RC Transfer in Kolkata: Step-by-Step Guide, Documents & Fees

Kolkata is the "City of Joy," but driving a second-hand vehicle here without updating the paperwork can quickly turn into a legal headache. Whether you have just bought a used sedan in Salt Lake or sold your old hatchback near Park Street, the RC Transfer in Kolkata is a legal necessity under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Until the Registration Certificate (RC) is transferred, the seller remains liable for any accidents or traffic violations involving the vehicle. The process in Kolkata is managed by the Public Vehicles Department (PVD) for the city proper (WB-01 to WB-04) and various RTOs for the suburbs. It follows a "hybrid" model: you initiate the application online via Parivahan but must visit the PVD/RTO for the final submission.

Before you begin the paperwork, it is wise to know the true market price of your vehicle. You can use a used car valuation tool to ensure you get the best deal.

Documents Required for RC Transfer in Kolkata

The West Bengal Transport Department is strict about documentation, especially regarding the validity of the "Tax Token" (Road Tax). Ensure you have the following ready.

Step-by-Step Guide for RC Transfer in Kolkata

1. Obtain the NOC (Form 28) if required: If the car is registered in a different RTO jurisdiction (e.g., buying a Howrah car for Kolkata use), apply for a No Objection Certificate from the original RTO first.
2. Visit the PVD or local RTO: Compile your file with the Original RC, Insurance, Tax Token, and signed Forms 29 & 30, and visit the Public Vehicles Department or your respective zonal RTO (Alipore, Barasat, etc.).
3. Submit documents for verification: Present your file to the Motor Vehicles Inspector (MVI); recent rules may require the seller's physical presence or a specific declaration to prevent fraudulent transfers.
4. Pay the transfer fees: Once the file is verified, pay the ownership transfer fee, smart card fee, and any pending road tax at the cash counter.
5. Collect the acknowledgement: Keep the receipt safe; the new Smart Card RC typically arrives by post within 30 to 45 days.

How to Initiate RC Transfer Online in Kolkata

1. Log in to Parivahan Sewa: Visit the official portal, select 'Vehicle Related Services,' and choose West Bengal followed by your registering authority (e.g., PVD Kolkata).
2. Select 'Transfer of Ownership': Enter the vehicle registration number and the last 5 digits of the Chassis Number to verify the vehicle details.
3. Fill details and upload docs: Enter the buyer’s new address and mobile number, then upload scanned copies of the RC, Insurance, Tax Token, and Forms.
4. Pay fees and print forms: Complete the online payment for the transfer fees, then download and print the auto-generated Form 29 and 30.
5. Sign and submit physically: Both buyer and seller must sign the printed forms; submit these along with the original documents to the PVD/RTO to finalize the process.
    

Note: If you find this process too tedious, you can choose to sell used car to platforms that manage the entire documentation and RC transfer for you.

RC Transfer Fees in Kolkata

West Bengal's fee structure often includes a higher transfer fee compared to other states, plus the cost for the Smart Card.

Key Guidelines for RC Transfer in Kolkata

• PVD vs. RTO: The "Public Vehicles Department" (PVD) at Beltala handles vehicles for Kolkata city proper (WB-01 to WB-04). Suburbs like Salt Lake (WB-08), Alipore (WB-02), and Barasat (WB-24) have their own RTOs. Ensure you visit the correct office.
• Seller Presence: Due to past incidents of fraud, the PVD/RTO often insists on the seller's physical presence during the submission of documents to verify the signature, or at least a highly authenticated affidavit.
• CF (Certificate of Fitness): For private cars older than 15 years, the "CF" is mandatory before ownership transfer. If the CF is expired, you cannot transfer the car until it is renewed (which involves a steep "Green Tax").