All You Need to Know About Two-Wheeler RC Book In India

A 2-wheeler RC book is legal evidence of the registration of any motorised vehicle. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, all motor vehicles in India undergo registration with the registering authorities, depending on the location where the vehicle is intended to be utilised.

Without a valid registration, a vehicle cannot be driven or used in any public location in the country. The RC of a non-commercial or private vehicle remains valid for 15 years from the date of registration. The registration certificate must then be renewed every five years thereafter. Regardless of brand, manufacture, or model, all cars are required to be registered under the Motor Vehicles Act.

In India, when you purchase a new vehicle, typically the dealer manages the registration procedure. That being stated, you can also begin your vehicle registration procedure and obtain the RC yourself.

Follow these steps to apply for an two-wheeler RC book yourself:

• Take your vehicle to the closest Regional Transport Office (RTO).
• Your vehicle will be inspected by the RTO officer-in-charge
• You will be required to fill out Form 20 to obtain your RC for a two-wheeler.
• An imprint of your vehicle’s chassis number will be taken by the officer-in-charge.
• You will be asked to submit all the supporting documents as per their requirements.
• Lastly, pay the charges at the counter and collect your receipt.
• After a few days, you will receive your vehicle's RC book at your address.

Once your vehicle's RC has been granted, you can access your RC book online via the DigiLocker smartphone app. This enables you to take a digital/electronic RC copy along wherever you go.

The cost structure changes according to the vehicle you possess, as well as the State you are in. Fee structures vary nationwide, but the table below provides the fee range for each category:

Note: The above charges are indicative in nature, and are subject to change. Please confirm with your nearest RTO before proceeding. 

The following documents are necessary for two-wheeler registration in India:

• Application in CMV Form 20
• Form 21 issued by the two-wheeler dealer
• Form 22 and 22A issued by the two-wheeler manufacturer
• Proof of the vehicle owner's address, such as an Aadhaar card or a ration card
• PAN card copy
• Vehicle insurance certificate
• Affidavit of the applicant
• Form 34, signed by both the vehicle owner and the financier in the case of hypothecation
• Payment of vehicle registration fees
• Receipt for one-time road tax payment
• The dealer issued vehicle receipt
• Passport-sized photos of the vehicle's owner

The RC book for two-wheelers includes important information, including:

• Vehicle registration and engine number.
• The name and place of residence of the vehicle's owner.
• Cubic capacity, weight, model, fuel type, and body type of the vehicle
• Date of vehicle registration, as well as any hypothecation details.
• Vehicle wheelbase
• Vehicle manufacturer
• Vehicle manufacturing date (month and year)
• Registration's validity period
• Chassis number for the vehicle.

If you want to verify your vehicle's RC information, all you need to do is follow the steps listed below:

Steps for Checking RC Details Online

1. Visit VAHAN's website.
2. Select the 'Know Your Vehicle Details' option.
3. If you already have an account, please log in. Otherwise, sign up to create a new account.
4. Once logged in, input your vehicle's registration number and captcha code, then click 'Vahan Search'.
5. The webpage will display your vehicle's details.

Steps for Verifying RC Details via SMS:

1. Enter VAHAN followed by your vehicle's registration number, and send a text message at '7738299899.'
2. You will receive the vehicle's details via text message from the mentioned number.

If you have lost or misplaced your two-wheeler RC, you can obtain a duplicate through these steps:

• Obtain a copy of the police's FIR indicating the loss of the RC book.
• Fill out CMV Form 26.
• If your vehicle is being financed, get Form 26 from the financier (attested).
• Pay the registration fee as applicable
• Attach the tax receipt and payment information for the last four quarters.
• Provide a copy of your two-wheeler insurance certificate.
• Get an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the car financier.
• Provide the PUC certificate.

Ensure that all necessary documents are supplied along with the completed application in Form 26 to obtain your duplicate RC book.

Since the process has primarily shifted online, you can follow the steps given below for an RC Smart Card: 

• Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice.
• Enter registration number, chassis digits, and the OTP.
• Select "Duplicate RC" or relevant service (smart card conversion falls under this for old paper RCs).
• Upload docs (original RC scan if available, PUC, insurance, ID/address proof), and pay the fee.
• RTO verifies (may require physical inspection); smart card gets mailed to the address. 

After submitting these documents to the RTO, the procedure for getting the RC smart card normally takes about a week.

The RC book is your bike’s official identity. Without it, you are essentially riding an unregistered vehicle, which is not allowed on public roads. If traffic police stop you, you could be fined or even have your vehicle seized. 

Beyond that, it can cause trouble when selling your bike or transferring ownership. Even basic insurance processes may become difficult, since the RC is the primary proof that the vehicle legally belongs to you.

Legal Penalties and Fines

If you are not carrying a valid RC book, you may be fined up to ₹5,000 for the first offence, and repeat violations can attract higher penalties. In some situations, your bike may also be detained until documents are verified.

Impact on Insurance and Claims

The RC book plays an important role when you file an insurance claim. If it is missing or invalid, there is a good chance your claim could be delayed or denied. Insurers use it to verify vehicle ownership, so not having it can make the whole process more complicated.

Now that you know what an RC book is and how to obtain one, you understand why it is a vital piece of documentation for every two-wheeler owner.

If you're thinking about buying a new two-wheeler and considering self-registering, keep in mind that you should also have a  two-wheeler insurance plan that covers a minimum of third-party liabilities. 

SBI General Insurance provides a quick solution to make the insurance purchase process easier. By visiting their official website, you can compare a range of two-wheeler as well as four-wheeler insurance policies and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Note: The given information has been compiled from digitally available resources. It is subject to change due to several factors. Individuals are advised to verify information with their nearest RTO before proceeding. 

1. What is a two-wheeler RC book?

The two-wheeler RC book is an official document provided by the RTO (Regional Transport Office) in India that shows possession and registration of the vehicle.

2. Is it mandatory to have the RC while driving?

Yes, it is required to carry a printed or digital copy of the vehicle's registration certificate when driving. 

3. What happens if a vehicle doesn't possess a valid RC book/RC smart card?

Driving a vehicle without a valid RC book is prohibited and can result in costly fines.

4. What details are found in the RC book?

You can obtain information about the vehicle's owner, including their full name and address. In addition, you may obtain information on the vehicle, including its chassis and engine number, registration number and validity, the fuel type of the vehicle, its cubic capacity, and more.

5. What to do when the validity of the vehicle's RC expires?

When your vehicle's registration certificate expires, you can extend its validity for another 5 years by applying to the Regional Transport Office.

6. What is the RC's validity?

An RC is valid for 15 years from its date of issuance.

7. Can I modify the address on my registration certificate?

Yes. You can change your address on the RC book. To update the residential address on the RC, you will be required to submit a properly filled-out Form 33. Provide relevant proof of the address change, passport-sized photographs, and the certificate of vehicle registration. All of the paperwork can be presented to either the Regional Transportation Officer or the Grade 1 Motor Vehicle Inspector.

8. What is a temporary RC, and for how much time is it valid?

A temporary RC in bike is a provisional document provided by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) when you buy a new vehicle. It acts as a temporary verification of a vehicle's registration. It is given until the permanent registration certificate is issued. It has validity for 30 days.

9. What will happen if you lose your RC book?

If you lose your RC book, you can reapply for a duplicate RC book from your local RTO.

10. Is it possible to sell your two-wheeler without an RC book?

No, a valid RC book is required to transfer ownership of a two-wheeler.