The Registration Certificate (RC) is an essential document that proves a vehicle’s legal ownership and registration with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Whether you’ve lost your RC, need a duplicate, or are simply looking to download a digital copy, knowing how to get your RC online can save you time and effort. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to obtain your vehicle’s RC online in India, including applying for a new RC, downloading an existing RC, and requesting a duplicate RC.
What is a Vehicle RC and Why Is It Important?
A Registration Certificate (RC) is an official document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) when you register your vehicle. It serves as legal proof that your vehicle is registered under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and has passed all necessary regulations to be driven on Indian roads.
Key Information on an RC:
- Vehicle Registration Number
- Owner’s Name and Address
- Vehicle Make, Model, and Fuel Type
- Engine and Chassis Number
- Registration Date and Expiry
Why is RC Important?
- Proof of Ownership: It confirms that you are the legal owner of the vehicle.
- Legal Requirement: You must carry an RC when driving, as it’s required by law.
- Resale or Transfer: The RC is essential if you’re selling or transferring your vehicle.
- Insurance: Your RC is needed for vehicle insurance claims and renewals.
Eligibility to Get RC Online
You can apply for or retrieve your RC online if:
- You’re a registered vehicle owner and need a duplicate RC due to loss, theft, or damage.
- You need to download a digital copy of your RC for easy access.
- You have transferred ownership of a vehicle and need an updated RC.
- You are applying for a new vehicle registration (for newly purchased vehicles).
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get RC Online
Depending on your requirement—whether you want to download an existing RC or apply for a new one—you can follow the steps below.
1. Download RC Online Using Parivahan Sewa
The Parivahan Sewa portal by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) allows you to download your Digital RC from the comfort of your home.
Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal
Go to the official website: Parivahan Sewa. - Select “Online Services”
Under the “Online Services” section, click on “Vehicle Related Services.” - Choose Your State
You will be directed to select your state to proceed with the RC-related services. - Enter Vehicle Details
You’ll need to enter your Vehicle Registration Number and Chassis Number (the last five digits) for verification purposes. - Download RC
Once your vehicle details are verified, you will be able to download the RC in PDF format. This digital RC is legally valid and can be shown to traffic police or during routine checks.
For additional services, you can check your vehicle details, insurance validity, and more on the Parivahan portal.
2. Get RC Online Through DigiLocker
DigiLocker is an initiative by the Government of India to digitize official documents. You can download and store your vehicle RC in your DigiLocker account, which is accepted as a legal document by the Ministry of Transport.
Here’s how you can get your RC online via DigiLocker:
- Sign Up on DigiLocker
Visit DigiLocker’s official website or download the DigiLocker app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. - Log in with Aadhaar
If you are a new user, sign up using your Aadhaar number. Existing users can log in with their registered mobile number or email ID. - Access “Issued Documents”
Once logged in, go to the “Issued Documents” section and click on “Get Your RC” under the Ministry of Transport. - Enter Vehicle Details
Provide your Vehicle Registration Number, and the RC document will be fetched from the Parivahan database and stored in your DigiLocker account. - Download Your RC
The RC can now be downloaded or viewed digitally whenever required. This digital copy is legally valid under Indian law.
3. Apply for Duplicate RC Online
If your vehicle’s RC has been lost, damaged, or stolen, you can apply for a duplicate RC online. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal
Go to Parivahan Sewa, the official website for vehicle-related services. - Choose “Vehicle Services”
Under the “Online Services” menu, select “Vehicle Related Services” and proceed to the section where you can apply for a duplicate RC. - Log In and Enter Your Vehicle Details
You’ll need to log in using your registered mobile number or create a new account. Enter your vehicle registration number to proceed. - Submit Documents
You’ll be asked to upload scanned copies of the following documents:- Form 26: This is the application form for a duplicate RC.
- FIR Copy: If your RC has been stolen, file an FIR at the local police station and upload the copy.
- ID and Address Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, etc.
- Challan Clearance: Ensure there are no pending challans on your vehicle.
- Pay the Fee
After uploading the documents, pay the fee for a duplicate RC. The fee ranges from ₹300 to ₹500, depending on your vehicle type. - Receive Acknowledgement
After submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgement receipt. You can track the status of your duplicate RC application using this receipt on the Parivahan Sewa portal.
How to Apply for New RC Online for a New Vehicle
If you’ve just purchased a new vehicle and want to apply for an RC, follow this process:
- Get Your Temporary RC from the Dealer
When you buy a new vehicle, the dealer will provide you with a Temporary RC, which is valid for one month. During this period, you must apply for a permanent RC. - Visit the Parivahan Sewa Website
Head to the Parivahan Sewa Portal and select “Vehicle Related Services”. - Select “New Vehicle Registration”
Choose the option to register your newly purchased vehicle and fill out the required details, such as:- Chassis Number
- Engine Number
- Owner’s Name
- Dealer Details
- Submit the Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of:- Form 20: Application form for vehicle registration.
- Form 21: Sales certificate issued by the dealer.
- Form 22: Certificate of roadworthiness from the manufacturer.
- ID Proof and Address Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN card, etc.).
- Invoice Copy: Proof of vehicle purchase.
- Insurance Certificate: Proof that the vehicle is insured.
- Pay the Registration Fee
Once your documents are submitted, pay the required registration fee and road tax based on your vehicle’s make, model, and state. - Receive Your RC
After verification by the RTO, your new RC will be generated and sent to your registered address. You can track the status of your RC on the Parivahan Sewa portal.
FAQs
1. How can I check my vehicle RC status online?
– You can check your RC status by visiting the Parivahan Sewa portal, selecting “Vehicle Related Services,” and entering your vehicle’s registration number.
3. Is DigiLocker RC valid as proof?
– Yes, DigiLocker-issued RC is accepted as a valid document under Indian law. You can show this digital RC to traffic authorities or during routine checks.
3. What documents are required to apply for a duplicate RC?
– To apply for a duplicate RC, you will need Form 26, your vehicle’s registration details, an FIR (if the RC was stolen), and ID/address proof.
4. How long does it take to receive a duplicate RC?
– After applying for a duplicate RC, it typically takes 15 to 30 days for the RTO to process and issue the new RC. You can track the status online.
5. Can I download my RC from Parivahan?
– Yes, you can download a digital copy of your RC from the Parivahan Sewa portal by entering your vehicle details.
6. What should I do if my RC is lost?
– If your RC is lost, you should file an FIR at the local police station and then apply for a duplicate RC online via Parivahan or UTIITSL.
Conclusion
Getting your vehicle’s RC online has never been easier, thanks to digital services offered by the Parivahan Sewa portal and DigiLocker. Whether you’re downloading an existing RC, applying for a duplicate, or registering a new vehicle, the online process is efficient, user-friendly, and can save you time compared to visiting the RTO in person. Make sure to keep a copy of your RC safe—either in physical or digital form—since it’s a critical document for driving legally on Indian roads.
