Whether you are buying a used vehicle or selling your vehicle, it is important to transfer ownership legally and properly. This process ensures that the new owner is legally recognised and helps avoid any future legal complications.

Below is a comprehensive guide on the transfer of vehicle ownership in India.

Why is vehicle ownership transfer important?

Transferring vehicle ownership is a legal process that ensures the new owner is officially recognised. It is necessary in the following situations:

  • When buying or selling a vehicle.
  • When the registered owner passes away

Importance of ownership transfer

The transfer of ownership is essential for:

  • Legally registering the vehicle under the new owner’s name.
  • Avoiding legal issues in case of accidents or disputes.
  • Enabling the new owner to renew insurance, pay road tax, and access vehicle services.

Online vs Offline vehicle ownership transfer

A vehicle ownership transfer can be completed both online and offline.

  • Online Process: Faster and more convenient. Download Form 29 and Form 30 from the Parivahan website and apply through the portal.
  • Offline Process: requires visiting the RTO in person and submitting documents.

Documents required for vehicle ownership transfer

The following documents are typically required:

  • Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
  • Form 29 and Form 30
  • Vehicle insurance certificate
  • Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
  • PAN card of seller and buyer (or Form 60)
  • Chassis and engine pencil print
  • Purchaser’s date of birth proof
  • Address proof (Aadhaar card, passport, utility bill, etc.)
  • R.C. book of the vehicle
  • Purchaser’s undertaking
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Tax clearance certificate
  • Form II (if applicable)

Offline RC transfer

Follow these steps for an offline transfer:

  1. Collect necessary documents from the seller, including Form 29, Form 30, and the RC.
  2. Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO if the vehicle is registered in another state.
  3. Fill out Form 29 and Form 30 with the required details.
  4. Get the documents verified by the RTO.
  5. Pay the applicable transfer fee at the RTO.
  6. Submit the application and required documents to the RTO along with the fee.
  7. Have the vehicle inspected by a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI).
  8. Once verified, the RTO will process the transfer.
  9. Collect the new RC in the new owner’s name from the RTO.

You can check the RC transfer status online on the Parivahan website using your application number.

Online RC transfer

In case the vehicle has been sold or passed on to another citizen, please follow the below steps for transfer of ownership

Visit https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice/vahan/

  1. Enter your Vehicle Registration No.
  2. Click on "Proceed."
  3. Select the "Basic Services" Option
  4. Enter the last 5 digits of chassis no. and click on "Validate  Regn_no/Chasi_no."
  5. Generate OTP, enter correct OTP and submit
  6.  Select "Transfer of Ownership."
  7. Enter "Service Details."
  8. Update "Insurance Details"
  9. Review Fee Panel and Proceed
  10. Pay fee, as shown
  11. Upload the document (if configurable)
  12. Take Appointment (if configurable)
  13. Receipt Generated
  14. After this, application will be moved to RTO for further processing

Fees and charges for ownership transfer

The fees and charges for the transfer of ownership of a vehicle vary depending on the RTO. The transfer fee for transfers within the same state and interstate transfers will differ. The fees also differ depending on the age of the vehicle.