RC transfer : How to transfer ownership of vehicle in Chennai

Chennai, the beautiful and mesmerizing capital of Tamil Nadu, renowned for its culture, ancient temples, vibrant arts and natural wonders, is also the automobile manufacturing hub of India. With famous brands like BMW, Hyundai, Renault-Nissan etc. having presence along the 60-km Automotive Corridor, Chennai has come to be known as the “Detroit of Asia”. 

The rise in the per capita income, and enhanced road infrastructure, has led to a rise in automobile sales in Chennai. With the used car market on the rise, it has become imperative to understand the RC transfer process in Chennai, as failing to comply with road laws may attract fines, and in worse case scenarios, impounding of the violator’s vehicle.  Here is an in depth guide on the documents required, forms, fees, and step-by-step process on how to transfer ownership of a vehicle in Chennai. 

Documents required for RC transfer in Chennai

• Original Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
• Copy of the certificate of insurance
• Copy of the Pollution under control (PUC) certificate
• Copy of identity proofs (Aadhaar card) of both the buyer and seller
• NOC from the bank if the vehicle was on loan
• NOC from the traffic department
• Notice of transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle (Form no. 29) 
• Application and grant of no objection certificate (Form no. 28, needed in case of change in jurisdiction)
• Application For Intimation And Transfer Of Ownership Of A Motor Vehicle (Form no. 30)

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you need to visit the parivahan website to initiate the RC transfer process. The entire process for transfer of ownership in Chennai can be carried out online, but it is important to note that the process must be initiated within 30 days of buying/selling the vehicle.

Additional documents that may be required in certain cases include:

• Form 60: If the individual does not possess a Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card, this form serves as a replacement.
• Form 61: If the individual does not possess a PAN and solely earns income from the agricultural field.
• Form 31: If the transfer of ownership within a family is due to the passing/demise of the original owner.
• Form 35: If the vehicle is currently under hire, lease, or hypothecation, this form is necessary to initiate the ownership transfer.

Step-by-step process for RC transfer in Chennai

In Chennai, there are two methods for transferring vehicle ownership: Offline and Online. Let's go through each approach step by step.

Online mode of RC transfer in Chennai:

Step 1: Prepare and submit all required forms and documents for the transfer, whether it involves a third party, succession, or public auction.

Step 2: Visit the Parivahan website and select "Online Services". Then, select "Vehicle Related Services" from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Select Tamil Nadu as the state and enter the vehicle number, or choose the corresponding RTO.

Step 4: You will be presented with multiple options. According to the nature of your transaction, you can either select ‘Transfer of Ownership by Seller’, or, ‘Transfer of Ownership by Buyer’. 

Step 5: Enter the vehicle identification number and chassis number. Verification will also require a one-time-password which is sent to the registered mobile number.

Step 6: Select 'Transfer of Ownership' and provide all necessary information. After selecting 'Save', the system will generate an application number. Make sure to note down this application number for future reference.

Step 7: Pay the Online RC Transfer Fees and save the payment receipt.

This completes the step-by-step process for online RC transfer in Chennai.

The process of RC transfer in Chennai can also be carried out offline. This simply entails submitting the aforementioned documents in person at the RTO where the vehicle is registered.

Additional steps for RC transfer in Chennai

In case the vehicle transfer is occurring outside of its current jurisdiction, i.e. to or from a different state, or a different RTO, the vehicle is required to be re-registered at the new RTO.  This entails paying the road-tax for the current state/RTO, calculated on the original invoice value of the vehicle. Additionally, once this step has been completed, the road tax paid by the original/previous owner of the vehicle can be claimed. The following documents can be submitted at the RTO to process the claim:

• Application for road tax refund
• Updated and signed Form 16
• New registration certificate - copy
• Old registration certificate - copy
• Insurance policy with new registration number
• Proof of ID
• Address proof

In case you face any problems during the online process, you can also approach the RTO with the required documents and forms duly filled to carry out the RC transfer process offline.

How to check the status of RC transfer in Chennai?

The transfer of ownership typically requires a timeframe of approximately 30 days upon submission of all necessary documents to the RTO. The RC transfer status can be monitored through the parivahan portal, which can also be leveraged for other things like checking driving licence status, however it is advisable to exercise patience following document submission. You may use your application number given during initiation of the transfer process or utilize the vehicle registration number to check your application status online.

To check the status using the application number, follow these steps:

• Visit the Parivahan website
• Select 'Online Services', then select 'Vehicle Related Services' 
• Select your state and RTO, then click on 'Continue'.
• Look for the 'Status' tab and click on 'Know Your Application Status'.
• Choose the 'Application Number' button.
• Enter your application number and click on 'Submit'.

Your application status will now be presented on your screen.

