Complete Registration Guide

RC Ownership Transfer Online

The ultimate guide to transferring vehicle ownership in India. Download Form 29/30, check RTO transfer fees, required documents, and follow the exact step-by-step Vahan 4.0 process.

Last Updated: June 3, 2026

What is Vehicle Ownership Transfer?

When you buy or sell a used vehicle (bike, car, or commercial), it is legally mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to transfer the Registration Certificate (RC) to the new owner's name within 14 days of the sale.

This process ensures the new owner is legally responsible for the vehicle, preventing the previous owner from being held liable for future traffic violations, accidents, or criminal activities. Vehicle ownership transfer via Form 29 and Form 30 is now fully digital through the Vahan 4.0 portal — India's national vehicle management system by MoRTH, available at parivahan.gov.in.

Types of RC Transfer:

  • Normal Sale: Selling or buying a vehicle to/from a third party.
  • Death of Owner: Transferring the vehicle to a legal heir (requires Form 31).
  • Auction: Purchasing a vehicle from a government or bank auction (requires Form 32).

Required Forms (Form 29 & 30)

To transfer a vehicle in a normal sale, you will need two critical forms provided by the RTO. You must print these out, sign them physically, and upload scanned copies to the Parivahan portal.

Form 29 (Notice of Transfer)

Declaration by the seller that they have sold the vehicle. (Requires 2 copies)

Download Form 29

Form 30 (Application for Intimation)

The actual application form. Must be signed by both buyer and seller.

Download Form 30

Documents Required for RC Transfer

Before applying online, ensure you have scanned copies (under 200KB each) and original physical copies for your RTO visit. The responsibilities are split between the buyer and the seller:

Documents Provided by Seller Documents Provided by Buyer
Original RC: Handed over to buyer. Form 30: Signed application form.
Form 29 (2 Copies): Signed notice of transfer. Address Proof: Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Passport.
Valid Insurance: Active policy document. PAN Card: Mandatory for financial transaction.
Valid PUCC: Pollution Under Control Certificate. Age Proof: Aadhaar or Birth Certificate.
Bank NOC: If vehicle had a cleared loan. Passport Photos: 2-3 recent passport size photos.

Note: Both parties must also take a pencil print of the engine and chassis number on a blank sheet of paper to submit at the RTO.

How to Apply for RC Transfer Online (Vahan 4.0)

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) allows you to initiate the ownership transfer process entirely online. Follow this exact step-by-step process:

1

Login to Vahan Portal

Visit the official Vahan Parivahan citizen portal (vahan.parivahan.gov.in). Enter your Vehicle Registration Number and click "Proceed".

2

Select Ownership Transfer

Click on "Online Services" and select "Transfer of Ownership". Authenticate using the OTP sent to the registered mobile number linked to the vehicle.

3

Enter Buyer Details

Fill in the new owner's (buyer's) personal details, permanent address, PAN number, and current insurance policy information.

4

Upload Documents & Pay Fees

Upload scanned copies of Form 29, Form 30, and Address proof. Pay the required RTO transfer fees via the online payment gateway.

5

Visit the RTO

Print the fee receipt and the application form. Visit your local RTO with all the original physical documents for manual verification by the RTO inspector.

Start Application on Vahan Portal →

RTO Transfer Fees

The fee for transferring ownership varies slightly depending on your state and the type of vehicle. Below is the standard fee structure mandated by the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR):

Vehicle Type Transfer Fee (Approx) Smart Card Fee
Two-Wheeler (Motorcycle/Scooter) ₹150 ₹200
Light Motor Vehicle (Car/Jeep) ₹300 ₹200
Imported Motor Vehicle ₹2500 ₹200
Light Commercial Vehicle ₹500 ₹200

* Note: If the RC transfer is delayed beyond 14 days from the date of sale, a late penalty of ₹300 per month (for two-wheelers) or ₹500 per month (for cars) may be levied.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does the RC transfer process take?
Once you submit the physical documents at the RTO, it generally takes 15 to 30 working days for the new RC to be processed, printed, and dispatched via Speed Post to the buyer's address.
2. Can I drive the vehicle while the transfer is pending?
Yes. You can drive the vehicle. Keep the online fee receipt, Form 29/30 copies, and the original RC (if not surrendered) with you to show to the traffic police if stopped.
3. Is police verification required for RC transfer?
For a normal sale within the same RTO, police verification is usually not required. However, if you are transferring the vehicle from one state to another (Inter-State Transfer), you will need an NOC from the NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau).
4. What happens if the seller's signature doesn't match?
The RTO matches the signature on Form 29/30 with the signature on record. If it mismatches, the application will be rejected, and the seller will have to physically visit the RTO to verify their identity.