RC Transfer : How to Transfer Ownership of Vehicle in Kolkata

Kolkata, the land of literature, art, history, and culture, is called the ‘City of Joy’ and serves as the capital of West Bengal. It is known for its colonial architecture such as the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

Famous for being home to several renowned names like filmmaker Satyajit Ray, Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and economist Amartya Kumar Sen, Kolkata has birthed artists, academicians, writers, poets, and musicians who have earned global recognition for their work.

Another thing folks in Kolkata absolutely love is taking their cars for a spin to grab some mouth-watering ‘jhal muri’ and ‘puchka’ or to the nearest cafe or bookstore to spend a lovely evening with their families.

However, buying or selling a car in Kolkata is not half as easy as driving through the city. Transferring the ownership of a vehicle can be an uphill task, and the process can get stressful. That's where RC Transfer comes in, where you need to change the registration certificate of the vehicle from the seller's name to the buyer's name. 

So, if you need help transferring the ownership of a vehicle in Kolkata, here’s a glance at the end-to-end process to do so.

How many RTOs are there in Kolkata?

There are 8 RTOs that you can visit for vehicle-related services in Kolkata:

1. Beltala Kolkata RTO Office [WB-01, WB-02, WB-03, WB-04] Bhowanipore - 700020
2. Kasba Kolkata RTO Office [WB-05; WB-06] East Kolkata Township - 700107
3. Salt Lake Kolkata RTO Office [WB-07; WB-08] Bidhannagar - 700020

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

The following are the documents you require for an RC transfer in Kolkata:

• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from bank and seller
• Application for change in ownership through Form-29 and Form-30.
• For change of ownership through inheritance, Form 31 and in case of change of ownership due to public auction, application in Form 32 must be made.
• Along with the application, the original R.C. Book, Insurance Certificate, P.U.C. Certificate, proof of identity and address must be attached.
• Proof of fitness and proof of up to date road tax/goods tax/passenger tax/tax token
• Buyer’s PAN card
• A fee of ₹150/- in case of two wheelers and ₹300/- in case of a motor car must be paid as transfer fee.

Note: A lump sum tax @ 15% of original lump sum tax should be paid as transfer tax, however, if, vehicle is more than 8 years old, then, tax @ 1% or Rs.100/- whichever is higher is required to be paid.

What are the steps for RC transfer in Kolkata?

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 30 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 Kolkata:

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 Kolkata, you’ll have to procure a 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 online which is around ₹300.
• 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.
• Make the online payment of ₹300
• 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 Kolkata, you’ll have to procure a 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 of ₹300. 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 Kolkata, 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 Kolkata?

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 Kolkata?

RC transfer in Kolkata costs ₹300 for four-wheelers and ₹150 for two-wheelers.

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 

The Bottom Line

We’re excited to see that you’ve reached the bottom line and are all set to buy a pre-loved car or sell your existing vehicle with a seamless RC transfer. We’re certain that now you’re equipped with all the information that you need to get started with an RC transfer. Just in case you need an extra hand, give the following FAQs a quick read or simply browse through the relevant section of this guide!

FAQs

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

It takes 30 days to transfer an RC in Kolkata. However, if there are discrepancies in the submitted documents, it may take more time.

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

RC transfer in Kolkata costs ₹300 for four-wheelers and ₹150 for two-wheelers.

Q. Can RC transfer be done online in Kolkata?

Yes, a car’s RC can be transferred online using the official Parivahan Sewa website.

Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for RC transfer in Kolkata?

Aadhaar is a valid ID proof and aids in the RC transfer process. Aadhaar is mandatory if the transaction value is more than ₹50,000. 

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

In the offline mode, you need to visit the RTO physically. However, you can also apply for a NOC online using the official Parivahan Sewa website.

Q. How many days can I wait to get the RC transferred after buying or selling a used car?

RC transfer of a car must be done within 30 days of its sale/purchase.