RC Transfer : How To Transfer Ownership Of Vehicle in Chennai

Nestled on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is a bustling metropolis that proudly houses more than 1 crore people. Fondly known as the "Detroit of India," Chennai is home to some of the most passionate car lovers in India. Whether it's to beat the traffic and reach their destinations on time or simply to take a leisurely drive down the iconic Marina Beach, the people of Chennai love to hit the road.

But when you buy or sell a car in Chennai, you're not just exchanging the keys. Transferring ownership of a vehicle in Chennai can be a daunting task, and the process can seem complicated and confusing. That's where RC transfer comes in.

RC Transfer, or the transfer of vehicle ownership, is an essential step in buying or selling a used car in Chennai. It involves changing the registration certificate of the vehicle from the seller's name to the buyer's name. While the process can seem daunting, it is essential to ensure that the transfer of ownership is smooth and hassle-free.

In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of RC Transfer in Chennai. From the transfer of ownership of the vehicle to the RC Transfer online, from the transfer of ownership charges to the status of the RC book, we'll cover it all. So put your reading glasses on and fall in love with Chennai as we take you on a journey of information, excitement, and discovery.

How many RTOs are there in Chennai?

There are 12 RTOs spread across Chennai, namely:

Thiruvanmiyur RTO (TN-07)

Tambaram RTO (TN-11)

Ambattur RTO (TN- 13)

Mandaveli RTO (TN-06)

Anna Nagar RTO (TN-02)

K.K. Nagar RTO (TN-09)

Tondiarpet RTO (TN-03)

Valasaravakkam RTO (TN-10)

Pulianthope RTO (TN-04)

Alandur RTO/ Meenambakkam RTO (TN-22)

Vyasarpadi RTO (TN-05)

What documents do I need for an RC transfer in Chennai?

These are the following documents you require for an RC transfer in Chennai:

• Copy of valid car insurance certificate
• Original registration certificate of the car
• Any two self-attested copies of address proof: voter ID, passport, utility bills, ration card, etc.
• Copy of valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
• Completed Forms 29/30/31

What are the steps for RC transfer in Chennai?

Before we look at the steps for an RC transfer, let’s view the guidelines for the same in different situations:

Transfer of ownership in case of a normal sale

• When a person sells their vehicle, they must report the ownership transfer to the RTO using Form 29
• If the vehicle is being registered in the same State, the new owner (transferee) should apply for transfer of car ownership within 14 days of the transfer using Form 30 and a set of forms mentioned below under Form I. 
• If the vehicle is being registered in a different State, the new owner needs to apply for transfer of ownership within 45 days of the transfer using Form 30 along with a set of forms given below under Form I and Form II.
• Pay appropriate fees and tax as per rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989.

Transfer of ownership on the death of the owner of the vehicle

• Apply using Form 31 within three months to the registering authority for the transfer of ownership of the vehicle in your name
• Pay appropriate fee and tax as specified in rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989

Transfer of ownership of vehicle purchased in a public auction

• The person who has acquired or purchased a motor vehicle at a public auction conducted by or on behalf of the Central Government or a State Government shall apply in Form 32 within thirty days of taking possession of the vehicle to the registering authority
• Pay appropriate fee and tax as specified in rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989

Now, let’s view the step-by-step process to complete an online RC transfer in Chennai:

Step 1: Scan the following documents to upload them during the registration process

It’s important to keep these documents scanned and handy before you begin the registration process:

• ID & Address Proof of Buyer and Seller
• Before the initiation of the online RC transfer of the car’s ownership, keep scanned copies or images of the following documents.
• Duly filled and signed Form 29
• Duly filled and signed Form 30
• Registration certificate of the vehicle 
• Valid car Insurance
• Registration certificate of the vehicle 

Step 2: Procure a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the traffic department

If the car you’ve purchased is registered outside your RTO, you need to get the car unregistered from its existing/original RTO. Here’s how you can do this:

• If the car isn’t registered in any of the RTOs of Chennai, you’ll have to procure Form 29 from the original RTO.
• Download these forms here: Form 28 and Form 29

• Procure a NOC by submitting Form 28/29 to the original RTO by visiting the official Parivahan Sewa website and selecting: Online Services >> Vehicle-related Services.

