When you buy or sell a used vehicle, transferring the ownership (RC transfer) to the new owner's name is mandatory under Motor Vehicles Act. This process can now be done online through the Parivahan portal.
This comprehensive guide explains the complete vehicle ownership transfer process, documents required, fees, and step-by-step procedure for both seller and buyer.
Types of Vehicle Ownership Transfer
| Transfer Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Within Same State | Buyer and seller in same state - simpler process |
| Inter-State Transfer | Vehicle moving to different state - NOC required |
| Death Transfer | Transfer to legal heir after owner's death |
| Hypothecation Transfer | Transfer of financed vehicle after loan clearance |
| Court Order Transfer | Transfer based on court decree |
Documents Required for RC Transfer
Documents from Seller:
- Original Registration Certificate (RC)
- Form 29 (Notice of Transfer) - Signed by seller
- Form 30 (Report of Transfer) - Signed by seller
- Valid Insurance Policy Transfer
- PUC Certificate
- NOC from RTO (for inter-state transfer)
- NOC from Financier (if loan was taken)
- Address Proof of Seller
- ID Proof of Seller
Documents from Buyer:
- Form 29 (Notice of Transfer) - Signed by buyer
- Form 30 (Report of Transfer) - Signed by buyer
- Address Proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Passport)
- ID Proof
- Passport Size Photographs
- Insurance in Buyer's Name
- Sale Agreement/Invoice
Step-by-Step RC Transfer Process (Same State)
Step 1: Seller's Responsibility
- Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in
- Select your state and click on "Transfer of Ownership"
- Enter vehicle registration number
- Fill Form 29 and Form 30 online
- Upload required documents
- Pay applicable fees
- Note down the application number
Step 2: Buyer's Responsibility
- Visit Vahan portal with application number
- Complete remaining form details
- Upload buyer's documents
- Upload new insurance policy
- Pay transfer fees and road tax (if applicable)
- Book appointment for verification (if required)
Step 3: RTO Verification
- Visit RTO on scheduled date with original documents
- Vehicle inspection may be required
- Biometric verification of both parties
- Submit original RC for cancellation
- New RC will be issued in buyer's name
Inter-State Transfer Process
When vehicle is transferred to a different state:
Step 1: Get NOC from Current State
- Seller applies for NOC at current state RTO
- Vehicle verification is done
- Road tax clearance certificate obtained
- NOC is issued (valid for 6 months)
Step 2: Re-Registration in New State
- Buyer applies for fresh registration in new state
- Submit NOC from previous state
- Pay road tax in new state
- New registration number assigned
- New number plate to be fixed
RC Transfer Fees
| Fee Type | Two Wheeler | Four Wheeler |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Fee | ₹150 - ₹300 | ₹300 - ₹500 |
| Smart Card Fee | ₹200 | ₹200 |
| Service Charge | ₹50 - ₹100 | ₹50 - ₹100 |
| Late Fee (per month) | ₹500 | ₹500 |
| NOC Fee (inter-state) | ₹200 - ₹500 | ₹500 - ₹1000 |
Note: Fees vary by state. Road tax may be applicable for inter-state transfers.
Road Tax for Inter-State Transfer
| Vehicle Age | Tax Calculation |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | Full road tax of new state |
| 1-2 years | 90% of road tax |
| 2-3 years | 80% of road tax |
| 3-4 years | 70% of road tax |
| 4-5 years | 60% of road tax |
| More than 5 years | 50% of road tax |
Hypothecation Termination
If the vehicle was on loan, follow these additional steps:
- Get loan closure certificate from bank/financier
- Get NOC letter from financier on letterhead
- Apply for hypothecation termination at RTO
- Fill Form 35 for HP termination
- Original RC will be updated
- Then proceed with ownership transfer
Transfer After Owner's Death
Documents required for legal heir transfer:
- Death Certificate of deceased owner
- Legal Heir Certificate / Succession Certificate
- Affidavit from all legal heirs (if multiple)
- NOC from other legal heirs
- Form 31 (Transfer to Legal Heir)
- Original RC of the vehicle
- ID and Address proof of legal heir
Check RC Transfer Status Online
- Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in
- Select your state
- Click on "Know Your Application Status"
- Enter Application Number
- Enter Chassis Number or Engine Number
- Click "Search" to view status
Important Points to Remember
- 14-Day Deadline: Complete transfer within 14 days of sale
- Insurance Transfer: Essential for claim eligibility
- Clear All Challans: Pay pending challans before transfer
- HP Clearance: Get NOC from bank if vehicle was on loan
- Vehicle Inspection: May be required in some states
- Blacklist Check: Verify vehicle is not blacklisted
- Tax Clearance: Ensure road tax is paid
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I drive an untransferred vehicle?
Yes, for up to 14 days with valid sale documents. After that, it's illegal and you may face penalty.
2. What is the penalty for late RC transfer?
₹500 per month delay. Both buyer and seller are liable for this penalty.
3. Can RC transfer be done online completely?
In most states, the initial application is online but RTO visit is required for verification and document submission.
4. Is NOC required for same-state transfer?
No, NOC is only required for inter-state transfers. Same-state transfer doesn't need NOC.
5. How long does RC transfer take?
Typically 7-15 working days after document verification. New RC is sent via Speed Post.
6. Can I transfer vehicle without original RC?
No, original RC is mandatory. If lost, first apply for duplicate RC, then proceed with transfer.