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Get a Duplicate RC (Lost or Damaged)

Answer a few questions to get the documents, steps and fees that apply to you. The rules are national, but your state office may ask for an extra document.

Processing TimeUsually 1 to 3 weeks after the RTO accepts the application
Key Documents9 Docs Listed
Govt Fees₹150
Verified Rule8 October 2026

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What happened to the RC?

Independent guide, not a government website. Apply on official portal.

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Full guide

Get a Duplicate RC (Lost or Damaged): the complete guide

If your vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC) has been lost, stolen, or is so damaged that the details cannot be read, you can apply for a duplicate using Form 26. This guide walks owners of cars and two-wheelers through the papers, the online process on Vahan and the fees, which follow central rules but are handled by your state RTO.

Who needs this

You need a duplicate RC when:

  • the RC smart card or book is lost or stolen,
  • it is torn, soiled, faded or broken so that the RTO or police cannot read it, or
  • you need a physical RC for a sale or loan and only have a damaged one.

The e-RC in DigiLocker or mParivahan is accepted as proof during traffic checks, which helps while you wait, but many tasks such as selling the vehicle still go more smoothly with a valid physical RC.

Documents explained

Form 26. The application for a duplicate certificate of registration. You fill it on Vahan; some RTOs also want a signed printout. It asks for the police report details when the RC is lost.

Police report. For a lost or stolen RC, file an FIR or the lost-article report many state police websites offer. Keep the copy and note the number and date.

Affidavit. Some RTOs ask for a short notarised affidavit stating how the RC was lost and that it has not been pledged anywhere. Check with your RTO before getting one made.

Damaged original RC. If the RC is damaged rather than lost, you hand it in. The RTO cancels it when the duplicate is issued.

Insurance and PUC. Both should be valid on the date of application.

ID and address proof. Aadhaar, passport or voter ID, in the owner’s name.

Financier’s consent. If a loan is still noted on the RC, the lender must sign Form 26 or give a letter. If the loan is already closed, you can remove hypothecation at the same time.

Step-by-step process

  1. Report the loss. For a lost or stolen RC, file the police report first.
  2. Check dues. On the Vahan citizen services portal, check tax status and pending challans and clear them.
  3. Get the bank’s consent if your RC shows hypothecation.
  4. Apply on Vahan. Pick Issue of Duplicate RC. If your state offers it, use Aadhaar eKYC for a contactless application.
  5. Upload and pay. Upload the police report or damaged RC scan, insurance, PUC and ID, then pay the fee.
  6. Submit originals if asked. Non-contactless applications need a visit to the RTO with originals.
  7. Receive the duplicate. It is posted to the address on record, marked as a duplicate.

Fees and timelines

The fee for a duplicate RC is half the registration fee for that vehicle class under Rule 81.

Vehicle Duplicate RC fee
Two-wheeler ₹150
Car or light vehicle (non-transport) ₹300
Transport, medium and heavy vehicles About ₹500 to ₹750
Smart card charge ₹200 plus postage

States may add service charges. Most owners receive the duplicate within one to three weeks after approval.

Common problems and fixes

  • Old address on the RC. The duplicate is posted to the address on record. If you have moved, apply for an address change at the same time, or the card may be returned.
  • RTO insists on an FIR. An online lost-article report is accepted in many states, but if your RTO wants an FIR, file one at the police station covering the place of loss.
  • Found the old RC later. Return it to the RTO. Only the duplicate is valid once it is issued.
  • Hypothecation surprise. If you forgot the bank was noted on the RC, the application stops until the bank signs. Get the NOC first.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive while waiting for the duplicate?

Yes. Carry the e-RC from DigiLocker or mParivahan, plus valid insurance and PUC.

Is a duplicate RC valid for selling the vehicle?

Yes. It has the same legal value as the original. Buyers sometimes ask why it is a duplicate, so keep the police report copy handy.

Do I need to go to the RTO?

Only if your state does not offer the contactless option for this service, or if the RTO asks to see originals.

Can someone else apply for me?

The application must be in the registered owner’s name. Aadhaar eKYC must be done with the owner’s own Aadhaar.