The Regional Transport Offices (RTO) play a pivotal role in regulating and managing the state's vehicular ecosystem. Tamil Nadu, with its diverse districts, each marked by a unique identity, is served by multiple RTOs, each responsible for overseeing specific regions.
This article will give you an idea about the RTOs across the state, their functions, services, and the vehicle registration process.
Functions of RTO Tamil Nadu
The RTOs in Tamil Nadu are entrusted with multifaceted responsibilities aimed at ensuring road safety, vehicular compliance, and efficient traffic management. These functions include:
- Vehicle registration: The primary task involves registering vehicles and issuing unique registration numbers based on the district codes.
- Driving license issuance: Conducting tests and issuing driving licenses to eligible individuals, ensuring competency and adherence to traffic rules.
- Collection of taxes: Facilitating the collection of road taxes, ensuring a sustainable revenue stream for the maintenance of road infrastructure.
- Fitness certification: Periodic checks to ensure the roadworthiness of vehicles, promoting safety standards.
- Permit issuance: Granting permits for commercial vehicles, and regulating their operations within the state.
Services offered by RTO Tamil Nadu
Apart from its regulatory functions, RTO Tamil Nadu extends a range of services to the public, streamlining processes and ensuring convenience. Some key services include:
- Vehicle transfer: Facilitating the smooth transfer of vehicle ownership.
- Renewal of registration: Ensuring the timely renewal of vehicle registrations to maintain accurate databases.
- Duplicate license issuance: Providing duplicate license in case of loss or damage.
- Change of address: Allowing individuals to update their address details in the registration certificate.
List of Tamil Nadu RTO code
Given below is the list of RTO in Tamil Nadu:
TN RTOs |
RTO Code |
(Central) |
TN01 |
Chennai (North West) |
TN02 |
Chennai (North East) |
TN03 |
Chennai (East) |
TN04 |
Chennai (North) |
TN05 |
Chennai (South East) |
TN06 |
Chennai (South) |
TN07 |
Chennai West |
TN09 |
Chennai (South West) |
TN10 |
Tambaram |
TN11 |
RTO, Paruthipattu |
TN12 |
RTO, Ambattur |
TN13 |
RTO, Sholinganallur |
TN14 |
RTO, Ulundurpet |
TN15 |
RTO, Kalakurichi |
TN15M |
RTO, Tindivanam & Enforcement wing. |
TN16 |
RTO, Redhills |
TN18 |
RTO, Chengalpattu |
TN19 |
RTO, Thiruvallur |
TN20 |
RTO, Kanchipuram |
TN21 |
RTO, Meenambakkam |
TN22 |
RTO, Vellore |
TN23 |
RTO, Krishnagiri |
TN24 |
RTO, Tiruvannamalai |
TN25 |
RTO, Namakkal (North) |
TN28 |
RTO, Dharmapuri |
TN29 |
RTO, Salem (West) |
TN30 |
RTO, Cuddalore |
TN31 |
RTO, Viluppuram |
TN32 |
RTO, Erode East |
TN33 |
RTO, Tiruchengode |
TN34 |
RTO, Gobi |
TN36 |
RTO, Coimbatore (South) |
TN37 |
RTO, Coimbatore (North) |
TN38 |
RTO, Tirupur North |
TN39 |
Mettupalayam |
TN40 |
RTO, Pollachi |
TN41 |
RTO, Tirupur, South |
TN42 |
RTO, Ooty |
TN43 |
RTO, Trichy (East) |
TN45 |
RTO, Perambalur |
TN46 |
RTO, Karur |
TN47 |
RTO, Srirangam |
TN48 |
RTO, Thanjavur |
TN49 |
RTO, Tiruvarur |
TN50 |
RTO, Nagapattinam |
TN51 |
Sankagiri |
TN52 |
RTO,Salem (East) |
TN54 |
RTO, Pudukkottai |
TN55 |
RTO, Perundurai |
TN56 |
RTO Dindigul |
TN57 |
RTO Madurai (South) |
TN58 |
RTO Madurai (North) |
TN59 |
RTO Theni |
TN60 |
RTO Ariyalur |
TN61 |
RTO Sivagangai |
TN63 |
RTO Madurai (Central) |
TN64 |
RTO, Ramanathapuram |
TN65 |
RTO, Coimbatore (Central) |
TN66 |
RTO, Virudhunagar |
TN67 |
RTO Kumbakonam |
TN68 |
RTO, Tutucorin |
TN69 |
RTO Hosur |
TN70 |
RTO Tirunelveli |
TN72 |
RTO, Ranipet |
TN73 |
RTO Nagercoil |
TN74 |
RTO Marthandam |
TN75 |
RTO Tenkasi |
TN76 |
RTO, Attur |
TN77 |
RTO Dharapuram |
TN78 |
RTO Sankarankovil |
TN79 |
RTO, Trichy (East) |
TN81 |
RTO Mayiladuthurai |
TN82 |
RTO Vaniyambadi |
TN83 |
RTO Tirupattur |
TN83M |
RTO, Srivilliputtur |
TN84 |
RTO Kundrathur |
TN85 |
RTO Erode West |
TN86 |
Sriperumbudur |
TN87 |
RTO Namakkal South |
TN88 |
RTO Salem (South) |
TN90 |
RTO, Chidhambram |
TN91 |
RTO Thiruchendur |
TN92 |
Mettur |
TN93 |
RTO Palani |
TN94 |
RTO, Sivakasi |
TN95 |
RTO Kovilpatti |
TN96 |
