Vehicle Registration Certificate: Meaning, Features & Types

Driving is a stepping stone in everyone’s life. But, do you know that one more thing besides getting a driving licence is crucial? Yes, it is obtaining a registration certificate, also known as RC.

A registration certificate, or RC, is an official document proving that your vehicle is registered with the Indian government. It serves as proof of registration for your vehicle.The Motor Vehicles Act mandates that every vehicle sold in India be documented with the registering authorities based on their intended use. The MV Act 1988 specifies that no one may operate a vehicle on Indian roads without a registration certificate.The registration certificate for a private/non-commercial car is valid for 15 years after registration. The registration certificate must be renewed every five years after that. The Motor Vehicles Act requires that all vehicles, irrespective of brand, make, or model, be registered. Also read: Types of Driving Licence in India & Class of Vehicles Explained

The RC book, also known as the Registration Certificate, is a legal document from the Government of India that proves that your bike has been properly registered with the RTO. The registration certificate, which was originally issued in the form of a booklet, has since evolved into a smart card. It contains the following information about your bike/two-wheeler:

• Registration date and number
• Engine number
• Chassis number
• Colour of the vehicle
• Type of the two-wheeler
• Maximum Seating capacity
• Model number
• Fuel type
• The manufacturing date of the two-wheeler

The vehicle RC (Registration Certificate) is legal proof of registration for any motorised vehicle.The Motor Vehicles Act requires all motor vehicles in India to be documented with the registering authorities according to where they are intended to be utilised.A vehicle cannot be utilised in any public area in the country without a valid registration certificate. The registration certificate for a private/non-commercial vehicle continues to be valid for 15 years from the registration date.Subsequently, the registration certificate must be updated every five years. All cars must be registered regardless of brand, make, or model.

When you intend to move or sell the vehicle beyond the jurisdiction of the registering authority, either within the same state or in another state, an application for an authorization certificate must be submitted to the registering department where the vehicle was initially registered. The following documents are required to obtain the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the RC book:

1. Form number 28 application form.
2. Attested copy of the RC.
3. Attested copy of the Insurance Certificate.
4. Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
5. Proof of all updated tax payments.
6. Sketch imprint of the Chassis and Engine.
7. Signature proof of the owner.

For potential buyers, it is crucial to consider the following key points regarding the RC:

• Apply for a No Objection Certificate through Form number 28 at the registering department where the vehicle was originally registered.
• For transport vehicles, provide additional documented proof such as surrender of the permit, tax clearance, challan clearance, fitness clearance, etc.
• Fulfill the necessary tax payments in accordance with the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) of 1989.
• Pay the required charges as per the CMVR 1989.

Also read: Importance of Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC)

1. Temporary RC: The dealer will assign a temporary registration number when buying a new vehicle. The legislation requires that something be documented permanently. The temporary registration number is usually valid for one month, and the vehicle must be registered with the Regional Transport Office department during that timeframe.2. Permanent RC: A vehicle plate number is a legal document identifying the car’s owner and providing relevant information.Every vehicle owner, either private or non-commercial, must register their vehicle with the nearest RTO office. An inspecting authority inspects the vehicle at the RTO or zonal office as part of the registration process.

You may need to modify the information on your vehicle’s registration certificate in certain cases. The causes for such a change include removing your vehicle’s pledge, changing your bike’s colour, making modifications that require RTO clearance, or even changing personal information such as your address. In any of these cases, you must notify the appropriate RTO and have it changed. However, you can also modify it online. Here’s how you can accomplish it:

• To update your RC details, visit Vahan Citizen Services, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ official website.
• Enter your bike’s registration number and click ‘Proceed’.
• Next, pick ‘Basic Services’.
• Validate your bike’s chassis number by entering its last five numbers.
• This will generate an OTP. Enter the OTP and click ‘Submit’.
• Once these details have been checked, you can choose the option you need to alter your RC for.
• For example, you should alter your address. Now, you must enter the ‘Service Details’ and update your ‘Insurance Details’.
• After paying the required costs, submit the paperwork and your appointment will be arranged.

In India, auto dealers can register a brand-new bike on the owner’s behalf. After the dealer has completed the registration procedure, the vehicle is delivered to the buyer. The buyer can also register the vehicle by going to their local RTO office. Following verifying all papers and inspecting the vehicle/bike, the registering authority provides the vehicle Registration Certificate (RC). The following documents are necessary to apply for RC in India.

• CMV Form 20 (filled)
• Form 22 provided by the vehicle manufacturer
• Form 21 provided by the vehicle dealer
• Vehicle insurance certificate
• Address proof of the vehicle owner
• Aadhaar card, Ration card, LIC policy, affidavit, and self-attested copy of address proof
• Form 34 attested by the vehicle owner and financier (if hypothecated)
• Vehicle registration fee
• One-time road tax receipt
• Vehicle receipt from the dealer
• Passport-sized photographs of the vehicle owner

After all documents are submitted for RC, the registration number is allocated, and the applicant receives a fee receipt. The applicant should keep the fee receipt safe until the RC is provided.

The RC fees for various types of vehicles are mentioned in the table below:

Steps to Check RC Details OnlineThe following are the steps for checking car RC details online:

• Visit VAHAN’s official website.
• Click on the ‘Know Your Vehicle Details’ option.
• If you have previously created an account, log in using your login information. If you do not already have an account, you must create one.
• Log in using your login information.
• Enter your vehicle registration number and captcha code, then click the ‘Vahan Search’ button.
• You will be able to view car information on the internet.

Steps to Check RC Details through SMSThe following are the steps to check RC information via SMS:

• Send your vehicle registration number to 7738299899 by typing VAHAN (space) followed by the number.
• Receive detailed information about your vehicle.

Follow the steps outlined below to modify the address on your RC book:

• Submit a completed Form 33
• Address Change Proof: Affidavit stamped by a public notary, ration card, and election roll
• Passport-sized pictures
• Vehicle registration certificate

All required papers can be submitted to the Grade 1 Motor Vehicle Inspectors or the Regional Transport Officers. The address change process should take one business day.

You can request a duplicate if you lose or misplace your car registration certificate. The owner of the vehicle should apply for a duplicate RC in Form 26 and provide the necessary documents:

• Police FIR Copy (Reporting Loss of RC Book)
• Fill out CMV Form 26 and have it attested by your financer (if the car is financed)
• The registration fee is as required in Rule 81 (CMV Act)
• Tax receipt and payment details for the last four quarters
• Two-Wheeler Insurance Certificate
• No objection certificate (NOC) from the vehicle financier
• PUC Certificate

Also read: Form 26AS: A Detailed Guide for Income Tax Return Filing

In the end, comprehending the Bike Registration Certificate is critical for all motorbike owners. This detailed guide has clarified the relevance of this document, its components, the registration process, and the importance of following legal requirements. To have a hassle-free experience, stay informed, follow the registration procedures carefully, and keep your Bike Registration Certificate secure. Also read: How To Pay Road Tax In India