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Vehicle Registration Certificate / RC (India)

Legal proof a vehicle is registered with an RTO under the Motor Vehicles Act. Private vehicles valid 15 years, then renewed every 5 years. Most services via the Vahan portal.

Do it on the official site

The Registering Authority (RTO) — vahan.parivahan.gov.in / parivahan.gov.in

Fees

Renewal car/LMV ₹600; motorcycle ₹300 (+ green tax); smart-card RC ₹200 extra; late renewal ₹500/month (cars), ₹300/month (two-wheelers) [confirmed CMVR Rule 81; transfer ~₹300–₹500 inferred]

Processing time

A few days to ~2–3 weeks after fitness/verification + smart-card dispatch

How long it lasts

Initial 15 years; each renewal/re-registration thereafter 5 years

What to know first

  • Renewal uses Form 25, applied not more than 60 days before expiry; at 15 years the vehicle needs a passed fitness/inspection.
  • Late fee ₹500/month (cars), ₹300/month (two-wheelers).
  • ₹200 smart-card fee on top of the base fee.
  • Fees/green tax vary by state; some old vehicles (NCR 15-yr petrol/10-yr diesel) may be refused re-registration.

How to do it

  1. 1Vahan → Online Services → Vehicle Related Services → select state/RTO.
  2. 2Enter registration no. + last 5 chassis digits; verify OTP.
  3. 3Choose service: Renewal (Form 25) / Transfer / Re-registration (15 yrs).
  4. 4Fill form, upload docs, book fitness/inspection slot if required.
  5. 5Pay online; visit RTO with originals; smart-card RC issued/dispatched after approval.

What you need to bring

  • Form 25 (renewal) / Forms 29 & 30 (transfer)
  • Original RC; valid insurance; valid PUC; fitness certificate (re-registration)
  • Address + identity proof; chassis/engine print; road/green-tax proof; fee receipt

In person

Nearest RTO (for fitness inspection and physical verification)

Questions people ask

When can I renew?
Form 25, not more than 60 days before expiry.
After 15 years?
Re-registration, then every 5 years subject to fitness.
Late renewal cost?
₹500/month (cars), ₹300/month (two-wheelers).

Documents that travel with it

Sources

  • parivahan.gov.in renewal-of-rc + Form-25; CMVR Rule 81 (accessed 2026-06-26)