Transfer Vehicle Ownership (RC Transfer)

Whenever a car or two-wheeler changes hands, the Registration Certificate (RC) has to be moved to the new owner’s name. This guide is for buyers and sellers of used vehicles, families dealing with a vehicle after the owner has died, and anyone who bought a vehicle at a public auction. The rules come from the Motor Vehicles Act and are the same across India, but the work is done by your state RTO, so small details can differ.

Who needs this

Until the RTO records the transfer, the person named on the RC is still the legal owner. That means traffic fines, accident claims and even criminal cases can land on the seller. The law sets short time limits:

• Sale: the seller should report the sale within 14 days (45 days if the vehicle is registered in another state), and the buyer should apply within 30 days.
• Death of the owner: the nominee or heir should tell the RTO within 30 days and apply for transfer within 3 months.
• Auction: the buyer applies in Form 32, generally within 30 days of taking the vehicle (verify with your RTO).

Missing these limits usually means a monthly late fee, not a refusal, but it is better to finish quickly.

Documents explained

Original RC. The smart card or the old RC book. If it is lost, get a duplicate first.

Insurance and PUC. Both must be valid on the day you apply. After the transfer, ask the insurer to move the policy to the new owner, otherwise a claim can be refused.

Form 29 and Form 30. Form 29 is the seller’s notice that the vehicle has been sold. Form 30 is the joint application signed by both seller and buyer. Sign every copy in the same way as on your ID.

Form 31. Used when the owner has died. It is filled by the nominee named on the RC or by the person who has inherited the vehicle, along with the death certificate. Where there is no nominee, RTOs often ask for a legal heir certificate or no-objection affidavits from other heirs.

Form 32. Used after a public auction, along with the certificate or sale letter given by the authority that held the auction.

Financier’s consent. If the RC still shows a bank loan, the bank must agree. Either close the loan and remove hypothecation first, or have the bank sign Form 30.

Form 28 NOC. When the vehicle moves to another RTO or state, the original RTO issues a no-objection certificate so the new RTO can take over the record.

Step-by-step process

1. Check the record. On the Vahan citizen services portal, enter the registration number and check the owner name, loan status, tax and pending challans. Clear old challans first.
2. Sort out the loan. If a bank is noted on the RC, get the NOC and Form 35, or the bank’s signature on Form 30.
3. Get the NOC if moving. For a new RTO area or a new state, apply for the Form 28 NOC from the original RTO.
4. Apply online. Choose Transfer of Ownership. Many states now allow a contactless application with Aadhaar eKYC, where both seller and buyer authenticate with OTP.
5. Pay and upload. Pay the transfer fee, smart card fee and any late fee or new-state road tax, then upload the forms and documents.
6. Visit the RTO only if asked. Non-contactless applications need the originals at the RTO. Inter-state cases may need the vehicle for inspection.
7. Receive the new RC. It is usually sent by post. The e-RC also appears in DigiLocker and mParivahan.

Fees and timelines

These are the central fees under Rule 81. Your state may add service or postal charges, and an inter-state move usually means paying road tax in the new state. Once the RTO accepts the application, a new RC typically arrives within one to four weeks.

Common problems and fixes

• Mobile number on the RC is old. Aadhaar eKYC sends the OTP to the number on the vehicle record. Update it on Vahan first, or the online route will not work.
• Pending challans. Unpaid e-challans block the transfer. Pay them online and wait for the status to update.
• Seller cannot be reached. Without the seller’s signature or eKYC, the RTO will not move the RC. Take signed forms and a copy of the seller’s ID at the time of sale.
• Names don’t match. Spelling differences between ID and forms cause rejection. Use the name exactly as on Aadhaar.

Frequently asked questions

Who should apply, the buyer or the seller?

Both have a role. The seller reports the sale, and the buyer applies for the RC in their name. In practice it is one Vahan application with both people’s details and signatures.

Can I use the vehicle while the transfer is pending?

Yes, as long as insurance and PUC are valid. Keep the fee receipt with you.

Is a nominee on the RC enough after the owner’s death?

A nominee named on the RC can usually apply with just Form 31, the death certificate and their ID. Without a nominee, expect to show legal heir proof.

What if I bought a vehicle years ago and never transferred it?

You can still apply. Expect a late fee and, if the seller cannot sign, an extra affidavit or enquiry by the RTO (verify with your RTO).