Bought a new bike or car and wondering how to get its RC card? Or perhaps you have lost your vehicle’s Registration Certificate and need a replacement.
In India, every motor vehicle must be registered with the appropriate Regional Transport Office (RTO) before it can legally be driven on public roads, subject to the applicable registration rules.
The Registration Certificate, commonly called an RC card or RC book, is an official document that confirms your vehicle’s registration details.
Thankfully, many vehicle registration services are now available through the government’s Parivahan portal. However, some applications still require physical verification or a visit to the RTO.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to apply for an RC card, what documents are required, the registration fees and how to download your digital RC.
What Is an RC Card, and Why Is It Important?
An RC (Registration Certificate) contains important information about your vehicle, including:
Vehicle registration number
Registered owner’s name
Chassis and engine numbers
Vehicle manufacturer and model
Fuel type and registration date
Registration validity and other applicable details
Your RC helps establish that the vehicle is registered in accordance with Indian motor vehicle laws.
An RC is different from a driving licence. Your driving licence authorises you to drive eligible vehicle categories, while the RC identifies the vehicle and its registered owner.
How to Apply for a New RC Card in India?
When you purchase a new vehicle from an authorised dealership, the dealer commonly handles its registration through the VAHAN system.
However, if registration is not being handled by the dealer, you can contact your local RTO for the applicable process.
Step 2: Contact Your Dealer or Registering Authority
Confirm whether the vehicle registration application will be submitted by your dealership or directly through the appropriate RTO.
Step 3: Complete Form 20
Form 20 is the official application for registering a motor vehicle. You must provide the vehicle and owner details required by the registering authority.
Step 4: Submit the Required Documents
Provide the purchase and vehicle-related documents, insurance details and identification documents.
Step 5: Pay Registration Fees and Road Tax
The amount depends on your vehicle category, applicable state taxes and other charges.
Step 6: Complete Verification
The registering authority processes the application and may require vehicle inspection or additional verification, depending on the procedure.
Step 7: Receive Your Registration Number and RC
After approval, the vehicle receives its registration number. The RC is issued in the format supported by the registering authority.
Important: The application for permanent registration is generally required within seven days of taking delivery, excluding journey time. If temporary registration has been issued, apply before it expires.
Documents Required for an RC Card
Keep these documents ready before starting your application.
Document
Purpose
Form 20
Vehicle registration application
Form 21
Vehicle sale certificate
Form 22
Manufacturer’s roadworthiness certificate
Address proof
Verification of owner’s address
Valid vehicle insurance
Mandatory insurance details
PAN or Form 60
Where applicable
Temporary registration
If already issued
Form 34
When hypothecation applies to a financed vehicle
Other documents may be required depending on your state and vehicle category.
How to Apply for a Duplicate RC Card Online
If your original RC is lost, stolen or damaged, you don’t need to register the vehicle again. Instead, you can apply for a duplicate Registration Certificate.
Enter your vehicle registration number and proceed.
Open the Basic Services section.
Enter the last five digits of your vehicle’s chassis number.
Complete OTP verification using the registered mobile number.
Select Duplicate RC from the available services.
Enter the required information and insurance details.
Upload supporting documents if requested.
Pay the applicable fee and save the acknowledgement receipt.
Depending on your state, an RTO appointment or additional verification may be necessary.
If your RC has been lost or stolen, report the incident to the police and retain the complaint acknowledgement. The duplicate RC application uses Form 26.
What Are the RC Card Fees in India?
The basic registration fee depends on the vehicle category.
Vehicle Type
Basic New Registration Fee
Motorcycle or scooter
₹300
Private light motor vehicle, such as a car
₹600
An additional ₹200 may apply for a smart-card-type Registration Certificate.
These amounts do not include road tax, HSRP charges or other applicable fees. Certain vehicle categories may qualify for exemptions.
Tip: Always check the final payable amount on the official VAHAN portal or with your registering authority rather than relying only on estimates.
How to Check Your RC Application Status
If you have already applied for registration or a duplicate RC, you can track your application online.
Visit the VAHAN Citizen Services website.
Select Know Your Application Status.
Enter your application number or vehicle registration number.
Complete the captcha and submit.
Review the available application status.
Processing and delivery times depend on the RTO and state procedures.
How to Download a Digital RC Card
You can access your vehicle’s digitally issued RC using government platforms such as DigiLocker or mParivahan.
Visit DigiLocker, sign in and search for the vehicle Registration Certificate service. Provide the requested registration details to fetch your document.
Officially issued RC records available through DigiLocker or mParivahan are legally recognised under applicable government rules.
A simple photograph or manually uploaded scan of an RC is not necessarily equivalent to an officially issued digital certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an RC card online?
Many RC-related services are available online through VAHAN. However, new vehicle registration and certain other applications may involve a dealership or RTO visit.
How long is an RC valid in India?
For a new private non-transport vehicle, registration is generally valid for 15 years. It can subsequently be renewed for five-year periods, subject to applicable rules and eligibility.
Can I apply for a duplicate RC without visiting the RTO?
Some states offer online processing. Others may require document verification or a physical visit.
Is a digital RC accepted by traffic police?
Yes. Officially issued digital RC documents accessed through DigiLocker or mParivahan are legally recognised.
Final Words
Applying for an RC card in India is relatively straightforward when your documents are ready.
For a new vehicle, confirm whether your dealership is handling the registration. If your existing RC is lost or damaged, use the duplicate RC service rather than applying for fresh registration.
Always use official government websites and keep your application acknowledgement safely.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not affiliated with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or any RTO. Registration requirements, charges and procedures may vary by state and are subject to change.
