How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership (Online/Offline)?

There may be several reasons why one may need to transfer their vehicle ownership to another person. The predominant reason is selling it to another person. Vehicle transfer is the process of transferring ownership of a car or bike from one person to another. 

The process is regulated by local motor vehicle laws, and sometimes one may feel the process to be quite tedious and confusing. In this article, we shall discuss all about transferring your vehicle (Car/ Bike) ownership to another person without it becoming too taxing. 

Vehicle Registration Process in India

Do you want to register your vehicle? (car/bike) in India? The registration process seems complex to some, but here’s the simplified process.

All new and old vehicle owners must follow the given steps.

• Fill out Form 29 and Form 30.

• Submit the forms to the local RTO

• Approval by the concerned authority.

• Final approval from Regional Transport Officer (RTO)

• A new RC number is issued

Types of Vehicle Registration Transfer

You may wish to have a transfer within the same state or between two different states; the process for each is given below.

Transfer of ownership within the same state

If the buyer and seller are both from the same state, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Get Forms 29 and 30 from the relevant state's Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Step 2: Fill out Forms 29 and 30 with the vehicle’s seller's signature.

Step 3: Submit the filled-up forms and the registration certificate, insurance certificate, pollution under control (PUC) certificate, and address proof of both the buyer and seller to the RTO.

Step 4: Pay the fee for the transfer of ownership.

Step 5: Once the RTO verifies all the documents, the registration certificate will be transferred to the buyer's name.

Interstate transfer of ownership

If the owner and buyer are both from different states, follow these steps.

Step 1: Get the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the vehicle's RTO.

Step 2: Take Form 28, Form 29, Form 30, and Form 33 from the RTO of the concerned state where the buyer resides.

Step 3: Fill up Form 28, Form 29, Form 30, and Form 33, and sign them along with the vehicle's seller.

Step 4: Submit the filled-up forms, the registration certificate, insurance certificate, pollution under control (PUC) certificate, and address proof of both the buyer and seller to the RTO where the buyer resides.

Step 5: You need to pay the inter-state transfer of ownership fee.

Step 6: Once the RTO verifies all the documents, the registration certificate will be transferred to the buyer's name in the new state.

Transfer of ownership on the death of an owner of the vehicle

You must follow these steps to transfer ownership if the vehicle owner dies.

• You must get the death certificate of the owner.

• Take a legal heir certificate or a succession certificate from a court.

• You also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the financier only if the vehicle was purchased on loan.

• Fill out Form 31.

• Submit the application and documents to the RTO.

• MVI must inspect the vehicle.

• Now, the legal heir can apply for a new RC in their name.

• Update the insurance policy with the new ownership details.

Transfer of ownership of a vehicle purchased in a public auction

You must follow these steps if the vehicle is bought in a public auction.

• The sale auctioning authority must give you a certificate.

• In the case of a financed vehicle, you must get a NOC from the financier.

• Fill out Form 29 and Form 30 with the necessary details.

• Pay the applicable road tax and other fees as required by the RTO.

• Submit the application and documents to the RTO within 30 days of the purchase.

• The RTO will verify the documents and issue a new registration certificate (RC) in the new owner’s name.

• Update the insurance policy with the new ownership details.

Documents Required for Vehicle RC & Ownership Transfer within the same State

Here are the required documents for vehicle RC transfer within the same state.

• Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle

• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

• Insurance certificate

• Form 29 and 30

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original RTO, if applicable

• Original invoice of the vehicle purchase, if available

• Valid identity proof of both the buyer and seller (Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, voter ID card, etc.)

• Valid address proof of both the buyer and seller (Aadhaar card, passport, utility bill, etc.)

• Recent passport-sized photographs of the buyer and seller

• Road tax receipt

• Certificate of fitness if the vehicle is more than two years old.

Car/Bike Ownership Transfer Offline

Application process

• Obtain necessary documents from the seller (RC, PUC, insurance certificate, Form 29 and Form 30).

• Get NOC if the vehicle is registered in another state.

• Fill out Form 29 and Form 30 with the necessary details.

• Get the required documents verified by the RTO.

Application submission

• Submit the application and documents to the RTO along with the transfer fee.

• Get the vehicle inspected by a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI).

• Once the RTO has verified the documents and completed the inspection, the transfer will be processed.

Finalisation

• Collect the new RC in the name of the new owner from the RTO.

• Update the insurance policy with the transfer of ownership information.

