Bought a New Vehicle? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the RTO Registration Process

RTO registration is a mandatory process in India that gives your vehicle a legal identity and confirms ownership. It includes submitting documents, paying fees and road tax, completing inspection, and receiving the Registration Certificate. You can track the status online via Parivahan Sewa. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is mandatory to register your vehicle with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) before driving 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 in India process.

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 out 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 scrutinised by the RTO superintendent, you will be required to pay the new vehicle registration fee and get your vehicle inspected by the vehicle inspector or inspecting authority present at 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 is generally dispatched after the registration process is completed, though timelines can vary depending on the RTO and state regulations.  

There are two types of vehicle registration numbers in India: 

1. Temporary registration number

This number is issued 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 the Regional Transport Office (RTO) after successfully registering your vehicle with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. The permanent vehicle registration number generally remains unchanged unless transferred or reassigned under applicable rules.  

Registering your vehicle with the RTO is not optional; it is a legal requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It gives your vehicle a unique identity through a registration number and proves ownership. Without it, you cannot legally drive on public roads or claim insurance benefits if something goes wrong.

Once the registration process is completed and approved by the RTO, the Registration Certificate (RC) is generated digitally and later issued physically. Vehicle owners can also track their RC status online through platforms such as Parivahan Sewa.

RTO charges vary depending on the vehicle type, engine capacity and state. They usually include registration fees, road tax, number plate charges and handling fees. For example, cars attract higher road tax compared to two-wheelers. Some states also include additional charges like smart card fees. Always ask for a fee breakup from your dealer to stay informed.

In most cases, the process takes anywhere between 7 and 30 days. Dealers usually get started with the registration soon after you buy the vehicle, but sometimes delays happen, either due to document checks or a backlog at the RTO. Keeping an eye on your RC status online can help you stay informed and step in early if something does not seem right.

Driving an unregistered vehicle can lead to heavy penalties and legal trouble. You may also face issues during insurance claims, as an unregistered vehicle is not considered valid under the law. Registration ensures both legal compliance and financial protection.

RTO registration may feel like a routine step, but it plays a critical role in vehicle ownership. Staying informed, tracking your application and using official channels can help you avoid unnecessary delays and complications.

SBI General Insurance offers motor insurance plans that help cover your vehicle against accidents, damages, theft, and other covered risks.

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

1. How to get a new registration?

You can get a new registration through your vehicle dealer or by applying directly at the RTO. The process is fairly straightforward: you submit the required documents, pay the fees and get the vehicle inspected. While most buyers let the dealer handle this for convenience, many still keep an eye on the progress online to make sure everything is moving smoothly.

2. How many days for RTO passing?

RTO passing generally takes between 7 and 30 days. The timeline depends on the workload at the RTO and how quickly documents are verified. Delays can happen, so it is a good idea to monitor the status regularly.

3. What is the cost of an RTO transfer in Gujarat?

The cost of RTO transfer in Gujarat varies based on the vehicle type, age and applicable road tax. It typically includes transfer fees, smart card charges and any pending tax differences. For exact figures, it is best to check with the local RTO or official portal.