A vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC) is an essential document that confirms its registration with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and establishes its legal identity. In India, the RC for a private vehicle is generally valid for 15 years from the date of registration, after which it must be renewed every five years.
Owners can apply for renewal through the government’s Parivahan Sewa portal within 60 days before the RC expires, although a physical vehicle inspection may be required before approval. If the RC has already expired, they should follow the prescribed renewal process and check the applicable requirements with their RTO.
Driving with an expired RC is illegal and can attract penalties. It can also complicate insurance claims and the transfer of vehicle ownership. Here is how to renew an RC online, the documents required and the applicable fees.
Documents required for RC renewal
Before starting the application, vehicle owners should keep the following documents ready:
- Form 25: The application form for renewal of registration.
- Existing RC: The original or a copy of the expired registration certificate for verification.
- Valid insurance certificate: Proof of active third-party or comprehensive insurance.
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate: A valid certificate confirming compliance with applicable emission standards.
- Road tax receipt: Proof of payment of applicable road tax.
- Identity proof: An Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport or another accepted government-issued document.
- Address proof: An Aadhaar card, voter ID, utility bill or another accepted document.
- Fitness certificate: Required for applicable vehicle categories, particularly commercial vehicles.
- Chassis and engine number pencil print: This may be required as part of the application process.
Document requirements can vary depending on the vehicle category and the relevant RTO.
How to renew your RC online through Parivahan
The RC renewal application can be submitted through the government’s Parivahan Sewa portal by following these steps:
1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal
Open the official website at https://parivahan.gov.in/ and navigate to ‘Online Services’, followed by ‘Vehicle Related Services’.
2. Select the state and RTO
Choose the state in which your vehicle is registered and select the relevant registering authority.
3. Enter the vehicle details
Log in if required, and enter your vehicle's registration number. The portal may also ask for the last five digits of the chassis number.
4. Select the renewal service
Choose ‘Renewal of Registration’ from the list of available vehicle-related services.
5. Fill in the application form
Verify the details of your vehicle, including its make, model, year of manufacture, engine number, and chassis number. Enter any other requested information accurately.
6. Upload the required documents
Submit scanned copies of the existing RC, insurance certificate, PUC certificate, identity proof, address proof, and other applicable documents.
7. Pay the renewal fee
Complete the online payment. The amount depends on your vehicle's category and applicable charges.
8. Book a vehicle inspection
Schedule an appointment at the relevant RTO if required.
9. Take your vehicle for inspection
Present your vehicle and original documents for verification. The RTO will assess the application and your vehicle’s road-worthiness where applicable.
10. Receive the renewed RC
Once the application is approved, the renewed certificate will be processed. Depending on the applicable procedure, it may be dispatched to your registered address. Applicants can also check their application status online.
RC renewal fees in India
The registration renewal fees listed under Rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, vary according to the vehicle category.
| Vehicle category | RC renewal fee (Rs) |
| Motorcycle | 300 |
| Medium passenger motor vehicle | 1,000 |
| Heavy passenger motor vehicle | 1,500 |
| Imported motorcycle | 2,500 |
| Imported motor vehicle | 5,000 |
| Invalid carriage | 50 |
| Three-wheeler, quadricycle, or light motor vehicle (non-transport) | 600 |
| Three-wheeler or light motor vehicle (transport) | 1,000 |
| Medium goods vehicle | 1,000 |
| Heavy-duty vehicle | 1,500 |
| Other vehicle categories | 3,000 |
Additional charges may apply for delayed renewal, smart card issuance, inspection and other applicable services. The supplied fee schedule lists delayed-renewal charges of Rs 300 per month for motorcycles, and Rs 500 per month for passenger cars, along with a Rs 200 charge for smart card reissue or renewal. Owners should confirm the current charges on the Parivahan portal or with their RTO before making a payment.
How to check your RC renewal status
After submitting the RC renewal application, you can track its progress through the Parivahan Sewa portal. Navigate to the vehicle-related services section, select the relevant state, and enter your vehicle's registration details. Open the applicable application or registration status option to check whether the renewal is being processed, has been approved or requires further action. The online application makes it easier to initiate the renewal process, but approval may still depend on document verification, payment of applicable fees, and a physical inspection where required.