RTO Vehicle Registration Process Explained

Written by Sharad Bajaj

Updated On Oct 14, 20232 min read

RTO New Car Registration Process Online Status, Renewal

Every state in India has a Regional Transport Office (RTO). Each RTO is responsible for executing the functions of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. This act established the Motor Vehicles Department, headed by the Transport Commissioner. The RTO performs various activities, ranging from issuing Learners’ Permits or Drivers’ Licenses and their renewal, motor vehicle tax collection, issuance of international driving permits, and more. Among its functions is the Registration of vehicles within its jurisdiction and maintaining the database of registered vehicles.

Steps for RTO Vehicle Registration Process

The following are the steps needed to register a vehicle at the RTO.

Visit the RTO and submit the following documents:

List of Documents Required for RTO Vehicle Registration

Form 20 i.e. application form for registration of the vehicle

Age and address proof documents

Passport size photographs

Form 21 i.e. sales certificate of the vehicle

Form 22 i.e. roadworthiness certificate

PUC certificate (Pollution Under Control certificate)

Insurance documents of the vehicle to be registered

Customs clearance certificate, in case the vehicle is imported

In case the vehicle is purchased in one state and registered in another, sales tax certificate is required

No Objection Certificate from the RTO and the dealer is also required in this circumstance

Temporary registration number

Invoice of the vehicle

Form 34, in case of loan hypothecation

For trailer and semi-trailer vehicles, design approval must be obtained from the Transport Minister

Make payment of the application fees.

Have your documents verified and duly inspected.

After these processes, the vehicle number is issued to the owner.

After 7 days, you are issued with a registration certificate. This acts as proof of registration at the RTO.

Thus, the process of registration of a vehicle at RTO is easily completed. It is required by law for it to be completed by all owners of vehicles in India and as such it is advisable to be aware of all the details involved. It is important to submit the correct documentation and to pay the application fees in a timely manner.

RTO Vehicle Registration in a New State

Here are some additional details regarding re-registering your vehicle at the RTO in case you move from one state to another.

Step 1: In the RTO of the original state, you must first apply for NOC (Non-Objection Certificate), by submitting RTO Form 28

Step 2: If you are selling your vehicle in the new state you will also require RTO Form 29

Step 3: Submit the required documents along with the NOC to the RTO of the new state

Step 4: In the new state, you will need to pay the applicable road tax

Step 5: After completing all the above mentioned procedures, you will receive the registration number from the RTO of the new state

Conclusion

It is necessary to be aware of these procedures as RTO Vehicle Registration is required by law. It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to be aware of all the requirements and to ensure that all the applicable documentation is completed for their vehicle.

Disclaimer

This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.

Written by Sharad Bajaj

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Sharad is an insurance industry veteran who has managed motor insurance products for over a decade. He helped set up and scale the motor insurance vertical for a leading insurance company in his previous stint. In his spare time, Sharad likes to read and be in tune with nature.