RC Transfer Process in India (2025): Step-by-Step Guide for Buyers & Sellers

The RC transfer process is the official procedure to legally move the ownership of a vehicle from the seller to the buyer. The Registration Certificate (RC) acts as proof of ownership — without updating it, the previous owner remains liable for any future legal or financial issues involving the vehicle.

What is Vehicle RC Transfer and Why is it Important?

Whether you’re buying a second-hand car or selling your old bike, completing the vehicle ownership transfer is a must to avoid fines, accident claims, or disputes. It also ensures smooth insurance claims and road tax updates for the new owner.

Documents Required for RC Transfer in India (2025)

Here’s a handy checklist you’ll need for a smooth vehicle RC transfer process:

1) Original RC (Registration Certificate)

2) Form 29 and Form 30 (duly filled and signed by both parties)

3) Valid insurance certificate

4) Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

5) Address proof of the buyer (Aadhaar, Passport, Utility Bill, etc.)

6) Copy of buyer’s PAN card (or Form 60 if PAN not available)

7) Passport-size photographs of the buyer

8) Sale affidavit (optional but recommended)

9) NOC from the financier if the vehicle was under loan

How to Transfer RC: Step-by-Step Process Explained

Transferring a vehicle's ownership isn’t as scary as it sounds — but you do need to follow every step carefully. Here’s exactly how to transfer RC in India in 2025:

1. Gather All Required Documents

Before starting the vehicle RC transfer process, make sure both the buyer and seller have all documents ready — original RC, insurance copy, PUC certificate, ID proofs, passport-size photos, Forms 29 and 30, and loan NOC if applicable.

Tip: Double-check names, chassis numbers, and insurance policy numbers. Even a small typo can cause big delays.

2. Fill Out Form 29 and Form 30

These two forms are the backbone of the RC transfer process:

1) Form 29: Notice of transfer of ownership from seller to buyer.

2) Form 30: Request for ownership transfer by the buyer.

Both parties must sign these forms. Some RTOs may also ask for an undertaking or an affidavit, especially for interstate transfers.

3. Visit the Correct RTO

You must apply at the RTO where the vehicle is registered, not the buyer’s RTO.
If the buyer and seller are in different states, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the seller’s RTO is needed first.

For example: Selling a Delhi-registered car to someone in Mumbai? Get a NOC from Delhi RTO before starting the vehicle ownership transfer in Mumbai.

4. Submit the Application and Pay Fees

Once at the RTO:

1) Submit the filled forms and all documents.

2) Pay the applicable transfer fee (usually between ₹150–₹500 for two-wheelers and ₹300–₹800 for four-wheelers).

3) If applicable, pay the pending road tax dues (especially for interstate transfers).

You'll receive a receipt or acknowledgment slip — keep it safe until you get the new RC.

5. Vehicle Inspection (If Required)

Some RTOs may call the vehicle for a physical inspection. They will verify:

1) Chassis number and engine number match the RC

2) No modifications have been done without proper approvals

Carry the vehicle and all original documents if you are called for inspection. It's usually a quick check unless issues are found.

6. Wait for Ownership Update

After document verification and fee payment, the RTO updates the ownership in their database.

Processing time varies by state but usually takes 15 to 30 working days.

You’ll either:

- Get a physical RC card delivered by post

- Or receive a smart RC digitally (if your state supports it)

You can track your application status on the Parivahan Portal.

How to Do RC Transfer Online: Quick Guide for 2025

Don’t feel like standing in line at the RTO? We get it. The RC transfer online method is a much easier route — especially for people who value their time and want a paperless experience (as much as possible). Here's your quick and complete walkthrough:

1. Access the Official Vehicle Services Platform

Start by going to the central online portal used by the Ministry of Road Transport. It hosts state-wise RTO services under one roof.

You’ll need to select your state and regional RTO before beginning, since not all online services are available everywhere. If you're lucky, your state supports the full vehicle RC transfer process online, without any in-person visits.

2. Select 'Transfer of Ownership' Service

Once inside your RTO's section, head over to the "Transfer of Ownership" option. This is where you officially initiate the vehicle ownership transfer from the seller to the buyer.

You'll be asked to fill in:

- Vehicle Registration Number

- Chassis Number (last 5 digits)

- Buyer & Seller details

- Date of purchase and insurance info

- Double-check everything before moving to the next step.

3. Upload Required Documents Digitally

Time to scan and upload all relevant documents. This typically includes:

- Form 29 and Form 30 (duly signed)

- ID proof of buyer

- Insurance certificate

- PUC certificate

- Passport-size photo

- RC copy

- Loan NOC (if the vehicle was under finance)

- PAN/Form 60 from the buyer

Make sure file sizes and formats meet the portal’s guidelines. If a document doesn't upload, try compressing it using online tools — saves a lot of time.

4. Pay the RC Transfer Fees Online

The portal will auto-calculate the RC transfer fees based on your vehicle type and RTO.

You can pay securely through:

1) UPI

2) Debit/Credit Card

3) NetBanking

Once payment is done, an online receipt is generated instantly. Download it — this is your proof of transaction and application.

5. Track Application & Wait for RC Update

After successful submission:

1) Your application is sent for RTO verification.

2) You’ll get an acknowledgment or reference number for tracking.

3) Some states might still require a physical verification or call the buyer for biometric authentication.

Once approved, the RC gets digitally updated in the system. Some states issue smart cards via courier, while others offer downloadable digital RCs.

Things to Keep in Mind:

1) Not all states offer 100% online RC transfer. Some might ask you to still visit the RTO once.

2) If you’re doing an interstate RC transfer, the online process may only cover part of it — an NOC and physical visit might still be needed.

3) Use the correct buyer and seller mobile numbers — OTPs are sometimes used for verification.

Whether you're a buyer or seller, getting the RC transfer process right is a must — not just for peace of mind, but also to stay legally sorted. With both offline and RC transfer online options now available, handing over vehicle ownership is way simpler (and faster) than it used to be.

If all this still feels a little too much to juggle, no worries — MyRaasta has your back. From vehicle RC transfer to insurance, service, and paperwork, we handle RTO services too, so you can chill while we sort it out for you