Car registration and renewal are crucial aspects of owning a vehicle in India. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, mandates that a vehicle plying on public roads needs to have an active registration number. The registration certificate (RC) is a legal requirement, and it needs to be renewed regularly to prevent traffic violations and ensure the safety of the driver and the public.
This complete guide covers everything that you need to know about extending your car's validity by renewing the RC after 15 years.
Renewal of car registration after 15 years
As per Indian laws, the validity of a car's registration certificate is 15 years, and it needs to be renewed every five years thereafter. If your car is approaching 15 years of age, it is time to renew its registration certificate.
You need to apply for the RC renewal before the expiry of the certificate. Once you have the required documents, such as the insurance certificate, pollution certificate, and old RC, you can submit the application form to the regional transport office (RTO). You must also pay the required renewal fee and book an appointment for a vehicle inspection.
How to renew the RC if it is expired
If you missed the RC renewal deadline and got an expired RC, do not worry. You can still renew it by following a few simple steps. You need to visit the nearest RTO, fill out the car registration renewal application form, submit the old RC, and pay the renewal fee.
You should also book an appointment for the vehicle inspection and visit the RTO on that date with your car. After the inspection, you will get a new RC issued quickly.
Documents required for renewal of RC
Renewing your vehicle's registration certificate (RC) is essential to maintain the legality of its use on Indian roads. The RC is valid for fifteen years from the date of issuance and should be renewed every five years. Before you apply for the RC renewal, ensure that all documents are in place to avoid unnecessary delays.
Here are the documents required for the renewal of RC:
- Application form:
Form 25 is the application form that you need to fill for the renewal of the RC. - Pollution under control (PUC) certificate:
An updated PUC certificate is mandatory for the renewal of the RC. A PUC certificate ensures that your vehicle complies with the prescribed pollution control norms. - Fitness certificate:
A fitness certificate is essential for commercial vehicles and transport vehicles. It is necessary to obtain the fitness certificate from the concerned RTO before renewing the RC. - Certificate of registration:
You will need the original certificate of registration (RC) as a proof of vehicle registration while renewing the RC. - Proof of payment of road tax:
Proof of payment of road tax is essential while renewing the RC. The tax paid up to the due date should be made up to date before applying for the renewal of the RC. - Vehicle insurance:
A valid motor insurance policy that covers your vehicle should be in existence at the time of renewal of the RC. It is mandatory to have an insurance policy for all vehicles plying on Indian roads. - PAN card copy:
A copy of the PAN card needs to be submitted, or Form 60 and Form 61 if the person does not hold a PAN card. - Chassis and engine pencil print:
A pencil print of the chassis and the engine number of the vehicle is necessary while renewing the RC. - Signature identification of owner:
The owner's signature identification is necessary on the RC renewal application.
Renewing your RC is a simple process. Ensure that you have all these documents in place before submission to avoid any delays in the process. The document requirements may vary depending on the type of vehicle and the jurisdiction of the regional transport office (RTO). Double-check with the RTO before submitting the documents.
Importance of renewing RC
Vehicle registration renewal may seem tedious, but it is a simple process that must be followed to ensure compliance with legal requirements. By renewing RCs, vehicle owners can avoid unnecessary hassles and ensure safe driving on public roads. A renewed RC also helps avoid penalties and maintain the resale value of the vehicle.
