How to Renew Your Vehicle RC After 15 Years in India

The Registration Certificate for private vehicles expires after 15 years. You must renew it through the Vahan portal and pass a fitness inspection at the RTO to keep driving legally. After renewal, the RC is valid for another 5 years.

May 26, 2026

4 min read

Quick Info

When to Renew

After 15 years, then every 5 years

Apply Early

Up to 60 days before expiry

Renewal Fee

₹300 (bikes) to ₹1,000 (cars) + taxes

When to Renew

The RC for private (non-transport) vehicles is valid for 15 years from the date of first registration. After that, it must be renewed every 5 years. You can apply up to 60 days before the expiry date.

60 Days Before

Earliest you can apply for RC renewal. Recommended to avoid last-minute issues.

Expired RC

You can still apply after expiry, but late fees apply and driving with an expired RC is illegal.

Penalty

Fines up to ₹5,000 for first offence and ₹10,000 for repeat offences. Vehicle can be seized.

Documents Required

Keep scanned copies ready for the online application. You will also need to carry the originals when you visit the RTO for the fitness inspection.

Mandatory

Form 25 (application for RC renewal)

Original Registration Certificate (RC)

Valid insurance certificate

Valid PUC certificate

Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN)

Address proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bill)

If Applicable

Road tax payment receipt (if dues are pending)

Green tax payment receipt (applicable in most states at 15 years)

NOC from financier (if vehicle was on loan)

Fees and Green Tax

RC renewal fees are set under CMVR Rule 81 and vary by vehicle type. Most states also levy a green tax on vehicles older than 15 years.

Component	Amount
RC renewal fee (two-wheelers)	₹300
RC renewal fee (cars / LMV)	₹600 to ₹1,000
Fitness inspection fee	₹200 to ₹600
Green tax (varies by state and fuel type)	10% to 50% of road tax
Smart card fee (new RC card)	₹200 to ₹500

Green tax must be paid before the fitness test. Some states block the renewal application if the green tax is pending. Check the "Pay Your Tax" service on the Vahan portal first.

How to Renew Online

The application is done through the Vahan Parivahan portal. A physical visit to the RTO is still required for the fitness inspection of the vehicle.

Visit the Vahan portal

Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in, select your state and RTO, and choose "Renewal of Registration" under Vehicle Related Services.

Enter your vehicle details

Type in your registration number and chassis number. The portal will fetch your existing RC details. Verify that everything is correct.

Upload documents and fill Form 25

Upload scanned copies of your RC, insurance, PUC, ID proof, and address proof. Fill out or upload the completed Form 25.

Pay the fees

The portal calculates the total amount including renewal fee, green tax, fitness fee, and smart card charge. Pay via UPI, net banking, or card.

Book a fitness inspection slot

Select your preferred date and time at the RTO or Automated Testing Station (ATS). Download and print the appointment slip and fee receipt.

Take your vehicle for inspection

Drive to the RTO or ATS on the scheduled date with all original documents. The inspector checks brakes, emissions, lights, and overall roadworthiness.

Clear pending challans first. The portal will not let you proceed if there are unpaid traffic challans or FASTag dues linked to the vehicle. Check and clear them on echallan.parivahan.gov.in before starting.

After Renewal

Here is what happens once your vehicle passes the fitness inspection:

RC renewed for 5 years

If the vehicle passes inspection, the RC is renewed for another 5 years. You will need to renew again after that.

New RC dispatched

The updated smart card RC is sent to your registered address via Speed Post within 7 to 15 days. Track status on the Vahan portal.

If the vehicle fails

You will receive a rejection letter with the reasons. Repair the defects and reapply for inspection within 30 days without paying the fitness fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my RC renewal is being processed?

Driving with an expired RC is technically illegal even if you have applied for renewal. Carry a copy of the application receipt and fee payment if you need to drive the vehicle to the RTO for the fitness inspection.

What is green tax and do I have to pay it?

Green tax is a fee levied on older vehicles to offset their higher emissions. Most states charge it when a vehicle crosses 15 years. The amount varies by state and fuel type, typically 10% to 50% of the original road tax.

What if my vehicle is on loan?

If the loan is still active, the financier's name appears on the RC (hypothecation). You can still renew the RC, but you may need a no-objection letter from the financier. If the loan is fully repaid, file Form 35 to remove the hypothecation first.

Is the fitness inspection mandatory for private vehicles?

Yes. For private vehicles older than 15 years, a fitness inspection is mandatory at the time of RC renewal. The RTO or Automated Testing Station checks brakes, emissions, lights, and overall roadworthiness before approving the renewal.

Ready to renew?

Head to the Vahan portal to start your RC renewal application. Keep your registration number and chassis number ready.

Visit Vahan Portal Check RC Details