As per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, it is mandatory to have a valid registration certificate (RC) so that you can drive your vehicle on public roads. It is a vital document issued by the Regional Transport Office, validating a vehicle's ownership and registration. The full form of RC is a registration certificate, it is also known as the vehicle registration certificate. It is an official document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to validate a vehicle's ownership and registration. It includes essential information about the vehicle, such as the registration number, make, model, engine number, chassis number, and details of the vehicle owner. The RC serves as a crucial document for confirming the legal status and identification of vehicles on the road. Issued by the RTO, this certificate plays a pivotal role in providing tangible proof of ownership and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for vehicles in circulation.
Documents required to obtain an RC
As a part of the process, it is necessary for you to submit a list of documents to your respective RTO. You need to submit a handful of documents to get an RC.
- Proof of identity
- Vehicle purchase invoice
- Copy of insurance
- PAN card
- Temporary registration issued by the dealer
- Receipt of registration fees
Apart from these documents, you also need to submit Form 20, Form 22, Form 22-A, Form 21, and Form 34.
How to apply for an RC?
You can apply for a vehicle registration certificate by following these simple steps.
- Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) with your vehicle.
- The inspecting authority will then examine your vehicle.
- Next, fill out application form 20 for the registration certificate (RC).
- The authority will imprint the chassis number, and you should submit all necessary documents.
- Proceed to make the registration fee payment and obtain a receipt.
Once your application is processed and approved, the RTO will dispatch your RC through the post to the address mentioned in your application form. It is important to note that the exact procedures and required documents might vary slightly from one state to another in India.
How to renew a vehicle RC?
The registration certificate for a vehicle remains valid for 15 years from the date of issuance. When your car or vehicle registration is approaching expiration, it is essential to renew it. Driving a car with an expired registration may result in penalties and legal consequences, so timely renewal is crucial to ensure compliance. In case your RC is expired or nearing expiration, follow these simple steps and renew it.
- Fill in Form 25 and submit it with the required documents at the RTO.
- In case there are any pending taxes, you can make the payment at the RTO counter.
- The registering authority will inspect the vehicle.
- Pay the re-registration fee and collect the receipt.
- Once all the process is completed, the RTO will send the renewed RC through the post.
In essence, the RC is an indispensable document that ensures your vehicle operates legally and smoothly on the road. Carrying a valid RC while driving is mandatory. It ensures the vehicle's eligibility and also helps avoid penalties and legal entanglements associated with lapsed registrations.
