevent accidents and avoid legal penalties.

20 Jan 2026

This article outlines essential traffic rules for bike riders in India, including required documents, safety gear, lane discipline, signalling, overtaking guidelines, road signs and safe riding practices. It highlights how following these rules helps prevent accidents and avoid legal penalties.

20 Jan 2026

Bike RTO

What you need to know about learning licence fees in India

Learning licence fees for bikes in India include a base fee of ?150-200, additional test fees of ?50-100, and potential online service or biometric verification charges depending on the state. Total costs may vary slightly between regions like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh based on local RTO policies, though they generally remain affordable to ensure accessibility.

28 Apr 2025

Learning licence fees for bikes in India include a base fee of ?150-200, additional test fees of ?50-100, and potential online service or biometric verification charges depending on the state. Total costs may vary slightly between regions like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh based on local RTO policies, though they generally remain affordable to ensure accessibility.

28 Apr 2025

Bike RTO

What are the types of two-wheeler learner licences?

Two-wheeler learner licences include MCWOG for gearless scooters and MCWG for geared motorcycles. The article explains eligibility, required documents, importance of an LL, and steps to move to a permanent licence while highlighting the role of valid bike insurance for financial protection.

28 Apr 2025

Two-wheeler learner licences include MCWOG for gearless scooters and MCWG for geared motorcycles. The article explains eligibility, required documents, importance of an LL, and steps to move to a permanent licence while highlighting the role of valid bike insurance for financial protection.

28 Apr 2025

Bike RTO

How to Apply for MCWG License: Step-by-Step Process

Applying for an MCWG license involves obtaining a learner's license through Parivahan Sewa, practicing for 30 days, applying for a permanent license, taking a driving test, and receiving your final license by post.

28 Apr 2025

Applying for an MCWG license involves obtaining a learner's license through Parivahan Sewa, practicing for 30 days, applying for a permanent license, taking a driving test, and receiving your final license by post.

28 Apr 2025

Bike RTO

Penalty for Riding Without Helmet in India

This article explains the fines for riding without a helmet across various states in India, highlighting penalties and the importance of wearing a helmet to ensure rider safety.

07 Apr 2025

This article explains the fines for riding without a helmet across various states in India, highlighting penalties and the importance of wearing a helmet to ensure rider safety.

07 Apr 2025

Bike RTO

Types of Driving Licenses in India

India has different types of driving licenses for personal and commercial vehicles. Eligibility varies based on age and vehicle type. Holding a valid license is mandatory for legal driving.

02 Apr 2025

India has different types of driving licenses for personal and commercial vehicles. Eligibility varies based on age and vehicle type. Holding a valid license is mandatory for legal driving.

02 Apr 2025

Bike RTO

How to Get a Driving Licence Without a Test?

New rules allow obtaining a driving licence without an RTO test if passed at an accredited driving school. Follow online or offline procedures and ensure correct documentation for hassle-free approval.

01 Apr 2025

New rules allow obtaining a driving licence without an RTO test if passed at an accredited driving school. Follow online or offline procedures and ensure correct documentation for hassle-free approval.

01 Apr 2025

Bike RTO

How to Take an 8 in a Driving Test?

To pass the two-wheeler driving test, practice maintaining balance, shifting body weight, and controlling speed while making an 8. Avoid touching the ground and crossing boundary lines to complete the test successfully.

01 Apr 2025

To pass the two-wheeler driving test, practice maintaining balance, shifting body weight, and controlling speed while making an 8. Avoid touching the ground and crossing boundary lines to complete the test successfully.

01 Apr 2025

Bike RTO

Bike Road Tax in Bihar: Charges & Payment

Bihar levies road tax on all two-wheelers based on their ex-showroom price. Rates range from 8% to 12%, depending on the vehicle cost. Payments can be made online or offline at the RTO. Two-wheeler insurance is mandatory before riding.

21 Mar 2025

Bihar levies road tax on all two-wheelers based on their ex-showroom price. Rates range from 8% to 12%, depending on the vehicle cost. Payments can be made online or offline at the RTO. Two-wheeler insurance is mandatory before riding.

21 Mar 2025

Bike RTO

Road Tax for Bikes in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh’s two-wheeler tax starts at 9% for new bikes and decreases yearly, stabilizing at 1% for bikes over 11 years old. Compliance ensures smooth legal ownership and financial security with insurance.

21 Mar 2025

Andhra Pradesh’s two-wheeler tax starts at 9% for new bikes and decreases yearly, stabilizing at 1% for bikes over 11 years old. Compliance ensures smooth legal ownership and financial security with insurance.

21 Mar 2025
Read more

Articles on

Car Insurance

Health Insurance

Travel Insurance

Two Wheeler Insurance

Home Insurance

Personal Protect Insurance

Online Insurance

Frequently asked questions about RTO for bikes

Why is it important to know about RTO?

It is essential to know about RTO as it’s the place where you can register your bike. The RTO office issues licenses and maintains details of your bike.

Where can I get information about the RTO in my area?

You can find information on official government portals such as Parivahansewa or on your state’s transport department website.

What is a bike RC and why is it important?

A bike RC or registration certificate is proof that your bike is registered with the RTO. It contains key details about your bike, such as your registration number, name, address, and engine chassis number.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. 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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