• Select your state, registered RTO, and click on Apply for Transfer of Ownership, Change of Address, Hypothecation [Addition/Continuation/Termination], Duplicate RC).

• Now you can view all the details of your vehicle here.

Step 3: Fill out the form for RC Transfer and pay the required fees.

• Enter your vehicle details, new owner details, scanned copies of IDs, and address proof. And upload Form 29, form 30, and Vehicle Insurance. Then pay the RC transfer fees of ₹150 in case of two-wheelers and ₹300 for four-wheelers.
• If the car has an active loan hypothecation, then you need to confirm whether you possess the RTO form 35 and Bank NOC. If you don’t, both Hypothecation Termination and Transfer of Ownership need to be assessed.
• Once you have filled out the form, book an appointment to submit the hard copies of the required documents at the RTO for further verification.
• After you’ve paid the fee, your payment receipt will be generated alongside Forms 29 and 30.

Step 4: Visit the RTO on the date of your appointment

You will require hard copies of the following documents at the RTO:

• Original registration certificate (Smart Card)
• Valid Car Insurance
• Pollution under control (PUC) certificate
• 2 Passport Size Photographs of the Buyer (not required in all RTOs, however still advisable to be taken)
• Buyer ID proof & Address proof
• Buyer PAN is Required if the transaction value is more than ₹50,000
• Seller ID & address proof
• Blank Envelope with Name and Address of Buyer along with seller ID proof
• Printed copies of online fees payment receipts and forms 29, and 30 duly signed by both buyers and seller

Step 5: RTO Verification for the new RC 

If all the given documents such as the duly filled RTO Form, signatures, IDs and address proofs match and are compliant with the RTO’s norms, a registration certificate (Smart Card) will be dissipated by the RTO in favour of the buyer within a week (7 business days).

Note: In case of a discrepancy, the RTO officer will send a letter to the seller to be present at the RTO alongside the buyer for physical verification (party peshi).

If you wish to complete an RC transfer offline, here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Procure a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the traffic department

If the car you’ve purchased is registered outside your RTO, you need to get the car unregistered from its existing/original RTO. Here’s how you can do this:

• If the car isn’t registered in any of the RTOs of Chennai, you’ll have to procure Form 29 from the original RTO.
• Download these forms here: Form 28 and Form 29

Step 2: Visit the RTO with all required documents

Once you have obtained the NOC, you can begin the car ownership transfer process by submitting the following documents to your local RTO.

• Original vehicle registration certificate
• Duly filled Form 29
• Duly filled Form 30
• Copy of valid insurance
• Attested copy of address proof of buyer
• Copy of valid pollution under control certificate (PUC)
• Copy of G.I.R
• Pan card
• Bank NOC
• 2 copies of Form 35 (In case the car was under loan / hypothecated)

Step 3: Document submission

Once you’ve submitted the required documents, you need to pay the RC transfer fee. This process takes 30 working days to conclude if all your documents comply with the RTO’s norms.

Step 4: Re-registration of your car

Once you receive the NOC from the original RTO, you need to apply for the re-registration of your car at your new RTO. Here are the documents you will need:

• Original registration of the vehicle (of another state)
• Form 20
• NOC from previous RTO
• Form 27
• Form 33
• Attested copy of address proof
• Attested copy of the valid driving licence of the car owner
• Attested copy of PUC Certificate
• PAN Card, Form 60, or Form 61
• Your passport-size photos
• NOC from the lender bank if the vehicle is under a loan 

Step 5: Pay the Road Tax

If the pre-loved car you’ve bought is originally registered outside Chennai, then you will have to pay road tax to get the car re-registered. This amount is calculated based on the price of the car mentioned on the original invoice. 

