What is RC? Everything You Need to Know
If you own a vehicle in India, you must have an RC (Registration Certificate). It serves as proof that your vehicle is legally registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Without an RC, you cannot drive your vehicle on Indian roads as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
In this article, we will explain what is RC, why it is important, how to apply for it, and key details you must know.
What is RC? It stands for Registration Certificate, an official document issued by the RTO, containing essential details about your vehicle, such as:
✅ Vehicle Owner’s Name
✅ Registration Number
✅ Chassis & Engine Number
✅ Fuel Type
✅ Vehicle Class & Model
✅ Date of Registration & Validity
It acts as a legal identity for your vehicle and is required for selling, transferring, or scrapping the vehicle.
What is RC, and why is it important? It serves multiple purposes:
✔ Legal Compliance: Driving without an RC can lead to heavy fines.
✔ Proof of Ownership: It confirms that the vehicle belongs to you.
✔ Resale & Transfer: You cannot sell or transfer a vehicle without an RC.
✔ Insurance Claims: It is required while filing claims for accidents or theft.
✔ Road Tax & Pollution Checks: The RC helps authorities track road tax payments and pollution control measures.
There are two types of Registration Certificates:
🔹 Permanent RC – Issued when you buy a new vehicle.
🔹 Temporary RC – Given by the dealer for a short period (usually one month) until the permanent RC is issued.
If you purchase a new vehicle, the dealer usually registers it for you. However, if you need to register it yourself, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Visit the nearest RTO office.
2️⃣ Fill out Form 20 (application for vehicle registration).
3️⃣ Submit necessary documents:
Invoice of the vehicle
Valid insurance policy
Address proof
Roadworthiness certificate (Form 22)
PUC certificate (Pollution Under Control)
4️⃣ Pay the applicable registration fees & road tax.
5️⃣ The RTO will inspect the vehicle.
6️⃣ Once approved, the RC book or smart card will be issued.
You can check your RC details online using the Parivahan website:
Visit parivahan.gov.in
Click on "Vehicle Registration Status"
Enter your registration number
Click on "Check Status"
RC Renewal – Private vehicle RCs are valid for 15 years and must be renewed every 5 years after that.
Duplicate RC – If lost or damaged, you must apply for a duplicate RC by submitting Form 26 at the RTO.
SMC Insurance has explained what is RC, its importance, application process, renewal guidelines, and how to ensure smooth compliance with Indian traffic laws. Whether you're buying, selling, or renewing your vehicle registration, their expert insights will help you understand everything about what is RC.
Now that you understand what is RC, its importance, types, and application process, you must ensure that your vehicle always has a valid Registration Certificate to avoid legal troubles. To know more, check out SMC’s expert insights on what is RC.
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