Lost your vehicle's RC? Here's how to get a duplicate
What's the story
A vehicle's registration certificate (RC) is as important as a driver's license.
In case you lose, damage, or have it stolen, you can get a duplicate RC in India through a simple online or offline process.
The procedure is straightforward and needs limited time, documents, and fees.
Here's how you can do so.
Usage
What is a duplicate RC?
A duplicate RC is basically a copy of the original registration certificate issued to a vehicle owner for a specific vehicle. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) issues this document.
To get it, one needs to lodge a police complaint in the area where the certificate was lost.
With a copy of the police complaint, one can apply online or offline for a duplicate RC book or smart card.
Online procedure
How to apply online for a duplicate RC
To apply for a duplicate RC online, visit the official Parivahan Sewa portal and choose your state and nearest RTO office.
Enter your vehicle's registration number and click on "Proceed."
Click on "Duplicate Registration Certificate," enter last five digits of your vehicle's chassis number, fill in form with necessary details, upload documents, and make payment.
Finally, print out acknowledgment and application form to submit it at your nearby RTO office and book an appointment slot for verification of your vehicle.
Offline procedure
Steps to apply offline
For an offline application, visit the RTO office where your original RC was issued.
Collect Form 26 and fill it in with all necessary documents.
Submit the completed application, documents, and fees to the RTO office.
The authority will then provide you with a date for vehicle verification and chassis number check.
This step is crucial in ensuring everything matches up before issuing a duplicate RC.
Documentation
Required documents for a duplicate RC application
To apply for duplicate RC, you need to submit certain documents. These include a police certificate or copy of lodging complaints at the local police station where the RC was lost or damaged.
Other documents required are Form 26, the pollution certificate and vehicle's insurance certificate, address proof, and identification details like PAN card, Form 60, or Form 61, owner's signature , etc.
For commercial vehicles, a tax clearance certificate and clearance challan from Enforcement Traffic Wing may be required.
Fees
Fee structure for a duplicate RC
The fee structure for getting a duplicate RC is mentioned in the Motor Vehicle Act, rule no. 53(2).
The fees differ as per the type of vehicle, with invalid carriage costing ₹25.
Other vehicles have different charges: motorcycles (₹150), non-transport light motor vehicles (₹300), transport light motor vehicles (₹500), medium goods and passenger vehicles (₹500 each), and heavy goods and passenger vehicles (₹750 each).
Processing time
What is the processing time?
The processing time for getting a duplicate RC is between 15-30 days from the date of submission. After this time, you can also download the duplicate RC.
By following these simple steps, you can get your duplicate RC from the RTO directly without any third-party help.
However, it is recommended to keep a photocopy of the original RC as it has important details needed for filling up application Form 26.