Buying a new ride is thrilling, but the paperwork can stall your adrenaline rush. To breeze through your showroom visit and the RTO counter, here’s your definitive documents required for buying a new car checklist.
For accuracy, cross-verify model specs on official brand websites and consult trusted automotive portals. This guide covers everything from identity proofs to RTO forms, so you can focus better on your test drive.
1. Pre-Booking Essentials: Nationality, ID & Address Proof
Before you lock in your booking amount, dealers need to confirm who you are and where you live. Here are the car purchase papers you’ll hand over:
Document
Purpose
Notes
Voter ID/Passport
Citizenship verification
Original + one photocopy
Aadhaar/PAN Card
Identity & tax compliance
Link Aadhaar to your mobile
Utility Bill/Rent
Address proof
Not older than 3 months
Passport Photos
Dealer KYC records
Four glossy, 35×45 mm shots
Tip: Use e-KYC apps to share Aadhaar details securely. Dealers often accept QR-scanned proofs.
2. Car Loan Documents: What Your Lender Needs
If you’re financing with a bank or NBFC, you’ll speed-up sanction by having these car loan documents ready:
Salary Slips (last 3 months) or Form 16/ITR copies (past 2 years)
Bank Statements (3–6 months) showing salary credits
Income Certificate or audited P&L (for self-employed)
KYC Documents (PAN card, Aadhaar)
Loan Sanction Letter & lien agreement
Keep originals handy for verification. Many financiers now allow digital uploads via secure portals to fast-track disbursal.
3. Vehicle Insurance Papers: Insure Before You Drive
Indian law mandates at least third-party cover from day one. For comprehensive vehicle insurance papers, prepare:
Duly filled Proposal Form (insurer’s template)
Dealer invoice with chassis & engine numbers
Policyholder’s ID & address proofs
Premium payment receipt
Pro Tip: Compare add-on covers like zero-depreciation or engine protection. When renewing, claim your No-Claim Bonus (NCB) certificate to lower premiums next year.
4. RTO Registration Process: Legal Formalities
Your car needs an RC before it can legally roam streets. Use the VAHAN portal to submit:
Form / Document
Purpose
Form 20
Application for new registration
Form 21
Sale certificate from dealer
Form 22
Roadworthiness certificate
Dealer Invoice
Purchase proof
Temporary Registration
30-day interim RC
Insurance Certificate
Mandatory motor insurance
Pollution Under Control
Valid PUC certificate
ID & Address Proof
KYC compliance
Steps: download forms online → schedule RTO slot → upload scans & carry originals → pay fees → biometric verification → collect permanent RC. Use mParivahan app for digital RC download.
5. After Delivery: Organize Your New Car Documents
Once you roll out of the showroom, keep these new car documents in a dedicated folder:
Original RC book + one copy
Insurance policy & renewal reminders
Latest PUC certificate (valid 6 months)
Warranty booklet & service schedule
Dealer delivery note & all invoices
A well-maintained file speeds up future services, resale valuation and insurance claims. Back up digital scans on cloud storage.