If you are moving to another state or selling your car to someone, you need to transfer the vehicle registration. This updates the registration to the new state if you relocate, or to the new owner if you sell the car. Since each state's transport department has its own rules, registration certificate (RC) transfer fees, requirements and timelines can differ. So how exactly do you transfer your RC to a new regional transport office (RTO) and what are the documents and fees required in the process? We answer all your questions here.
Disclaimer: This guide is for private vehicles. Commercial vehicles need additional paperwork, such as permit and fitness documents, which are not covered here. The information used here comes from the Parivahan portal. Documents, fees and deadlines vary by state and RTO, and are subject to change. Check with your local RTO before you apply or pay.
What forms are required for an RC transfer?
The form you need depends on how the vehicle’s ownership is changing. Forms 29 and 30 are the main forms used in a regular used-car sale.
Why should you complete the RC transfer soon after a sale?
If you do not complete the ownership transfer or pay the applicable RTO charges, you may face penalties. You could also be held legally responsible if a car you sold is still registered in your name and is involved in an accident or criminal offence.
For a vehicle transferred within the same state, the buyer should submit the ownership-transfer application within 14 days of the sale. If the vehicle is registered in another state, the buyer should apply within 45 days. The seller should also protect their own interests instead of waiting for the buyer to finish the entire process. Form 29 and the sale intimation should be submitted promptly to create an official record of the handover. State transport departments may charge late fees or impose penalties if the application is submitted after the deadline.
Don't forget to transfer the insurance policy
Updating the RC does not automatically transfer the motor insurance policy. The buyer should contact the insurer, submit the updated ownership documents and complete a new proposal or endorsement request. The RC and insurance policy should ultimately show the same owner’s name and address.
The seller's No Claim Bonus (NCB) belongs to the seller. The seller can request an NCB retention certificate and use the eligible discount on another vehicle. The buyer should start the insurance transfer immediately and complete it within 14 days of the ownership transfer. A delay may affect eligibility for an own-damage claim.
What other documents are required for an RC transfer?
The exact list can vary by state and RTO. A regular sale usually requires:
- Original RC.
- Completed and signed Forms 29 and 30
- Valid motor insurance certificate
- Valid pollution under control (PUC) certificate
- The buyer’s identity and address proof
- PAN card or Form 60, where applicable
- Passport-sized photographs
- Pencil print of the chassis and engine numbers, if required
- Sale agreement or delivery note
- Applicable tax-clearance proof
- Fee-payment receipt
- Financier’s NOC and Form 35, if a loan is recorded
- RTO NOC for an interstate transfer
Some states allow Aadhaar-based authentication and digital document submission. Others may require physical copies or verification at the RTO.
How to transfer an RC online?
You can usually start the ownership transfer through the Parivahan vehicle-services portal.
Step 1: Open vehicle-related services
Go to the vehicle-related services section on Parivahan and select the state where the vehicle is registered.
Step 2: Enter the vehicle details
Enter the registration number and open the online services section. For authentication, you may need the last five digits of the chassis number and an OTP sent to the registered mobile number.
The mobile number linked to the RC must be active. If it is outdated, the registered owner may need to update it before continuing.
Step 3: Select transfer of ownership
Choose the transfer-of-ownership service. In some states, the seller must start the application before the buyer can enter the remaining details.
Step 4: Enter the buyer and sale details
Enter the sale date, the buyer’s address and identity details, and any other information requested. Make sure all entries match the supporting documents.
Step 5: Upload the documents
Upload the signed forms and supporting documents where online uploads are available. Make sure the images are clear, and all signatures can be seen.
Step 6: Pay the applicable fee
Check the fee details and pay online. Save the payment receipt and application number.
Step 7: Complete verification
Depending on the state, verification may be completed through Aadhaar authentication, faceless verification or a physical visit to the RTO.
For a physical verification, you may need to bring the original RC, signed forms and identity documents.
Step 8: Track the application
Use the application number or vehicle registration details to check the status on the Parivahan portal. After approval, the updated RC may be available digitally through DigiLocker or mParivahan before the physical card arrives.
How to transfer an RC offline?
