- Date : 18/04/2021
- Read: 5 mins
The loss or theft of your RC book is a serious problem. However, you can easily get a replacement by following the right procedure.
Every vehicle plying on Indian roads must be registered, according to the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, 1988. The Registration Certificate (or RC, as it is commonly known) certifies that your vehicle has been registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of the state you live in. The RC is therefore a key document, along with your driver’s licence and motor insurance that are must-haves for vehicle owners in India.
What information does the RC contain?
The RC is an important document that contains critical information relating to your vehicle such as date of registration, type of vehicle (two/three/four-wheeler), make and model number, registration number, engine number, vehicle colour, and seating capacity.
Is a digital RC the same as a physical RC?
You can now upload a digital copy of your RC to the DigiLocker or mParivahan app or get it issued as a smart card (RC card). The MV Act has been amended recently to allow digital verification of driver's license, RC, motor insurance and other vital documents. However, please note that a mere photograph of your RC is not a substitute for digital app-based documents. So, a digital copy of your RC is now as good as carrying the physical one around.
Related: I failed to change my car ownership details and paid a heavy price
What documents do you need to register a vehicle?
Registration is mandatory before you start using a two-wheeler or car that you have purchased. In case of a two-wheeler, you can get the registration done at the automobile dealership before taking delivery. Otherwise, you can visit your local RTO for the same.
The following documents will be required for registering a new vehicle:
- Application form (Form 20)
- Roadworthiness certificate (Form 22)
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- PAN card
- Proof of address
- Customs certificate, in case of an imported vehicle
- Manufacturer and dealer invoice
- Identity proof
- Insurance cover note copy
- Temporary registration certificate copy
You will also need to pay taxes and processing fees for getting the registration done. However, this list is only indicative and the exact documentation may vary from RTO to RTO.
Related: Checklist for Buying/Selling a second hand car
What to do if you lose your RC card or book?
You can apply for a copy of your RC in case it is stolen or misplaced. In both cases, you will need to report the matter to the police. The process is as follows:
Documents you will need:
- A copy of the challan stating ‘RC card lost’ from the police station
- A copy of your two-wheeler or car insurance policy and driving license
- A passport-sized photograph
- An application form
- A no-objection certificate (NOC) from the bank in case you have a loan
- Copy of PUC certification
- Address and age proof
- Vehicle Invoice
The application process:
You can apply for a duplicate RC book online on the Parivahan Sewa website or offline, at your nearest RTO centre. Follow these simple steps to apply:
- As stated, you will need to file a police complaint and obtain a challan
- Fill up the prescribed application form (Form 26) available on the RTO website
- A bank NOC will be required in case you have a car/two-wheeler loan
- Get an affidavit made with all the relevant details of your vehicle, including the reason for requesting a duplicate RC
- Submit the form and the supporting documents to the RTO including address and ID proof as mentioned above
- Once the process of verification is done, your application will be approved by the RTO officer
- You will then need to visit the Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) to get your ID proof verified. This where you will need to pay a service fee. In some states, this fee can also be paid online
- Collect the fee receipt from the ARTO and submit it to the RTO superintendent for verification and signature
- The superintendent will issue an acknowledgement slip that will have the date on which you will be given a new RC card
- It typically takes about 30 days for a duplicate RC to be issued.
Related: 5 Things you need to know about transferring car ownership
How to convert an RC Book into a smart card?
If you want to convert your RC book to smart card, you will need to visit the local RTO where it was originally issued and fill up an application form. A service fee is applicable, which may vary from RTO to RTO. The process can take up to 15 days. Once issued, the new smart card will be posted to your address.
How to get a duplicate RC without the original?
In case you have a second-hand bike and the original RC has not yet been transferred to your name, you will need to contact the seller (original buyer) of the vehicle. It is the responsibility of the seller to get a duplicate RC issued from the RTO and give it to you. This is because the bike is still registered under their name. You cannot do so on their behalf as per the rules.
Besides, the ownership of the vehicle cannot be transferred to you unless the original RC is provided to the RTO. After that, you can submit an application along with Form 29/30 to get it transferred to your name.
How to get a replacement for damaged RC?
If your RC is damaged or torn, you do not need to file a police complaint. You need to visit the local RTO in person with the original and follow the same procedure listed above to get a duplicate. 25% rebate on road-tax; waiver in registration fee for new cars: What the new vehicle scrapping policy means to you as a car owner?
