Sarathi Parivahan Sewa

Introduction to RC Book

What is an RC Book?

The RC Book, also known as the Registration Certificate, is an official document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). It serves as legal proof that a vehicle is registered with the Indian government and has been authorized for use on public roads. Every motor vehicle — whether a car, bike, truck, or commercial vehicle — must possess a valid RC. The RC contains critical information like the vehicle number, owner’s name, engine and chassis number, registration date, and RTO code.

Importance of the Registration Certificate

The RC Book isn’t just a document; it’s a legal necessity. Driving a vehicle without an RC violates the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and can result in fines or vehicle seizure. It is essential for:

• Proving ownership of the vehicle
• Selling or transferring a vehicle
• Applying for insurance claims
• Checking vehicle details on Parivahan Portal or Vahan Parivahan
• Renewing fitness certificates or pollution certificates

RC Book vs. Smart Card RC (RC Card)

Earlier, RTOs issued a paper-based RC Book, but now most states provide a Smart Card RC, also known as the RC Card. The paper RC Book was a booklet prone to damage, while the Smart Card RC is a plastic chip-based card similar to a driving licence for quick verification. Both serve the same legal purpose but differ in format and durability.

Types of RC in India

Temporary Registration Certificate

When you purchase a new vehicle, the dealer issues a Temporary Registration Certificate valid for 30 days. It allows you to drive legally until your permanent RC is issued. This temporary RC is generated online through the Parivahan Sewa portal.

Permanent Registration Certificate

The Permanent Registration Certificate is the final document issued by the RTO. It confirms the vehicle’s registration and ownership. The permanent RC remains valid for 15 years for private vehicles and 5 years for commercial vehicles, after which it must be renewed.

Duplicate Registration Certificate

If your RC is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a Duplicate RC. You can download duplicate RC online via the Parivahan Portal or apply offline at your local RTO by submitting Form 26, an FIR copy, and insurance documents.

Hypothecated RC (Financed Vehicle RC)

When a vehicle is bought through a loan, the RC will have a hypothecation mark showing the financier’s name. Once the loan is cleared, the owner must remove hypothecation by applying on the Vahan Parivahan website or at the RTO using Form 35 and the NOC from the bank.

Details Mentioned in an RC Book

An RC contains all vital vehicle and owner details stored in the Vahan database under the Parivahan Sewa system. The following information is printed or embedded in every RC:

• Vehicle Registration Number (e.g., DL 01 AB 1234)
• Owner’s Full Name and Address
• Vehicle Class (Private/Commercial)
• Manufacturer and Model
• Engine Number and Chassis Number
• Fuel Type (Petrol, Diesel, EV, CNG)
• Registration Date and Validity Period
• Insurance Validity
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) details
• Hypothecation Status (Loan or No Loan)
• RTO Office Code and Location

Having accurate details in your RC is critical, as any mismatch can cause issues during resale, ownership transfer, or traffic verification.

How to Apply for a New RC Book (Vehicle Registration Certificate)

Documents Required for RC Registration

When you buy a new vehicle, you must register it with the RTO to obtain your RC. The following documents are mandatory:

• Form 20 (Application for Registration)
• Sales Certificate from Dealer (Form 21)
• Roadworthiness Certificate (Form 22)
• Valid Insurance Certificate
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
• Address and Identity Proof
• Temporary Registration Certificate (if issued)
• Invoice and Purchase Receipt

Step-by-Step Process for New Vehicle RC

You can apply for a new RC both online via Parivahan.gov.in or offline through your RTO.

Online (via Parivahan Portal):

1. Visit parivahan.gov.in.
2. Click on Vehicle Related Services (Vahan Portal).
3. Select your state and RTO.
4. Choose Apply for New Registration.
5. Fill in vehicle and owner details.
6. Upload required documents and pay the registration fee online.
7. Book an appointment for vehicle inspection at RTO.
8. After verification, the RC will be dispatched to your address.

Offline: Visit your RTO with the required forms and documents. After inspection, the RTO will issue your Smart Card RC within 7–15 days.

