How to Transfer Vehicle RC (Registration Certificate) Online

When you buy or sell a used vehicle in India, the Registration Certificate (RC) must be transferred to the new owner's name. This is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This guide covers the complete online process for RC transfer, address change, duplicate RC, and more.

When Do You Need RC Transfer?

You need to transfer or update your vehicle RC in the following situations:

1. Buying or selling a used vehicle — The RC must be transferred to the buyer's name within 30 days of sale
2. Death of the registered owner — The legal heir must apply for transfer of ownership
3. Gift or donation of a vehicle — Transfer is required even if no money is exchanged
4. Change of address — If you move to a new address (within the same state or to another state)
5. Change in vehicle hypothecation — When a loan is closed or transferred to another financier
6. Court order or auction — Vehicles acquired through legal proceedings

Important: Failure to transfer RC within 30 days can result in a penalty. Both buyer and seller are responsible for completing the transfer.

Documents Required

For the Buyer (New Owner)

• Form 29 (Agreement to Transfer Ownership) — signed by both buyer and seller
• Form 30 (Intimation of Transfer) — signed by both buyer and seller
• Original RC (Registration Certificate) of the vehicle
• Valid insurance certificate in the buyer's name
• Valid PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate
• Address proof (Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or utility bill)
• Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN card, passport)
• Passport-size photographs (2 copies)
• Sale deed or sale agreement
• Self-declaration form (Form 60 if PAN is not available)

For the Seller (Previous Owner)

• Form 29 signed
• Form 30 signed
• Original RC book
• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN)
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the financier — if the vehicle has an active loan
• NOC from the RTO — required for interstate transfer

Additional Documents for Specific Cases

Step-by-Step Online Process (Vahan/Parivahan Portal)

Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Portal

1. Go to https://parivahan.gov.in/
2. Click on "Online Services" → "Vehicle Related Services"
3. You will be redirected to the Vahan portal

Step 2: Select Your State and RTO

1. Select the state where the vehicle is currently registered
2. Select the RTO (Regional Transport Office) from the dropdown
3. Click "Proceed"

Step 3: Enter Vehicle Details

1. Enter the vehicle registration number (e.g., MH02AB1234)
2. Enter the chassis number (last 5 digits)
3. Click "Verify Details" — the system will show basic vehicle information
4. Confirm the details are correct

Step 4: Select the Service

1. From the list of services, select "Transfer of Ownership"
2. You may need to log in or create an account on the portal

Step 5: Fill the Application Form

1. Enter buyer's details — name, father's name, address, mobile number, email
2. Enter seller's details — name and address
3. Upload the reason for transfer (sale, gift, inheritance, etc.)
4. Fill in the insurance details — policy number, insurer name, validity

Step 6: Upload Documents

1. Upload scanned copies of all required documents:
   • Form 29 and Form 30 (signed by both parties)
   • RC copy
   • Insurance certificate
   • PUC certificate
   • ID and address proof of buyer
   • Sale deed
2. All documents should be in PDF or JPEG format, file size under 1 MB each

Step 7: Pay the Fees

1. The portal will calculate the applicable fees
2. Pay online using net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI
3. Save the payment receipt

Step 8: Book an Appointment (if required)

1. Some states require a physical verification of the vehicle at the RTO
2. Book an appointment slot through the portal
3. Visit the RTO with the original documents and the vehicle on the appointed date

Step 9: Track Your Application

1. Go to https://parivahan.gov.in/
2. Click on "Know Your Application Status"
3. Enter your application number or vehicle registration number
4. The status will show: Submitted → Under Review → Approved → RC Updated

Tip: You can also track status through the mParivahan app available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

NOC for Interstate Transfer

If you are transferring a vehicle from one state to another, you need an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the RTO where the vehicle was originally registered.

How to Get NOC for Interstate Transfer

1. Apply online through the Parivahan portal or visit the original RTO
2. Submit Form 28 (Application for NOC)
3. The RTO will verify that there are no pending dues, challans, or court cases against the vehicle
4. NOC is typically issued within 7–15 working days
5. The NOC is valid for 6 months from the date of issue

After Getting NOC

1. Apply for re-registration in the new state within 30 days
2. Pay the road tax applicable in the new state (you may get a refund or adjustment for tax paid in the old state, depending on state policy)
3. The vehicle will get a new registration number of the new state

Fees

RC transfer fees vary by state and vehicle type. Here is a general overview:

Note: For interstate transfer, you may need to pay the difference in road tax between the two states. This can be a significant amount for newer vehicles. Check with the destination state's RTO for exact figures.