Every vehicle plying on Indian roads must be registered, according to the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, 1988. The Registration Certificate (or RC, as it is commonly known) certifies that your vehicle has been registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of the state you live in. The RC is therefore a key document, along with your driver’s licence and motor insurance that are must-haves for vehicle owners in India.
What information does the RC contain?
The RC is an important document that contains critical information relating to your vehicle such as date of registration, type of vehicle (two/three/four-wheeler), make and model number, registration number, engine number, vehicle colour, and seating capacity.
Is a digital RC the same as a physical RC?
You can now upload a digital copy of your RC to the DigiLocker or mParivahan app or get it issued as a smart card (RC card). The MV Act has been amended recently to allow digital verification of driver's license, RC, motor insurance and other vital documents. However, please note that a mere photograph of your RC is not a substitute for digital app-based documents. So, a digital copy of your RC is now as good as carrying the physical one around.
Related: I failed to change my car ownership details and paid a heavy price
What documents do you need to register a vehicle?
Registration is mandatory before you start using a two-wheeler or car that you have purchased. In case of a two-wheeler, you can get the registration done at the automobile dealership before taking delivery. Otherwise, you can visit your local RTO for the same.
The following documents will be required for registering a new vehicle:
- Application form (Form 20)
- Roadworthiness certificate (Form 22)
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- PAN card
- Proof of address
- Customs certificate, in case of an imported vehicle
- Manufacturer and dealer invoice
- Identity proof
- Insurance cover note copy
- Temporary registration certificate copy
You will also need to pay taxes and processing fees for getting the registration done. However, this list is only indicative and the exact documentation may vary from RTO to RTO.
Related: Checklist for Buying/Selling a second hand car
What to do if you lose your RC card or book?
You can apply for a copy of your RC in case it is stolen or misplaced. In both cases, you will need to report the matter to the police. The process is as follows:
Documents you will need:
- A copy of the challan stating ‘RC card lost’ from the police station
- A copy of your two-wheeler or car insurance policy and driving license
- A passport-sized photograph
- An application form
- A no-objection certificate (NOC) from the bank in case you have a loan
- Copy of PUC certification
- Address and age proof
- Vehicle Invoice
The application process:
You can apply for a duplicate RC book online on the Parivahan Sewa website or offline, at your nearest RTO centre. Follow these simple steps to apply:
- As stated, you will need to file a police complaint and obtain a challan
- Fill up the prescribed application form (Form 26) available on the RTO website
- A bank NOC will be required in case you have a car/two-wheeler loan
- Get an affidavit made with all the relevant details of your vehicle, including the reason for requesting a duplicate RC
- Submit the form and the supporting documents to the RTO including address and ID proof as mentioned above
- Once the process of verification is done, your application will be approved by the RTO officer
- You will then need to visit the Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) to get your ID proof verified. This where you will need to pay a service fee. In some states, this fee can also be paid online
- Collect the fee receipt from the ARTO and submit it to the RTO superintendent for verification and signature
- The superintendent will issue an acknowledgement slip that will have the date on which you will be given a new RC card
- It typically takes about 30 days for a duplicate RC to be issued.
Related: 5 Things you need to know about transferring car ownership
How to convert an RC Book into a smart card?
If you want to convert your RC book to smart card, you will need to visit the local RTO where it was originally issued and fill up an application form. A service fee is applicable, which may vary from RTO to RTO. The process can take up to 15 days. Once issued, the new smart card will be posted to your address.
How to get a duplicate RC without the original?
In case you have a second-hand bike and the original RC has not yet been transferred to your name, you will need to contact the seller (original buyer) of the vehicle. It is the responsibility of the seller to get a duplicate RC issued from the RTO and give it to you. This is because the bike is still registered under their name. You cannot do so on their behalf as per the rules.
Besides, the ownership of the vehicle cannot be transferred to you unless the original RC is provided to the RTO. After that, you can submit an application along with Form 29/30 to get it transferred to your name.
How to get a replacement for damaged RC?
If your RC is damaged or torn, you do not need to file a police complaint. You need to visit the local RTO in person with the original and follow the same procedure listed above to get a duplicate. 25% rebate on road-tax; waiver in registration fee for new cars: What the new vehicle scrapping policy means to you as a car owner?
