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Vehicle Registration (RC)
Every new motor vehicle must be registered before use on public roads. The Registration Certificate (RC) proves ownership and gives the vehicle its number.
Official fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle or scooter | ₹300 |
| Car, three wheeler or quadricycle (private) | ₹600 |
| Light motor vehicle (transport) | ₹1,000 |
| Imported motorcycle | ₹2,500 |
| Imported car | ₹5,000 |
| Smart card RC (extra) | ₹200 |
| Hypothecation entry (loan): two wheeler / car | ₹500 / ₹1,500 |
Checked 27 Sep 2026
Documents to keep ready
- Form 20 application for registration
- Form 21 sale certificate from the dealer
- Form 22 roadworthiness certificate from the maker
- Valid insurance
- Proof of address, e.g. Aadhaar
- Sale invoice and PAN or Form 60
- Form 34 if the vehicle is bought on loan
How to apply
- Buy the vehicle from an authorised dealer
- The dealer uploads your details and documents on Vahan (dealer point registration)
- Pay registration fee, state road tax and other charges, usually to the dealer
- The RTO approves and allots the registration number
- The dealer fits the High Security Registration Plate
- The RC is sent by post and can also be seen in DigiLocker or mParivahan
Good to know
- State road tax is usually the biggest cost and differs a lot by state, vehicle price and fuel type. It is paid along with registration.
- Ask the dealer for a clear break up of fees, tax, HSRP and handling charges, and check the official fee on the receipt.
- A vehicle must be registered within 7 days of delivery. Do not drive it without registration or a valid temporary registration.
Common questions
Who registers a new vehicle, me or the dealer?
For new vehicles, the dealer usually registers it for you on the Vahan portal. You pay the fees and tax through the dealer.
How long is an RC valid?
For private vehicles, 15 years from registration. After that it can be renewed for 5 years at a time after a fitness check.
Is a digital RC valid?
Yes. An RC in DigiLocker or mParivahan is accepted as a valid document.