Just like an Aadhaar Card is an identity proof for an individual, a vehicle’s identity is denoted by a Registration Certificate, more commonly referred to as an “RC”. This is a government-issued document for a car that not only states the registration number on the displayed number plate, but also other vital information of the car like its chassis number, engine capacity, fuel type and seating capacity among other details. Maintaining a valid vehicle RC is crucial for anyone who owns and operates a vehicle in India. The RC proves that your vehicle is legally registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and meets all legal requirements. Once the RC expires, the vehicle can no longer be legally driven on public roads, making its renewal absolutely essential. Here’s how you can renew your expired vehicle RC online.
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We discuss the process of renewing an expired vehicle RC online in India. With the government’s increasing emphasis on digitization, renewing your RC has become much easier, as the process can now be done online through the Parivahan Sewa portal. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps involved, the documents required, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth process.
What is RC Renewal?
A Registration Certificate or RC is an official document that certifies your vehicle’s registration with the RTO. Just like the Driver’s Licence, the RC of a vehicle also has a validity attached to it. For private vehicles, the RC is valid for 15 years from the date of registration and then on, the RC needs to be renewed every five years. The renewal process involves updating your vehicle’s registration with the RTO, ensuring that your vehicle is roadworthy, and that it meets environmental and legal standards.
Importance of RC Renewal
Renewing an RC is the process of extending the initial validity of your vehicle’s registration after it expires. Failing to do so can result in –
- Fines can be up to ₹5,000 under the amended Motor Vehicles Act, with subsequent offences attracting up to ₹10,000.
- Legal issues can arise as repeated offences can lead to the seizure or impounding of your vehicle and potential court proceedings.
- Insurance invalidation as insurance claims can only be applied on vehicles with a valid RC and an expired one may render the insurance policy as null and void.
- Inability to sell the vehicle, as without a valid RC transferring its ownership is impossible, making the sale of the vehicle very difficult.
To avoid these inconveniences and complications, it’s important to promptly renew your RC after it has expired.
How do I Apply for RC Renewal After its Expiry?
Renewing an expired vehicle RC in India can be conveniently done online through the Parivahan Sewa portal. Do remember that you can apply for RC renewal only within 60 days of remaining validity or after the expiry date is passed. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to apply for RC renewal after it has expired –
1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa Website
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The first step of course, is to visit the official Parivahan Sewa website which is the centralised portal for all vehicle-related services provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
- Click on the “Online Services” tab.
- Under the dropdown, select “Vehicle Related Services”.
2. Select your State and RTO of vehicle registration
Once you’re in the “Vehicle Related Services” section, choose your state and RTO office from the dropdown menus. The portal will redirect you to the respective state’s vehicle registration page.
3. Login or register
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This step may vary by state but in most cases, you will need to log in to the Parivahan Sewa portal, or simply enter the vehicle registration number, its registered authority which usually coincides with your city and place of residence, and then proceed to the RC renewal section.
4. Select the RC Renewal service
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After logging in, you will see a list of services available for your vehicle. Select “Renewal of Registration”.
- Enter your vehicle registration number and the last five digits of your chassis number.
- Your vehicle details will automatically populate on the screen.
5. Fill the application form
You will now need to fill in the application form with details about your vehicle. This includes information like –
- Vehicle make and model
- Year of manufacture
- Engine and chassis number
- Any modifications made to the vehicle, like aftermarket CNG fitment etc
Ensure that all information is accurate and up to date.
6. Upload the required documents
During the application process, you will be asked to upload several important documents. Make sure you have scanned copies of the following –
- Form 25 – This form is mandatory to apply for RC renewal
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate – A valid PUC certificate is required to confirm that your vehicle meets the necessary emission standards plying at the time of renewal
- Insurance Certificate – Your vehicle must be insured, and a copy of the valid insurance document needs to be uploaded
- Identity Proof – A valid Aadhaar card copy, Passport copy, or any other government-recognized ID proof needs to be submitted
- Address Proof – Documents like utility bills, Aadhaar card, or voter ID can be uploaded as proof of residence and for address verification
- Expired RC – A copy of the expired RC is required to be uploaded to verify your vehicle’s previous registration status
7. Pay the RC renewal fees
After uploading the necessary documents listed above, the next step is to pay the RC renewal fees. The amount will depend on your vehicle type (e.g., 2-wheeler, 4-wheeler, or commercial vehicle) and your state’s regulations. Most common forms of online payments are accepted, including debit and credit cards, UPI, etc.
8. Book a vehicle inspection appointment
Once you’ve completed the payment process, you will be required to schedule an appointment for a physical inspection of your vehicle at the nearest RTO office. This inspection ensures that your vehicle is roadworthy and meets all the safety standards.
9. Complete the vehicle inspection process
On the scheduled appointment day, take your vehicle to the RTO for inspection. Bring along the original documents that you uploaded online, as the RTO officers may ask to verify them in person. If the vehicle passes this inspection, then the RTO will approve your RC renewal application.