To check the status using the vehicle number, follow these steps:

• Visit the Parivahan website
• Select 'Online Services', then select 'Vehicle Related Services'.
• Select your state and RTO, then click on 'Continue'.
• Look for the 'Status' tab and click on 'Know Your Application Status'.
• Choose the 'Vehicle Registration' radio button.
• Enter your vehicle registration number and click on 'Submit'.

The details of your vehicle will now be displayed on your screen. 

Fee for RC Transfer in Chennai

Transferring ownership of a vehicle incurs expenses for the process and additional services, including smart card fees and postal fees. These charges are subject to variation depending on the type of vehicle. Thes costs associated with transferring ownership for both two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles are: 

Fee structure for four-wheelers:

Fee structure for two-wheelers:

Important points to remember to complete an RC Transfer

The process of transferring an RC in Chennai may appear daunting due to the number of associated documents. However, it is quite uncomplicated, regardless of whether you opt for the online or offline method. To expedite the process, bear in mind a few vital considerations.

• Ensure accurate completion of all forms as RTO officials will rigorously scrutinize them during the transfer process; any errors may result in considerable delays.
• Attest all your documents. This ensures that your documents cannot be used for any other purpose other than the one they are designated for.
• Retain all your authentic documentation when visiting the RTO, as it may be required for verification by personnel at the RTO. 
• Take into account the timings of the RTOs in case of physical visits, non-adherence to RTO schedules can turn a single visit into multiple ones.

List of RTOs in Chennai

CARS24 RTO Services

The process of transfer of ownership in Chennai may seem daunting owing to the sheer number of documents and forms. For someone tangled in other important tasks, the mere thought of standing in the long queues at the RTO can induce unnecessary stress, especially if it may entail multiple visits.

To avoid spending precious time on such activities, Cars24 offers a comprehensive set of RTO services, which includes RC transfers, so that you can focus on other important tasks at hand. With Cars24, rest assured your processes are taken care of by seasoned experts, who ensure your documentation and forms are in perfect shape, so that your RC transfer is not delayed, or in worse cases, rejected. Avail Cars24 RTO services at a nominal fee and achieve peace of mind!

FAQ

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

The transfer process for the RC will be completed within 30 days after submitting all necessary documents to the RTO. To track the progress of your application, you can use the Parivahan portal and enter your unique application number.

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

The cost of transferring ownership in Chennai is ₹530. This includes a fee of ₹300 for the actual transfer, ₹200 for a Smart Card, and ₹50 for postal services.

Q. Can RC transfer be done online in Chennai?

Yes, the entire RC transfer process can be completed online in Chennai. You need to visit the Parivahan portal, provide the required information, upload verified documents, and pay the fee to initiate the process.

Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for RC Transfer in Chennai?

Yes, Aadhaar is mandatory for RC transfer in Chennai. It serves as both an identity verification document and proof of address. For transactions exceeding ₹50,000, Aadhaar is a mandatory requirement.

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

No, you can obtain a NOC without visiting the RTO in Chennai. You can easily obtain it through the Parivahan portal.

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

The following documents are required for transferring ownership in Chennai:

• Original Vehicle Registration Certificate
• Copy of Insurance Certificate
• Copy of PUC Certificate
• ID proofs of buyer and seller (Aadhaar card)
• NOC from bank (if applicable)
• NOC from traffic department (if applicable)
• Completed Forms 29 and 30 (and possibly 28)

Additional documents may be required depending on the specific circumstances, such as Form 60, 61, 31.

Q. Which Forms are required and from where can I download them?

The RC transfer process in Chennai may require the use of additional forms depending on the circumstances. Some of the common forms are:

• Form 20: Application for registration of a motor vehicle
• Form 27: Application for assignment (reassigning registration mark)
• Form 28: Application for and grant of no objection certificate
• Form 29: Notice of transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle
• Form 30: Application for intimation and transfer of ownership of motor vehicle
• Form 31: Application for transfer of ownership (if nominated or succeeding to possession)
• Form 35: Notice of termination of agreement of Hire-Purchase/Lease/Hypothecation
• Form 60: Working certificate
• Form 61: Preliminary registration certificate for automated testing station

These forms can be downloaded from the Parivahan website.

Q. What is the validity of an RC in Chennai?

The validity of the registration certificate in Chennai is 15 years in case of private vehicles and 3 years for commercial vehicle registrations.  Once the validity expires, the RC can be renewed by filling out the forms and submitting the necessary documents at the respective RTO. This also involves a fitness assessment and certificate.

Q. Can I transfer ownership without a physical visit to RTO?

Yes, you can transfer ownership without physically visiting the RTO in Chennai. The entire process can be completed online through the Parivahan portal. You can submit documents and pay the fees online without the need for an in-person visit.