No matter whether you drive a four-wheeler or ride a two-wheeler, you cannot overlook the importance of renewing your vehicle’s registration certificate (RC). If you think it is not necessary or a complete waste of time, then you’re probably mistaken! Not only is it an important task but every vehicle owner must adhere to legal requirements to enjoy the validity of their vehicle to run on the road. The Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 mandates that any motor vehicle operating on public roads must possess a valid registration certification obtained through the payment of road tax.
By renewing your vehicle’s RC, you can showcase your commitment to road safety and contribute to the overall well-being of yourself and other road users. Whether you’re a first-time vehicle owner or have prior experience with RC renewal, this guide will serve as a tool to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free RC renewal process.
Let’s discuss them in detail!
How To Renew a Vehicle registration certificate in India?
Unfortunately, the Parivahan website does not offer an option for online renewal of vehicle registration. This means that individuals cannot apply for new vehicle registration through the website. However, it is important to note that vehicle registration renewal can still be done using the offline method.
When it comes to the renewal of your vehicle registration, one must follow the offline process, which involves a physical vehicle inspection. This inspection is necessary to verify the vehicle’s details and ensure compliance with the required standards and regulations.
If you are looking to renew your vehicle registration in India, then here is the complete series of steps to follow.
- Visit the Nearest RTO with your Vehicle
The first step that you need to follow to renew your RC is to visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in your area to initiate the registration process.
- Submit the Duly Filled Application Forms
In the next step, you will need to submit the application forms and documents (mentioned below) for the renewal of your vehicle registration, which you can download from the official website. Ensure these forms are accurately signed.
- Verification of Details & Documents
After that, an RTO official will examine the application forms, along with the submitted documents to ensure they are in complete order. It is an important step for confirming the authenticity of the provided information.
- Pay the Registration Fee
Now, in the fourth step, you are required to pay the registration fee and road tax. These fees vary based on the type and cost of the vehicle and the state regulations. Once the payment is made, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt as proof of payment.
- Complete Inspection of the New Vehicle
Here comes the important aspect of the process! After that, a qualified inspector will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle. This inspection is important to verify important details such as the vehicle’s chassis number, engine number, and other attributes to ensure your vehicle complies with safety and emission standards.
- Upload the Vehicle Data to the Database
In the next step, once the inspection is done, the RTO will upload the vehicle’s data to the central database. This includes your vehicle’s fuel type, model, seating capacity, emission standard, and more. It helps the government to maintain a record of registered vehicles.
- Verification of Data by the RTO Officer
The steps don’t end here! The RTO officer will review and verify the accuracy of the uploaded vehicle data. This verification ensures that the information recorded in the central database aligns with the details provided during the registration process.
- Generation of the RC Smartcard
In the second last step, when everything gets approved, the Regional Transport Office will generate the Registration Certificate (RC) smartcard. The card contains all the details such as the vehicle’s registration number, owner’s name, and address.
- Dispatch of the RC
Last but not least, the moment your vehicle’s registration certificate is ready, the transport office will dispatch it to the registered address via speed post. It is important to ensure that the registered address provided during the registration process is correct to avoid any delivery issues.
Note: The RC is an important document. Ensure you keep it safe to avoid its misuse by any unknown person.
What Are the Documents Required for Renewal of Vehicle Registration?
Here is the complete list of documents needed for the renewal of your vehicle registration. Let’s take a quick look at them.
- Pollution Under Control Certificate
- Application Form 25
- Fitness Certificate
- Existing RC
- Certificate of Registration
- Insurance Certificate
- Proof of the payment of up-to-date road tax paid
- Chassis & Engine Pencil Print
- Signature Identification of Owner
- Copy of PAN card or Form 60 & Form 61 (as applicable)
What is the fee for RC renewal?
You must pay a renewal fee to the RTO for the renewal of your registration certificate. The renewal fees vary from one state to another. Furthermore, renewal fees may differ depending on the type of vehicle. The renewal fees for various types of vehicles are mentioned in the table below:
| Types of vehicles | Renewal fees |
| Invalid carriage | Rs. 50 |
| Motorcycle | Rs. 300 |
| Three-wheeler/light motor vehicles/ quadricycle | Rs.1,000 (transport) Rs.600 (non-transport) |
| Medium passenger motor vehicle | Rs. 1000 |
| Medium goods vehicle | Rs. 1000 |
| Heavy passenger motor vehicle | Rs. 1500 |
| Heavy goods vehicle | Rs. 1500 |
| Imported motorcycle | Rs. 2500 |
| Imported motor vehicle | Rs. 5000 |
| Other vehicle categories | Rs. 3000 |
How To Check Status of the Renewal of your Vehicle Registration?
You can check the RC renewal application status online by following these simple steps:
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal. Click “Online Services” and select “Vehicle Related Services” from the drop-down menu.
- Select your residential state from the drop-down menu.
- Select your nearest RTO and hit “Proceed”.
- After that, select “Status” and Know Your Application Status from the list.
- Enter your vehicle renewal application number or registration number, whichever is convenient for you. Enter the captcha and select “Submit”.
- You will be redirected to a page to enter the application number you received after paying renewal fees. Select “View Report” to see your vehicle’s RC renewal status.
Points to Consider Before Applying for Vehicle Registration Renewal
Listed below are the points to consider before you think about the renewal of your vehicle’s registration.
- Timing of RC Renewal
One of the important aspects to consider when renewing your vehicle’s RC is that you must not apply more than 60 days before the expiry of the existing registration certificate. It is recommended to initiate the renewal process to avoid running into problems later.
- Payment of Renewal Fee
Another important aspect to consider while renewing your vehicle registration is to pay the renewal fee on time. As per Rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989, a prescribed renewal fee must be paid while applying for the RC renewal. Remember that the renewal fee varies based on the type and category of the vehicle and is subject to periodic updates. The fee can be paid through various modes, such as online payment or in person at the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
- Payment of Due Taxes
Last but not least, if you want to make the renewal process smooth and hassle-free, then you must ensure that any outstanding taxes related to the vehicle must be cleared. This includes road tax, motor vehicle tax, and any other taxes applicable as per the state or regional regulations. It is important to ensure that all tax dues are settled before renewing the registration certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is necessary to obtain a PUC certificate to renew a vehicle registration in India. It ensures that your vehicle will be guaranteed to meet the necessary emission standards if it has a PUC certificate.
Yes, it is possible to apply for a renewal of registration before the expiration date. It is best to start the renewal process early in advance to make sure your vehicle stays lawfully registered and to prevent any last-minute rush.
Yes, within a few days of submitting and approving your renewal application, you will receive the revised registration certificate. Depending on the RTO in your area, the precise amount of time may change.
In some cases, a physical inspection of the vehicle may be required by the RTO during the RC renewal process. The inspection is conducted to verify the vehicle’s condition and compliance with safety standards.
Failure to renew your RC can result in legal consequences, fines, and penalties. Additionally, driving with an expired RC is considered a violation of traffic regulations and may lead to complications with insurance claims in case of accidents or other incidents.
