Registration and Re-registration of Vehicles

Registration of a vehicle is one of the most critical steps, because without it, the vehicle is not legally permitted to operate on public roads. However, it is often seen as complex due to the multiple documentation and compliance requirements involved.

Every vehicle must be officially registered to its owner for several critical reasons. These records aid in maintaining road safety, ensuring compliance with tax regulations, and establishing accountability. In India, a vehicle cannot legally operate on the roads without proper registration. This process formally confirms ownership and associates the vehicle with a specific owner, address, and, if applicable, financier. Additionally, possessing valid vehicle insurance is mandatory to safeguard against legal and financial liabilities.

A vehicle registration certificate is only valid within its state, unlike a driving licence. Road tax structures, registration fees, and procedures vary from state to state. Additionally, the certificate can display only one valid address and one owner at a time. Because of this, certain situations require re-registration of vehicles, such as:

• When a vehicle registered in one state is moved to another state
• When ownership is transferred, such as after the death of an owner or the sale of a used vehicle
• When the registered address needs to be updated
   

A vehicle can be registered only through the Registering Authority Office, where a specific set of documents must be submitted. Before completing the process, owners are also required to hold an active vehicle insurance policy, which can now be easily arranged through online platforms.

To register a private car individually, all required documents must be submitted to the Registering Authority Office that has jurisdiction over the owner’s area. The process begins with gathering the paperwork and ends when the registration certificate is issued and delivered.

Once all documents are in place, the vehicle must be physically presented at the Registering Authority Office for inspection. The Inspecting Authority verifies the vehicle’s condition and validates pollution compliance, owner identity, and insurance details. Only after this inspection is approved does the process move forward.

The next stage involves payment of the applicable road tax and registration fees. These charges vary by state and vehicle value, as determined by state transport authorities. The approximate tax structure across India is:

It is mandatory to conduct re-registration of vehicles after 15 years to ensure they remain safe for road use. The procedure is largely similar to the initial registration. The vehicle must be physically inspected to confirm roadworthiness before approval.

The re-registration must be completed at the same Registering Authority Office where the original registration was done. Most documents remain the same, with only minor differences. The required documents include:

• A duly filled Form 25
• Original registration certificate
• Proof of road tax payment with no outstanding dues
• Certified copies of pollution control and vehicle insurance documents
• Re-registration fee as prescribed by the state government
• Attested PAN card copy or Form 60/61 if PAN is unavailable
   

Changes such as interstate transfer, address change, or ownership transfer may require either re-registration or modification of the original registration certificate. In most cases, the vehicle does not need to be physically inspected unless it is being re-registered in another state.

For address changes or ownership updates, owners must visit the same Registering Authority Office with the relevant documents. When moving across states, the vehicle and documents must be presented for verification, along with updated vehicle insurance policy details.

• Duly filled Form 33
• Original registration certificate
• Certified copies of the address proof, insurance, and pollution certificate
• Attested PAN card copy or Form 60/61

In some cases, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the financier may also be required.
 

• Original registration certificate issued in another state
• Completed Form 28 (Duplicate NOC)
• Completed Form 27
• Completed Form 20
• Verified address proof from the new state
• Certified copies of insurance, road tax receipt, and pollution certificate
• Attested PAN card copy or Form 60/61

Owners must also pay the applicable road tax and registration charges of the new state. Clearance from the National Crime Record Bureau is obtained directly by the Transport Department.
 

• Original registration certificate
• Completed and attested Form 29
• Completed Form 30 (in duplicate)
• Attested proof of address, insurance, and pollution clearance of the new owner
• PAN card or Form 60/61
• Prescribed transfer fee
   

• Original registration certificate
• Certified copy of the death certificate
• Legal heir or successor certificate
• Declaration signed by all surviving family members
• Vehicle verification on Form 20
• Attested proof of address, identity, insurance, and pollution certificate of the new owner
• PAN card or Form 60/61, if applicable

For quick verification, owners can also check the registration of the vehicle online using official transport portals to track status, ownership details, and compliance records.

Visit SBI General Insurance to buy or renew a policy for your vehicle and get coverage and add-on options that protect you from financial shock.