RTO Arani |
TN97 |
RTO Coimbatore (West) |
TN99 |
Tamil Nadu vehicle registration details and process
Vehicle registration is mandatory in Tamil Nadu as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The vehicle registration process includes the following steps:
- Application for vehicle registration: To register a vehicle in Tamil Nadu, the owner should submit an application form for registration (Form 20) along with necessary documents to the RTO office.
- Verification of documents: The RTO office will verify all the submitted documents, including proof of identity, address, sale/purchase agreement, car insurance policy document, and more.
- Pay the fees: After verification of documents, the vehicle owner should pay the registration fees as per the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Vehicle inspection: After paying the fees, the RTO agent will conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle to ensure that it complies with the safety and emission standards.
- Issuance of Registration Certificate (RC): Once the vehicle passes the inspection, the RTO office will issue the Registration Certificate (RC) with a unique registration number.
Documents required for vehicle registration in Tamil Nadu
Essential documents needed for completing the vehicle registration process in RTO Tamil Nadu include:
- Application form: Form 20 (Application for Registration of a Motor Vehicle).
- Sales invoice: Original invoice from the vehicle dealer.
- Roadworthiness certificate: Issued by the manufacturer or dealer.
- Motor insurance certificate: Valid insurance policy covering the vehicle.
- Address proof: Any government-issued document (Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID, etc.).
- Identity proof: Similar government-issued ID (Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID, etc.).
- Passport-sized photographs: Typically, 3-4 recent passport-sized photographs.
Vehicle registration fees in Tamil Nadu
The following table provides an overview of some of the fees associated with vehicle registration services at Tamil Nadu RTO:
Registration charges
Here’s a breakdown of vehicle registration charges at RTO Tamil Nadu
Vehicle Type |
Fees (in Rs.) |
Light commercial vehicle |
1,500 |
Imported motor vehicle |
800 |
Heavy goods vehicle |
600 |
Medium goods vehicle |
400 |
Light motor vehicle |
600 |
Imported motorcycle |
200 |
Motorcycle |
50 |
Invalid carriage |
50 |
Any other vehicle |
300 |
How to get a license from RTO Tamil Nadu?
Getting a driving license in Tamil Nadu is mandatory to drive any vehicle on the roads legally. The following are the steps to obtain a driving license from RTO Tamil Nadu:
- Visit the RTO website: Access the official Tamil Nadu RTO website.
- Fill application form: Complete the required application form for a driving license.
- Submit documents: Provide necessary documents such as age proof, address proof, and identity proof.
- Pay fees: Make the necessary payment for the application processing.
- Book test slot: Schedule a slot for the driving test.
- Pass driving test: Successfully pass the driving test conducted by the RTO.
- Receive license: Collect your driving license upon approval.
Types of driving license
- Learner’s license: To apply for a learner’s license, the applicant should be at least 18 years of age and should submit the required documents to the RTO office. The applicant has to pass the written test and practical test to obtain a learner's license.
- Permanent license: The applicant should have a valid learner’s license for at least one month to apply for a permanent driving license. The applicant has to pass the driving test and take a medical test to obtain a permanent license.
The Regional Transport Office (RTO) Tamil Nadu plays a crucial role in promoting road safety in the state. With its various functions and services, RTO Tamil Nadu ensures a smooth and secure transportation system.
The vehicle registration process, document requirements, and the fee structure and driving license process are well defined and transparent. RTO Tamil Nadu is a crucial institution, and its services to the public are commendable.