RC Fees and Charges by Vehicle Type

RC Book Delivery Time

After successful registration, the RC card is usually dispatched within 7 to 15 working days. You can check the dispatch or delivery status on the Parivahan RC Status page or India Post tracking using your application number.

How to Download RC Book Online

Download RC from Parivahan Portal

You can easily download a digital RC using the Parivahan Portal.

1. Visit parivahan.gov.in.
2. Click on Online Services > Vehicle Related Services.
3. Select your State and RTO Office.
4. Enter your Vehicle Registration Number and Chassis Number (last 5 digits).
5. Choose Download RC or RC Print option.

This method also helps check your Parivahan RC Status anytime.

Download RC Book from DigiLocker App

The DigiLocker app is another trusted way to access your RC digitally. It’s an official government platform linked with MoRTH and Parivahan Sewa.

1. Install the DigiLocker App from Play Store or App Store.
2. Sign in using your Aadhaar number.
3. Go to “Issued Documents” → “Ministry of Road Transport and Highways”.
4. Select “Vehicle Registration Certificate”.
5. Enter your vehicle number and fetch your RC.

The digital RC from DigiLocker is legally valid under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Download RC Using mParivahan App

The mParivahan App is another official government app developed by MoRTH. It allows users to check vehicle details, RC status, and download RC online instantly.

1. Install the mParivahan App.
2. Log in using your mobile number.
3. Tap on “RC Information”.
4. Enter your Vehicle Number.
5. View RC details and click Add to Dashboard for permanent storage.

You can show this e-RC to traffic officers — it is fully valid.

Print Digital RC Copy

Once downloaded from Parivahan, DigiLocker, or mParivahan, you can print a physical copy of your RC. However, the digital version is fully valid, so carrying a printed one is optional unless required for documentation purposes.

How to Check RC Details Online

Checking your RC details online has become simple and instant, thanks to digital services like Parivahan Sewa, Vahan Parivahan, and the mParivahan App. Whether you want to verify vehicle owner details, RTO information, or RC status, you can do it in just a few clicks.

Check RC Details via Parivahan.gov.in

1. Visit parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/.
2. Go to Online Services → Vehicle Related Services (Vahan Portal).
3. Select your state and RTO office.
4. Choose “Know your vehicle details” or “Check RC Status”.
5. Enter your vehicle registration number and captcha code.

You’ll see complete RTO vehicle details, including owner name, registration date, chassis & engine number (partially hidden), insurance and fitness details, RC status and expiry date.

Check RC Status by Vehicle Number

To check RC status using your vehicle number, visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice/, click Know Your Vehicle Details, enter your vehicle registration number and click Search Vehicle. All relevant vehicle details will appear instantly.

RC Status via SMS Service

If you don’t have internet access, you can check vehicle RC details via SMS.

Format: VAHAN <Vehicle Number> — Send to: 7738299899

Verify RC Authenticity Online

To confirm if an RC is genuine: cross-check details on the Vahan Parivahan portal, compare engine and chassis numbers from the physical RC card with online records, and check for tampering or mismatch — fake RCs will not appear in the national Vahan database.

RC Book Renewal Process

When Should You Renew Your RC?

An RC book for a private vehicle is valid for 15 years from the date of registration. After that, it must be renewed every 5 years. Commercial vehicle RCs are valid for 5 years and must also be renewed periodically. Driving with an expired RC is illegal under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and may lead to fines or vehicle seizure.

Documents Required for RC Renewal

• Form 25 (Application for Renewal of RC)
• Original RC Card
• Valid Insurance Certificate
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
• Road Tax receipt
• Address Proof of Owner
• Vehicle Fitness Certificate (for commercial vehicles)

RC Renewal Online via Parivahan Portal

1. Visit parivahan.gov.in.
2. Click Vehicle Related Services.
3. Select State → RTO Office.
4. Choose RC Renewal.
5. Enter your vehicle number and chassis number.
6. Upload required documents and pay renewal fees.
7. Book an appointment for inspection (if required).

After RTO verification, your new RC card will be dispatched. You can check your RC renewal status on the Parivahan RC status page.

