How To Transfer Vehicle Registration From One State To Another?

A registration certificate (RC) is a compulsory requirement to legally drive a vehicle on the road. It serves as a legal document stating that the vehicle is registered with the Road Transport Office (RTO) of the concerned region. But alongside the registration certificate, you also need to have a motor insurance policy and PUC certificate. Whether it is for your bike, or car, Whether it .is for your bike, or car, motor insurance ensures the safety of your vehicle. ensures the safety of your vehicle. This way, the registration certificate, the vehicle insurance document, and the PUC certificate, are essential documents to have with you when driving your vehicle. Once you have obtained your RC, what if you relocate to a different state? Do you need to transfer your RC? Do you need to apply for a fresh registration certificate? If these questions are looming in your mind, you have come to the right place. This article aims to explain the process of transferring your RC between states and the charges involved therein.

Process to Transfer Vehicle Ownership from One State to Another

For starters, it is a necessary requirement that you transfer your vehicle’s registration certificate if you relocate to a different state. The process for such a transfer is as follows:

1. Obtaining the no-objection certificate

The first step in transferring your vehicle’s RC is to procure a no-objection certificate or NOC from the RTO where your vehicle is registered at present. This is required for the RTO to know that you intend to transfer your car or bike to a different RTO in a different state. The NOC must contain a clear imprint of the chassis number of your vehicle. Further, this NOC issued by the RTO has an expiry date. So, make sure you complete the entire transfer process within the stipulated timeline. In case your vehicle is hypothecated with a bank or financial institution, a NOC would be required from them too. *

2. Transferring the vehicle

At this stage, you need to physically take your vehicle to the new state where you intend to transfer. *

3. Registration with the new state

Once your vehicle reaches the state of its intended registration with the NOC from the erstwhile RTO, you need to submit all vehicle-related documents and ensure the information is correct before submission. *

4. Payment of road tax

Once you have registered your vehicle with the new RTO, you will also be required to pay the applicable road tax for your vehicle. This requisite amount will be notified to you by the RTO registering it in the new state. *

5. Verification of your vehicle

Once you have made the payment for the road tax, the next step is the verification of your vehicle after its inspection. Here, again, an imprint of your vehicle’s chassis number is required. *

6. Issuance of registration certificate

Once the verification is complete, a registration certificate is issued. It is either delivered to your address or you are required to collect it at a specified date from the RTO. * * Standard T&C Apply

Eligibility Criteria to Transfer Vehicle Ownership

1. Vehicle Registration 

The vehicle must be registered in your name with the local Regional Transport Office (RTO).

2. Valid Insurance 

The vehicle should have a valid insurance policy at the time of transfer.

3. No Pending Dues 

Ensure there are no pending fines, taxes, or dues related to the vehicle.

4. No Loan Liabilities  

The vehicle should be free of any loan or financial liabilities, or the lender’s no-objection certificate (NOC) is required if there is a loan on the vehicle.

5. Identity Proof

Both the seller and buyer must provide valid identification documents such as Aadhar card, PAN card, or passport.

6. Address Proof

Both parties need to provide valid proof of address (e.g., utility bills, bank statements).

7. Transfer Form

The appropriate transfer application form (Form 29 and Form 30) must be filled out by both the seller and the buyer.

8. No Objection from RTO

If the vehicle is under hypothecation, an NOC from the financing institution is required before ownership transfer.

9. Emission Test Certificate 

A valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate must be presented.

10. Age of Buyer H3

The buyer must be of legal age (18 years or older) and capable of owning a vehicle as per local laws.

Documents Required for Transferring Your Vehicle Registration Certificate to a New State

The following is the list of documents that are required to complete the RC transfer process:

1. 1. Original RC at your current state.
   2. Copy of PAN.
   3. Forms 60 and 61.
   4. Copy of NOC issued by the original registering RTO.
   5. Copy of address proof attested by the vehicle owner.
   6. Copy of a valid and active bike/car insurance policy.
   7. Copy of PUC certificate.
   8. Application for registration in the new state in Form 20.
   9. Application for new registration mark in the new state for the motor vehicle in Form 27.

* Standard T&C Apply

What if you do not transfer your registration certificate to the new RTO?

Just like having valid car/bike insurance is mandatory, similarly, transferring your registration certificate is also essential. You need to transfer the RC only if you permanently relocate in a different state. Moreover, the penalties for non-transfer of RC apply after one year of shifting to a new city, which can involve the traffic officials even detaining your vehicle. When transferring your RC, it is important to ensure that your insurance certificate is valid. Further, depending on the change in location, your insurance premiums may also change due to the change in risk. To know if your insurance premium may change or not, you can make use of a car insurance calculator or a bike insurance calculator.

How to Apply for RTO Road Tax Refund?

If you find that the road tax paid in the previous state exceeds the amount payable in the new state after transferring your vehicle, you can apply for a refund. However, the vehicle must first be re-registered in the new state before initiating the refund process. Below is a list of documents required for the refund application:

1. Impression of the vehicle's chassis number.
2. NOC (No Objection Certificate) for transferring the vehicle between states.
3. A copy of the vehicle insurance policy.
4. Receipt of the road tax paid in the new state.
5. Receipt of the road tax paid in the previous state.
6. Address proof for the new state.
7. Bank account details for receiving the refund via cheque.

Important Points to Remember When Transferring Your Vehicle Registration

Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC)

Secure an NOC from the RTO of the current state to initiate the transfer process.

Pay Road Tax in the New State

Ensure road tax payment in the new state to complete the re-registration process. Keep the receipt for future reference.

Complete Vehicle Re-registration

Apply for re-registration at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in the new state with all necessary documents.

Carry Original Documents 

Keep the original RC (Registration Certificate), insurance policy, and pollution control certificate (PUC) handy during the transfer process.

Verify Chassis Number

The new state’s RTO may require a chassis number impression. Ensure this is verified and ready.

Provide Updated Address Proof

Submit proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, Aadhaar card, or rental agreement.

Update Insurance Policy

Inform your insurer about the transfer and update your policy with the new state details.

Retain Old Road Tax Receipts

Keep receipts of the road tax paid in the previous state, as they are essential for claiming refunds.

Check Applicable Fees

Be aware of re-registration and transfer fees in the new state to avoid delays.

Claim Road Tax Refund

If road tax in the previous state was higher, apply for a refund after completing re-registration. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.