Once you pay the road tax, you can claim a refund of the road tax paid by the car’s previous owner. This amount is refunded based on the original price of the car and its age. To get this amount reimbursed, please submit the following documents at the RTO:

• Application for road tax refund
• Updated and signed Form 16 (Form16: your salary certificate from the employer)
• Copy of the new registration certificate
• Copy of the old registration certificate
• Insurance policy with new registration number
• Proof of ID
• Address proof

How to Check the Status of RC Transfer in Chennai?

You can check the status of your RC transfer using two methods:

Check Status Using Application Number

• After logging in, click on Online Services, and select vehicle-related services.
• Choose your state and RTO, then click on “Continue”.
• Select the status tab and click on “Know your application status”.
• Enter your application number and click on “Submit”.

Check Status Using Vehicle Number

• After logging in, click on Online Services, and select vehicle-related services.
• Head to the “Know Your Vehicle Details” page.
• Enter the security Captcha and click on “Search Vehicle” to view the complete details of your vehicle and its status.

What is the fee for RC Transfer in Chennai?

RC transfer in Chennai costs ₹150 in case of two-wheelers and ₹300 in case of motor car. There is an additional Smart Card Fee for ₹200 and a Postal Fee of ₹50.

What are some important points to remember to complete an RC transfer?

While this guide has covered all the necessary steps for a seamless RC transfer of your pre-loved car, here are some things to note during the process:

1. Make sure to submit accurate information
2. Don’t miss your RTO appointment
3. Keep scanned copies of original documents handy
4. Check your status online to remain informed of the progress 

CARS24 RTO Services 

Picture this: You’ve been asked for a party peshi along with all your documents and the many forms that are required to complete your RC transfer. When you get there you’re welcomed by multiple windows/cubicles and a long queue, with no one to assist you. Yes, RC transfers are challenging and can make anyone anxious!

That’s where we come in! Reach out to us for end-to-end RC transfer services with professional guidance for approximately ₹3,000. Where other third-party agents charge up to ₹7,000 for paperwork, we’ll manage your documentation, keep a tab on your appointment dates, and even provide you with at-home assistance unless a Party Peshi is needed.

The Bottom Line

Transferring vehicle ownership in Chennai is a simple process that can be done online or at the RTO. The RC transfer fee varies based on the vehicle's age and type, and necessary documents like the RC book, insurance, pollution certificate, and ID proof are needed for the transfer. 

We believe that buying or selling a car must always be stress-free. So, we recommend that you complete the RC transfer of your vehicle well in time using this guide to ensure a hassle-free transfer.

FAQs:

Q. How long will it take in Chennai to transfer the RC book?

The duration to transfer the RC book in Chennai typically takes around 15 to 30 days, depending on the RTO and the completeness of the documents.

Q. What is the cost of RC transfer in Chennai?

The cost of RC transfer in Chennai can vary based on the age and type of the vehicle. Generally, it can range from Rs. 300 to Rs. 2000.

Q. Can RC transfer be done online in Chennai?

Yes, RC transfer can be done online in Chennai through the Parivahan Sewa portal.

Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for RC transfer in Chennai?

Aadhaar card is not mandatory for RC transfer in Chennai. However, any government-issued ID proof such as a PAN card, passport, driving licence, etc., should be submitted.

Q. Do I need to visit RTO for NOC in Chennai?

Yes, one needs to visit the RTO to obtain a NOC in Chennai.

Q. What documents are required for a car transfer in Chennai?

The necessary documents required for a car transfer in Chennai include the RC book, insurance papers, address proof, pollution under control (PUC) certificate, sale affidavit, and a copy of the PAN card. Additionally, if there is any hypothecation or loan on the car, the NOC from the financing bank or institution is also required.