RC Transfer India — Step-by-Step Process Guide
How to transfer vehicle RC after buying a used car. All forms, documents, fees, and RTO timelines explained with real process details - not generic advice.
Updated May 2026
30 days
Mandatory window
₹500–800
Typical total fee
15–45 days
Processing time
RC transfer must be completed within 30 days of vehicle purchase. Failing to do so makes the buyer legally liable for any challans, accidents, or legal notices issued under the old owner's name.
Never complete a used car purchase if the seller cannot produce the original RC. A photocopy is not acceptable for transfer. Demand the original.
Inter-state RC transfer (e.g., buying a Delhi-registered car and living in Bangalore) requires an NOC (Form 28) from the seller's RTO, re-registration in your state, and payment of your state's road tax. This is a longer process - allow 60–90 days.
Most states support partial online processing of RC transfers via the Parivahan portal. You can upload documents, pay fees, and book an RTO appointment online - reducing RTO visit time significantly.
RC Transfer Process - Step by Step
Clear all pending challans
Before initiating RC transfer, check and pay all pending traffic challans for the vehicle. An outstanding challan will block the transfer at the RTO. Check at GaadiInfo challan search.
Prepare all documents
Collect: original RC, Form 28 (NOC from seller's RTO if different state), Form 29 (Notice of Transfer), Form 30 (Application for Transfer), seller's ID + address proof, buyer's ID + address proof, insurance certificate, valid PUC certificate, and bank NOC if hypothecated.
Fill and attest Forms 29 and 30
Both buyer and seller must sign Forms 29 and 30. In most states, these need to be attested by a notary public or gazetted officer. Forms are available through the Parivahan portal.
Initiate on Parivahan portal
Via the Parivahan portal → Vehicle Related Services → Transfer of Ownership. Fill the online form, upload documents, pay the fee online, and book an appointment at your RTO.
Visit RTO for biometrics
Appear at your RTO on the appointed date with all originals. The RTO officer will verify documents, capture biometrics (thumb impression and photo), and process the application.
Receive new RC
After verification, a new RC smart card is dispatched to the buyer's registered address. This typically takes 7–15 working days after RTO approval.
Documents Required for RC Transfer
Original RC (Registration Certificate)
Must be the original - not a photocopy
Form 29 - Notice of Transfer of Ownership
Signed by seller, attested
Form 30 - Application for Transfer
Signed by buyer and seller, attested
Form 28 - NOC from RTO
Required only if vehicle is from a different state
Seller's ID proof
Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID
Buyer's ID and address proof
Aadhaar preferred
Valid insurance certificate
Must be in force at time of transfer
Valid PUC certificate
Cannot be expired
Bank NOC (Form 35)
Only if vehicle has an active or recently cleared loan
Challan clearance certificate
Some RTOs require this - check pending challans first
RC Transfer Fees - Approximate
| Transfer of ownership fee (2-wheelers) | ₹50–100 | Varies by state |
| Transfer of ownership fee (4-wheelers) | ₹300–600 | Varies by state |
| Smart card (new RC card) | ₹200 | Uniform across states |
| Hypothecation termination (if applicable) | ₹500–1,500 | Separate process |
| Notary attestation of Forms 29/30 | ₹100–300 | Per form |
| Agent fees (if using agent) | ₹1,000–3,000 | Not mandatory |
Frequently Asked Questions
More Guides & Tools
Information sourced from official government portals - parivahan.gov.in, morth.nic.in. Process details and fees may vary by state. Verify with your local RTO before proceeding.