Offline RC Renewal at RTO

Submit Form 25 and required documents at your local RTO. After verification and inspection you’ll receive a new Smart Card RC within 7–10 working days.

RC Renewal Fees and Validity Period

Duplicate RC Book Application (If Lost or Damaged)

Situations When Duplicate RC Is Needed

Apply for a duplicate RC if the original is lost, stolen, damaged, misplaced during relocation, or the RC chip is broken or unreadable.

Required Documents for Duplicate RC

• Form 26 (Application for Duplicate RC)
• FIR copy (Lost RC case)
• Pollution Certificate (PUC)
• Valid Insurance
• Chassis & Engine Number print
• Aadhaar and Address proof
• Passport-size photographs

Apply Online for Duplicate RC via Parivahan

1. Visit parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/.
2. Click Online Services → Vehicle Related Services.
3. Select Duplicate RC option.
4. Enter vehicle details, upload documents, and pay the fee.
5. Download the application receipt and visit RTO with originals for verification.

You can track duplicate RC status on Parivahan RC Status or Vahan Parivahan.

Steps for Offline Duplicate RC at RTO

Visit your RTO office with Form 26 and other documents. After verification, the RTO will issue a duplicate Smart Card RC within 10–15 working days.

Fees and Time for Duplicate RC

Transfer of Ownership in RC

When RC Ownership Transfer Is Required

Transfer ownership when selling or buying a used vehicle, inheriting a vehicle, or transferring between states.

Documents Required for Ownership Transfer

• Form 29 & Form 30 (Ownership Transfer Application)
• Original RC Card
• Valid Insurance
• PUC Certificate
• Buyer and Seller ID proofs
• Vehicle Invoice (for dealers)
• NOC (if inter-state transfer)

Online RC Transfer Process (Parivahan)

1. Visit parivahan.gov.in.
2. Go to Vehicle Related Services.
3. Select Transfer of Ownership.
4. Enter vehicle details and new owner’s Aadhaar-linked information.
5. Upload digital documents and pay the fee.
6. Submit the application to the concerned RTO.

Offline RC Transfer at RTO

Submit Form 29 & 30 with the RC, insurance, and ID proofs to your local RTO. After approval, the new Smart Card RC is issued in the buyer’s name.

RC Transfer Fees and Timelines

RC Book Correction and Update

Common Errors in RC (Name, Address, etc.)

Errors that may appear on RC include misspelled name, wrong address, typo in engine/chassis number, or outdated contact details. Such errors can cause issues during resale, insurance claims, or renewal.

Documents Required for Correction

• Form 33 (Change of Address/Correction)
• Original RC Card
• Valid ID Proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID)
• Address Proof (Utility Bill, Passport)
• Insurance and PUC Certificate

Online Correction Process on Parivahan

1. Visit the Parivahan Portal.
2. Click on Vehicle Related Services.
3. Select your State and RTO.
4. Choose Change of Address/Correction option.
5. Upload documents, enter the correct details, and submit.
6. Pay the correction fee online.

After verification, your corrected RC will be issued or available to download as an updated RC PDF via Parivahan RC Download.

Offline Correction Process at RTO

Submit Form 33 with supporting documents at your RTO. After approval, you’ll receive a corrected Smart Card RC within a week.

RC Cancellation or Vehicle Deregistration

When to Cancel or Deregister RC

RC cancellation (or vehicle deregistration) is required for permanently damaged vehicles, scrapped vehicles, exported vehicles, or destroyed/stolen vehicles not recovered. Once canceled, the registration is removed from the Vahan database and the vehicle cannot be used on public roads.

Required Documents for Deregistration

• Application letter for cancellation
• Original RC Card
• Vehicle chassis plate cut-out (proof of scrapping)
• Police certificate (if applicable)
• Insurance and PUC certificates
• Scrap dealer’s certificate (for disposal)
• ID and address proof of owner

Step-by-Step Deregistration Process

Offline: Visit your RTO with documents and submit the cancellation application. The RTO verifies through Vahan Parivahan and removes the registration after approval.