Car and Two-wheeler Registration Transfer from One State to Another (Interstate)

Transfer of Ownership in Case of Normal Sale

Documents required

• Vehicle Registration Certificate

• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

• Insurance certificate

• Form 29,30

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original RTO

• Valid ID proof of both(buyer and seller)

• Valid address proof of both the buyer and seller (Aadhaar card, passport, utility bill, etc.)

• Recent passport-sized photographs of the buyer and seller

• Road tax receipt

• Certificate of fitness.

Application process

• Fill out Form 29 (Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle) and Form 30 (Application for Intimation and Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle).

• Apply with required documents to the RTO with the fee.

• Make sure the vehicle gets inspection by (MVI).

• Get the new RC in the name of the new owner from the RTO.

• Update the insurance policy with the transfer of ownership information.

Transfer of Ownership on Death of Owner

Documents required

• Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle

• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

• Insurance certificate

• Form 30 (Application for Intimation and Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle) with Death Certificate of the owner

• Succession Certificate

• Valid identity proof of the legal heir (Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, voter ID card, etc.)

• Valid address proof of the legal heir (Aadhaar card, passport, utility bill, etc.)

• Recent passport-sized photographs of the legal heir

• Road tax receipt

• Certificate of fitness if the vehicle is more than two years old.

Application process

• Get a Succession Certificate from the court.

• Fill out Form 30.

Vehicle Registration (RC) Transfer Fee

Here is an estimate of the transfer fee.

• Transfer of ownership within the same state: Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,500

• Transfer of ownership from one state to another: Rs. 500 to Rs. 2,000

• Transfer of ownership in case of death of the owner: Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000

• Transfer of ownership of a vehicle purchased in public auction: Rs. 500 to Rs. 2,000

Fees may change or vary depending on the RTO. Refer to the relevant RTO website for updated charges.

How Much Time Does the RC Transfer Process Take?

The RC transfer process generally takes 7 to 14 days within the same state and up to 30 days for an interstate transfer. In the case of the owner’s death or a public auction, the transfer of ownership may take up to 45 days.

We recommend you check with the relevant RTO for the exact timeline for the RC transfer process to ensure that all the required documents are submitted to avoid delays.

How to Check RC Transfer Status?

Use any of these two methods.

Online Method

1. Visit the RTO website of the state where the transfer was initiated.

2. Look for the 'RC Status' or 'RC Transfer Status' options on the homepage.

3. Enter the required details, such as your application number, registration number, and date of birth.

4. Click the 'Submit' button to view the status of your RC transfer.

SMS Method

1. Send an SMS in the following format: VAHAN(space)vehicle registration number to 7738299899.

2. You will receive an SMS with the current status of your RC transfer.

Please note that the online and SMS methods of checking the RC transfer status may only be available in some states.

Is it Valid to Purchase Insurance Before Registration?

Yes, it is valid to purchase your vehicle insurance before registering your vehicle. If in case your car meets with an accident before your permanent registration reaches you, you will still be eligible to get compensated by your insurance company. So, it is absolutely necessary that you buy your insurance as soon as you register for your vehicle. Purchasing insurance before registration in India requires getting the vehicle details, choosing an insurance company, getting a quote and paying the premium for the coverage.

Conclusion

Transfer of vehicle ownership may seem like a tedious process with multiple steps, but it is important to ensure that all documents are submitted correctly, and fees are paid in order to ensure a smooth transfer. Once all requirements have been met, you will receive your issued certificate of registration, which serves as proof that the vehicle has been legally transferred. With this certificate, you can now enjoy your new ride and all the great experiences it brings!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to the most asked common questions related to the vehicle transfer.

Can I apply for my vehicle transfer online? 

Yes. You can apply for vehicle ownership transfer online. Visit the PARIVAHAN website for more details. But before you submit your documents online, please note that you need to procure a NOC from the RTO. 

Is it illegal if the buyer does not transfer ownership of the vehicle?

Yes. It is illegal for both the buyer and seller to refuse to consent to the transfer of vehicle ownership. It is the joint responsibility of both buyer and seller. The buyer should write to the RTO that he/ she is selling the car, and then the NOC should be procured from the RTO by the buyer. It can then be submitted online or physically, depending on your needs. 

If the vehicle is registered in another state, should the NOC be obtained from the state in which the vehicle was registered? 

Yes. The NOC should be obtained from the state in which the vehicle was registered for successful transfer of ownership. 

Is there a time limit for vehicle ownership transfers?

Yes. One should apply for ownership transfer within 14 days of the purchase. When you have not applied for your vehicle ownership transfer, both the buyer and the seller can be fined. So, be sure to submit your application on time to avoid fines.

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Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only. It is recommended to take the help of an expert before making any related decision.