Total approximate cost for within-state transfer: ₹500 – ₹1,500
Total approximate cost for interstate transfer: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000+ (depending on road tax)

How to Change Address on RC

If you have moved to a new address but within the same state, you need to update your RC.

Within the Same RTO Jurisdiction

1. Visit https://parivahan.gov.in/ → Online Services → Vehicle Related Services
2. Select "Change of Address" service
3. Enter your vehicle registration number and verify
4. Upload new address proof (Aadhaar card with updated address, utility bill, or rent agreement)
5. Pay the fees online (approximately ₹200 – ₹500)
6. The updated RC will be sent to your new address via Speed Post

Different RTO Within the Same State

1. Follow the same online process
2. Select the new RTO jurisdiction
3. You may need to visit the new RTO for vehicle inspection
4. The vehicle will retain the same registration number

Different State (Interstate)

1. You need to follow the NOC and re-registration process described above
2. The vehicle will get a new registration number of the new state

How to Get Duplicate RC

If your RC is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can apply for a duplicate RC.

Online Process

1. Visit the Parivahan portal → Online Services → Vehicle Related Services
2. Select "Duplicate RC" service
3. Enter your vehicle registration number and chassis number
4. Upload the following documents:
   • FIR copy or online complaint (if RC is lost/stolen)
   • Affidavit on stamp paper declaring the loss of RC
   • ID proof and address proof
   • Insurance copy
5. Pay the fee online (approximately ₹300 – ₹500)
6. You may need to visit the RTO for vehicle verification
7. The duplicate RC will be dispatched to your registered address

Processing time: 15–30 working days

How to Check Vehicle Registration Details Online

You can check any vehicle's registration details using these methods:

Method 1: Parivahan Portal

1. Go to https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahan4dashboard/
2. Click on "Know Your Vehicle Details"
3. Enter the vehicle registration number
4. Enter the captcha code
5. The portal will display:
   • Owner's name
   • Vehicle make and model
   • Registration date and validity
   • Fuel type and engine capacity
   • Insurance status
   • Fitness certificate validity
   • Hypothecation details (if any)

Method 2: mParivahan App

1. Download the mParivahan app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Enter the vehicle registration number
3. View complete vehicle details on your phone
4. You can also store your own vehicle's RC as a digital document (DigiLocker integrated)

Method 3: SMS Service

1. Send an SMS: VAHAN to 7738299899
2. You will receive basic vehicle details via SMS

Tip: Always check vehicle details before buying a used vehicle. Verify that the RC is not blacklisted, there are no pending challans, and the hypothecation status is clear.

Processing Time

Note: Processing times vary by state and RTO. Some states have faster digital processing while others may take longer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I transfer vehicle RC completely online?

A: The application and fee payment can be done online through the Parivahan portal. However, most states still require a physical visit to the RTO for vehicle inspection and document verification. Some states like Delhi and Karnataka are moving towards fully online processes.

Q2: What is the penalty for not transferring RC within 30 days?

A: Under the Motor Vehicles Act, failure to intimate the transfer within 30 days can result in a fine of up to ₹5,000 for the first offence. Both the buyer and seller can be penalized. The seller remains liable for any traffic violations or accidents until the transfer is completed.

Q3: Can I transfer RC if there is a loan (hypothecation) on the vehicle?

A: Yes, but you first need an NOC from the financier (bank or NBFC). The hypothecation must either be terminated (loan fully paid) or transferred to the buyer's name with the new financier's consent. Without clearing or transferring hypothecation, the RTO will not process the transfer.

Q4: How long is the NOC valid for interstate transfer?

A: The NOC is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You must complete the re-registration in the new state within this period. If the NOC expires, you will need to apply for a fresh one.

Q5: Is Form 29 and Form 30 mandatory for RC transfer?

A: Yes, both forms are mandatory. Form 29 is the agreement to sell between buyer and seller. Form 30 is the report of transfer of ownership to the registering authority. Both must be signed by the buyer and seller and submitted to the RTO.

Q6: Can I check if a vehicle has any pending challans before buying?

A: Yes. Visit the eChallan portal at https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/ and enter the vehicle registration number. You can also check through the mParivahan app. Always verify challan status before purchasing a used vehicle.

Q7: What if the seller is not available to sign the transfer forms?

A: If the seller is not available, the transfer can still be processed if the buyer has:

• Original signed Form 29 and Form 30 (obtained at the time of sale)
• A General Power of Attorney (GPA) executed by the seller
• In case of the seller's death, the legal heirs must sign the transfer documents along with the death certificate and succession certificate.