As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is mandatory to register and license your vehicle at the regional Road Transport Office (RTO) before you can drive it on Indian roads. You can get your vehicle registered through the vehicle dealer or you can do it yourself by visiting the local RTO near you. Here is everything you need to know about the RTO new vehicle registration process.

How to do the RTO registration process on your own?

• Step 1

  Visit the regional RTO near you with your vehicle. It is mandatory to take your newly purchased vehicle with you for its registration process at the RTO.

• Step 2

  Fill in the RTO form 20 and submit it along with the other required documents. You would also need to provide the hypothecation details of the vehicle, if you have purchased it through a loan.

• Step 3

  Once the form filled by you has been scrutinized by the RTO superintendent, you will be required to pay the new vehicle registration fee and get your vehicle inspected by the Inspector of Motor Vehicle (IMV) present in the RTO.

• Step 4

  Once your vehicle has been inspected, the RTO will upload your vehicle’s details into the central database.

• Step 5

The RTO superintendent will verify the vehicle details uploaded in the central database. If all the provided details and documents are correct, your vehicle’s registration will be approved by the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO).

• Step 6

  After approval, the RTO will commence the process of printing the smart card or Registration Certificate (RC) of your vehicle. The RC will be couriered to you within 10 to 15 days of completing the registration process.

What are the different types of vehicle registration numbers?

There are two types of vehicle registration numbers in India:

1. Temporary registration number

   This number is specified to you by the vehicle dealer after your purchase. The temporary RTO registration number is valid only for a short duration of time and you need to apply for the permanent number before this one expires.

2. Permanent registration number

   This is the number allocated to you by your regional Road Transport Office after successfully registering your vehicle with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. The permanent vehicle registration number cannot be changed.

RTO registration documents

• New vehicle registration application form (Form 20)

• Vehicle sales certificate (Form 21)

• Temporary Registration Certificate (if applicable)

• Roadworthiness certificate (Form 22)

• Hypothecation details of the vehicle (Form 34) (to be submitted only if the vehicle is purchased through a loan)

• Pan Card or Form 60 (either one)

• Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC)

• Valid insurance certificate

• Proof of address of the vehicle owner (Aadhar card, driver’s license, etc.)

• Dealer and Manufacturer Invoice

• Your passport size photograph

• Proof of date of birth (Aadhaar card, driver’s license, etc.)

• Pencil sketch of your vehicle’s engine and chassis number.

After your vehicle is registered, you can easily check the registration details of your vehicle by sending an SMS, containing ‘VAHAN{space}vehicle number’, from your mobile number to 77382 99899. To ensure the safety of your vehicle, you must purchase a comprehensive motor insurance plan. A motor insurance policy will secure your finances in case of any unfortunate mishap or accident.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.