10. Receive Your Renewed RC
After the inspection process is completed, the renewed RC will be processed by the RTO. It will be mailed to your registered address, usually within a few weeks. You can also check the status of your application online (see next section for details).
Documents required for RC renewal after expiry
As listed above, here’s a quick summary of the required list of documents to successfully renew your expired RC online –
- Form 25 (Application form for RC renewal)
- Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Valid vehicle insurance certificate
- Identity proof (Aadhaar card, Passport, PAN etc.)
- Address proof (Utility bill, Aadhaar, or Voter ID)
- Copy of expired RC
- Fitness certificate
- Proof of up-to-date paid road tax
- Chassis & engine number pencil print
- Signature of the owner of the vehicle
Make sure all documents are current and valid, especially the PUC and insurance certificates as these are critical for the renewal process.
How to check the status of RC renewal?
After applying for RC renewal, you may want to track the status of your application to ensure that it is processed in a timely manner. You can do this online through the Parivahan Sewa portal with the following steps –
1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa website.
2. Go to “Online Services” and select “Vehicle Related Services”.
3. Enter your vehicle registration number.
4. On the following page, under “Status”, Click on “Check RC Status” to view the progress of your renewal application.
You will see updates on whether your application is under process, approved, or if any additional actions are required.
RC Renewal Fees
The fee for RC renewal varies depending on the type of vehicle and the state in which it is registered. In general, the fees range from –
- 2-wheelers – ₹300 - ₹500
- 4-wheelers (Private) – ₹600 - ₹1,000
- Commercial vehicles – ₹300 for LMV and ₹1,500 and above for HMV, or depending on the vehicle type.
In addition to the base fee, a penalty may apply if the RC has expired for a significant period. These penalties vary by state but can add up to several thousand rupees if delayed for years.
RC Renewal Form
The most important form required for renewing an expired RC is Form 25. This form acts as an application for the renewal of the vehicle’s registration certificate and can be downloaded from the Parivahan Sewa portal under the vehicle-related forms section. You will need to submit this form online or physically at the RTO office along with the required documents.
Benefits of Renewing RC Online
Renewing your expired RC online offers a range of advantages compared to traditional methods. Here’s why you should opt for online renewal –
Convenience – A majority of the RC renewal process can be done online, from the comfort of your home or office thus saving the effort and time required for visits to the RTO office.
Time-saving – The online process significantly reduces the time required for RC renewal as most of the paperwork can be submitted online, and you only need to visit the RTO for the vehicle fitness test.
Transparency – The presence of the online platform, Parivahan Sewa, allows you to track your application status in real time, giving you better visibility into the process along with a clear fee structure.
Secure payments – Payments for the RC renewal application can be made securely online using various options like UPI, credit cards, debit cards, or net banking.
Environmental impact – Going paperless via the online application process reduces the environmental impact associated with the traditional RC renewal process.
Conclusion
Renewing an expired vehicle RC in India has become a streamlined process thanks to the availability of online services through the Parivahan Sewa portal. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that an expired vehicle RC is renewed on time, avoiding legal consequences and continuing driving the car. Keeping your RC up to date is essential for the safe and legal operation of your vehicle on Indian roads.
FAQs
Q. Can RC be renewed after 15 years in India?
Yes, after the initial 15-year registration validity period, an RC can be renewed for an additional 5 years at a time. However, in Delhi NCR, the RC cannot be renewed for petrol cars over 15 years and diesel cars over 10 years.
Q. What to do if RC is expired?
If your vehicle RC has expired, you need to apply for its renewal online via the Parivahan Sewa portal or visit your local RTO office. Ensure that you have the necessary documents listed in this article above, and book a vehicle inspection for a fitness certificate.
Q. How to check RC renewal status?
You can check the RC renewal status by logging into the Parivahan Sewa portal, entering your vehicle registration number, and selecting the “Check RC Status” option.
Q. How much is the penalty if you don’t renew the RC?
The penalty for driving with an expired RC can go up to ₹5,000 for the first offence, under the Motor Vehicles Act. Subsequent violation can result in fines up to ₹10,000 or the vehicle being impounded and consequent court proceedings.
Q. What is the cost of RC renewal?
RC renewal fees typically range from ₹300 for two-wheelers to ₹1,000 for four-wheelers. Commercial vehicle as well as imported vehicle RC renewal costs may be higher.
Q. How to download RC renewal form?
The RC renewal form (Form 25) can be downloaded from the Parivahan Sewa website. Navigate to the “Downloads” section and select Form 25.
Q. Can I extend my car registration in Delhi?
At the time of publishing this article, cars registered in Delhi NCR will be deregistered after their initial validity of RC has expired. These stand at 15 years for petrol cars and 10 years for diesel cars. An extension of registration or renewal will not be possible in Delhi NCR.
Q. What is the validity of RC renewal?
For private vehicles, RC renewal is valid for 5 years after the initial 15-year registration period. After that, you will need to renew the RC every 5 years.
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