Online: Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in, log in, choose Deregister Vehicle or Scrap Vehicle, upload proofs and submit. After approval you’ll receive an acknowledgment confirming RC deregistration.

RC Validity and Grace Period

Validity for Private and Commercial Vehicles

Private vehicles: valid for 15 years from registration. Commercial vehicles: valid for 5 years (renewable). Electric vehicles follow the same rules as private vehicles.

Penalty for Driving with Expired RC

Driving with an expired RC is an offense under Section 39 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Penalties include fines (up to ₹5,000 for first offense), vehicle seizure, and potential issues with insurance claims.

Grace Period for RC Renewal

Some states offer a 30-day grace period after RC expiry for renewal without penalty — policies vary by state. It’s best to renew before expiry to avoid fines and delays.

RC and Vehicle Insurance Linkage

Importance of Updating Insurance in RC

Insurance details are linked to the Vahan database. Lapsed or outdated insurance can affect RC renewal, vehicle transfer, challan clearance, and fitness renewals. Ensure insurance is current and updated on Vahan.

How to Link/Update Insurance Details

1. Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in.
2. Choose Online Services → Vehicle Related Services.
3. Enter your vehicle number and chassis number.
4. Select Update Insurance Details and enter new policy number and expiry date.

Insurance details will reflect in your RC status after update.

RC and Pollution Certificate (PUC) Relation

Need for Valid PUC for RC Renewal

A valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is mandatory for every registered vehicle. Without a valid PUC you cannot renew RC, transfer ownership, or update RC details on Parivahan.

How to Update PUC Details

1. Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in/puc.
2. Click PUC Certificate → Check PUC Status.
3. Enter your vehicle registration number and verify PUC validity.

If expired, visit an authorized emission testing center to renew the PUC.

How to Check Vehicle Owner Details from RC Number

Using Parivahan Portal

1. Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice/.
2. Click Know Your Vehicle Details.
3. Enter the vehicle registration number.

The portal shows owner name (partially hidden for privacy), registration date, RTO location and code, vehicle class and fuel type, and RC status and validity.

Using mParivahan App

Open the mParivahan App, tap RC Information, enter the vehicle number and view owner initials, registration details, insurance and fitness validity. You can add the vehicle to your dashboard for future tracking.

Using SMS Service

Send VAHAN <Vehicle Number> to 7738299899 to receive a reply with basic vehicle owner and RC details.

Privacy Note

Full owner details are protected by law and only partial information is displayed for privacy. Use these services responsibly and for legitimate purposes.

RC Book Fees and Charges Overview

The cost of registering, renewing, or reissuing an RC Book depends on vehicle type and RTO location. Typical fees:

Tip: Payments can be made online on the Parivahan portal or at the RTO. Keep the receipt for tracking.

RTO Forms Related to RC

Common RTO forms:

• Form 20 – Application for vehicle registration
• Form 21 – Sales certificate issued by dealer
• Form 22 – Roadworthiness certificate
• Form 25 – Application for renewal of RC
• Form 26 – Application for duplicate RC
• Form 29 & 30 – Transfer of ownership
• Form 33 – Change of address in RC
• Form 34 – Hypothecation addition
• Form 35 – Termination of hypothecation

Forms are available at the Parivahan Sewa website or RTO office.

Common Reasons for RC Application Rejection

1. Incomplete or incorrect forms
2. Invalid or expired insurance
3. No valid PUC certificate
4. Pending traffic challans
5. Hypothecation not cleared
6. Incorrect chassis or engine number
7. Non-payment of road tax
8. Fake or tampered documents
9. Improper vehicle fitness (for old vehicles)
10. Technical or data entry errors

If rejected, correct the issues and resubmit via Parivahan or visit the RTO.

How to Track RC Application Status Online

Check RC Dispatch Status on Parivahan

1. Visit parivahan.gov.in.
2. Click Online Services → Vehicle Related Services.
3. Select your state and RTO.
4. Enter your application number or vehicle registration number to view status.

Track Speed Post Delivery of RC

Once dispatched, track delivery via India Post using the Speed Post tracking number provided on Parivahan.