How to Register a New Vehicle (Car or Bike) in India
Every new vehicle must be registered with the RTO before it can be driven on public roads. In most cases, the dealer handles the entire process for you. Here is how it works, what it costs, and how to track your RC.
Quick Info
Registration Fee
₹600 (flat, all states)
Road Tax
4% to 20% of ex-showroom price
RC Validity
15 years from registration
How Registration Works
When you buy a new car or bike from an authorised dealer, the dealer handles the registration process on your behalf in most cases. You sign the required forms at the showroom, the dealer submits them to the RTO along with the road tax and fees, and the RTO assigns a permanent registration number after inspecting the vehicle.
You will receive a temporary registration (TR) number on the day of purchase, which is valid for 30 days. This lets you drive the vehicle legally while the permanent RC is processed.
BH Series registration is available for central/state government employees and eligible private-sector employees with transferable jobs. It allows nationwide validity without re-registration when you move to another state.
Documents Required
The dealer will ask you to provide these at the time of purchase. Most forms are prepared by the dealer; you just need to sign them and hand over your personal documents.
RTO Forms (dealer prepares these)
Your Documents
Fees and Road Tax
The total registration cost depends mainly on road tax, which varies by state and is calculated on the ex-showroom price of the vehicle. Here is a breakdown of the typical charges:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration fee | ₹600 (standard across all states) |
| Road tax (lifetime, private vehicles) | 4% to 20% of ex-showroom price |
| HSRP (High Security Registration Plates) | ₹400 to ₹500 |
| Hypothecation charges (if on loan) | ₹1,500 |
| FASTag | ₹500 to ₹600 |
Road tax is the biggest variable. It can range from under ₹10,000 for a budget two-wheeler to over ₹2 lakh for a premium car, depending on your state. Many states offer full road tax exemption on electric vehicles.
Step-by-Step Process
For most new vehicles, the dealer handles steps 2 to 5 on your behalf. You only need to sign the documents and pay the fees at the dealership.
Sign documents at the dealership
The dealer prepares Form 20, Form 21, and Form 22. You sign them and hand over your Aadhaar, PAN, photographs, and insurance certificate.
Dealer submits to the RTO
The dealer files all forms along with road tax and registration fee at your local RTO. You receive a temporary registration number valid for 30 days.
RTO inspection
An Inspector of Motor Vehicles (IMV) inspects the vehicle and verifies the chassis and engine numbers against the documents.
Registration number allotted
The RTO enters the vehicle data into the Vahan database, and the ARTO approves the registration. A permanent number is assigned.
HSRP fitted and RC dispatched
High Security Registration Plates are fitted to your vehicle. The smart card RC is printed and dispatched to your address via Speed Post, typically within 7 to 30 days.
Pending e-challans? The RTO can block registration if there are 5 or more unpaid traffic challans linked to your driving licence or Aadhaar. Clear any pending challans before heading to the dealership.
After Registration
Once your vehicle is registered, here is what to know:
RC valid for 15 years
The Registration Certificate is valid for 15 years from the date of registration. After that, you need to apply for RC renewal at the RTO.
Track RC status
Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in, enter your registration number, and check the status. You can also use the mParivahan app to access your Virtual RC.
Virtual RC is valid
The Virtual RC on mParivahan and DigiLocker is legally recognised. You can show it to traffic police without carrying the physical card.
Moving to another state? If you relocate permanently, you must re-register your vehicle in the new state within 12 months. A NOC from the original RTO is required, and you may need to pay differential road tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a new vehicle entirely online?
How long does it take to get the permanent RC?
Can I drive with just the temporary registration?
What is BH Series registration?
Track your RC status
Check the status of your vehicle registration on the Vahan Parivahan portal using your registration number.