You can also complete the transfer by visiting the RTO. The seller and buyer should fill in and sign Forms 29 and 30. The buyer then submits the forms, original RC, insurance, PUC, identity documents and other required papers to the appropriate registering authority.
After the fee is paid, the RTO checks the application and updates the registration record. It may ask for a physical vehicle inspection, especially for interstate transfers, address mismatches or document discrepancies. Always collect an acknowledgement or receipt when you submit the application.
How to transfer an RC within the same state?
A transfer within the same state is usually simpler because the vehicle keeps its existing registration number. The buyer generally submits Forms 29 and 30 along with the RC, insurance, PUC and personal documents. A separate NOC for an interstate transfer is normally not required. However, the process can differ if the seller and buyer come under different RTO jurisdictions within the same state. The online portal will usually direct the application to the relevant authority.
How to transfer an RC between states?
An interstate sale may involve two related processes:
- Ownership transfer
- Re-assignment of the registration mark in the buyer’s state
The seller should get an NOC from the original RTO using Form 28. The buyer then submits the ownership-transfer documents and pays the applicable road tax in the destination state, whether it be from Haryana, Maharashtra or Tamil Nadu. We will explain this process in the following FAQs.
The documents may include:
- Original RC
- Forms 29 and 30
- RTO NOC
- Insurance and PUC certificates
- The buyer’s local address proof
- Tax-payment documents
- Pencil print of the chassis and engine numbers
- Vehicle inspection report, if required
If the vehicle is moved to another state for more than 12 months, the owner may also need to apply for a new registration mark.
A road-tax refund from the original state is handled separately and depends on that state’s rules. The owner may need to provide proof of re-registration and tax payment in the new state.
How to get an NOC?
There are two ways to apply for an NOC - offline and online. The first method requires you fill out a copy of the Form 28. After that, attach the other required documents which are mentioned above, pay the applicable fee and submit the application at your RTO. Before starting, make sure there are no pending challans, unpaid toll dues, or vehicle tax payments, as the RTO will not issue an NOC if any dues remain. This process can also be done online by visiting the Parivahan portal - parivahan.gov.in. An NOC is valid for six months from the date of issue.
How to transfer the RC of a car with an active loan?
Check the RC for a hypothecation entry that names the bank or finance company. A vehicle with an active loan generally cannot be transferred without the financier’s consent. The seller should first close the loan or obtain the required approval. After the dues are cleared, the lender provides a loan-closure or no-dues certificate and signs Form 35. The owner can then apply to remove the hypothecation entry from the RC. In some states, you can request hypothecation removal and ownership transfer at the same time. Completing the loan-removal process first can reduce the risk of rejection.
How to transfer the RC of a car after the registered owner’s death?
When the registered owner dies, the person who succeeds to the vehicle should inform the registering authority and apply to transfer ownership using Form 31. The successor may use the vehicle for up to three months if the registering authority is informed within 30 days of the owner’s death.
The application usually requires:
- Form 31
- Original RC
- Insurance and PUC certificates
- Death certificate
- Proof of succession or legal-heir documents
- Declarations from other legal heirs
- The applicant’s address and identity proof
- Vehicle-verification documents, if required
Requirements can differ if there is a will, more than one legal heir or a dispute over ownership.
How to transfer the RC of a car bought at a government auction?
If you buy a vehicle through an auction held by or on behalf of the Central or a state government, you should apply using Form 32 within 30 days of taking possession. The buyer must submit the auction certificate or sale order, the government authorisation for the auction, the available vehicle documents and the applicable fee. Auction vehicles may have incomplete records, repairs that are still needed or unusual registration histories. Check the documents before bidding.
How much does an RC transfer cost?
RC transfer charges depend on the vehicle category, state, smart-card fee, postal charge, any outstanding tax and whether extra services are needed. The Parivahan portal shows the amount payable before you make an online payment. Under Rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, the RC transfer fee is half the standard registration fee. This may amount to Rs 150 for a motorcycle and Rs 300 for a private car. Delays can attract a late fee of Rs 300 per month for motorcycles and Rs 500 per month for cars. Some states may also impose a penalty if the application is not submitted within 14 days of purchase. Road tax is charged separately, and is applicable if the vehicle is being re-registered in another state.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
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