Lost Your RC? How to Apply for a Duplicate Registration Certificate Online
The Registration Certificate is the primary document proving ownership of your vehicle. If it is lost, stolen, or damaged, you need to get a duplicate from the RTO through a formal process. The Vahan portal now lets you do most of this online using Form 26.
Quick Info
Fee
₹300 – ₹500 (varies by state)
Processing Time
15 – 30 working days
Form Required
Form 26
When You Need a Duplicate RC
A duplicate RC is a replacement copy issued by the RTO when the original is no longer available or usable. You can apply in the following situations:
Lost or misplaced
You cannot locate the original RC after a thorough search. An FIR at the nearest police station is mandatory before applying.
Stolen
The RC was stolen along with other belongings. File an FIR immediately to prevent misuse, as the RC contains vehicle ownership details.
Damaged or illegible
The card is torn, soiled, or faded beyond readability. Submit the damaged original along with your application.
Destroyed in an accident or disaster
The RC was destroyed in a fire, flood, or accident. An FIR or police report documenting the incident is needed.
Before You Apply: FIR and Affidavit
Before starting the online application, you need to complete two important steps. Most RTOs will reject your application without these.
Step 1: File an FIR
Visit the nearest police station and file a First Information Report stating that your RC has been lost or stolen. Mention the vehicle registration number, make, model, and the circumstances of the loss. Keep the FIR copy safe as it is required for both the online and offline application.
Step 2: Get an affidavit
Get a notarized affidavit on a Rs 10 non-judicial stamp paper declaring that the RC is genuinely lost and not seized or impounded by any authority. The affidavit should include your name, address, vehicle registration number, and the FIR details.
Vehicle on loan? If your vehicle was purchased on a loan and is still under hypothecation, you will also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank or financier before the RTO will process your duplicate RC application.
Documents Required
Gather all documents before starting the application. The Vahan portal accepts JPG and PDF uploads.
Mandatory Documents
If Applicable
Clear pending challans first. Some RTOs require a challan clearance certificate before processing the duplicate RC. Check and pay any pending e-challans on the e-Challan portal before applying.
How to Apply Online
The application is done through the Vahan Parivahan portal. You will need your vehicle registration number and the last 5 digits of the chassis number to get started.
Go to the Vahan portal
Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in and enter your vehicle registration number on the homepage. Click "Proceed".
Open Basic Services
Click on "Basic Services" in the top menu, then select "RC Related Services" from the dropdown.
Validate your vehicle
Enter the last 5 digits of your vehicle chassis number and click "Validate". This confirms your vehicle identity in the database.
Verify via OTP
The portal will show the last 4 digits of the registered mobile number. Click "Generate OTP", enter the code, and submit.
Select "Duplicate RC"
From the list of services, choose "Apply for Duplicate Registration Certificate". Select the reason (lost, stolen, or damaged) and enter the FIR details if applicable.
Upload documents and update insurance
Upload scanned copies of the FIR, affidavit, identity proof, insurance certificate, PUC, and any other required documents. Update your current insurance details if prompted.
Pay the fee and submit
Review the fee breakdown shown on screen and pay via UPI, net banking, or card. Save the acknowledgement number and print Form 26 from the confirmation page.
Keep driving legally while you wait. After submission, the fee payment receipt along with the FIR copy and your digital RC on DigiLocker or mParivahan are accepted as valid proof by traffic police until the duplicate smart card arrives.
Track Your Application
After submitting the application, you can track its progress through the following methods:
Vahan portal
Go to "Know Your Application Status" on the Vahan portal and enter your application number to check progress from verification to dispatch.
mParivahan app
Check your application status and access your digital RC through the official mParivahan app. The digital copy is legally valid once the duplicate is approved.
Speed post tracking
Once approved, the duplicate smart card RC is dispatched via speed post. Use the consignment number from your application status to track delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an FIR mandatory for getting a duplicate RC?
Can I apply at any RTO?
How long does it take to get the duplicate RC?
What if my vehicle is on a loan?
Will the duplicate RC have the same registration number?
Apply for your duplicate RC now
Head to the Vahan portal with your vehicle registration number and chassis number. Make sure your FIR and affidavit are ready.