Simple Steps to Transfer Car Ownership & Update RC in India

Bijesh Nagesh

02 Jul 2025, 03:27 PM

Essential Documents Required for Buying a New Car in India in 2025

Moving on from your trusty old hatchback to a shiny new SUV or handing over your sedan to a friend can feel exciting. But amidst talks of test drives and negotiations, there’s one crucial task often forgotten: transfer car ownership and update RC.

Completing this legal step ensures fines and accident liabilities don’t chase you long after the sale is done. The good news is, the process is simpler than you think—online or at the RTO counter.

This guide walks you through each stage, so you can pass the keys stress-free. You can use the Parivahan portal to check your application status and download forms with a few clicks.

Why Vehicle Ownership Transfer Matters?

Mistaken owner names can cause big problems for both buyer and seller. If the RC is not updated, the old owner stays on record and faces any new fines or challans.

Insurance claims may also be rejected if the name on the policy does not match the RC.

You want legal responsibility to rest with the right person, not someone else. This is why a proper vehicle ownership transfer is so important.

Vehicle Ownership Transfer: Documents You Need

Essential Documents Required for Buying a New Car in India in 2025

Before you start, you need a small stack of papers. These documents prove exactly who sold and who bought the car, so the RTO can update its database.  

Having everything ready stops delays and extra visits to the RTO. You can gather all scans in one go and save time on your RC transfer online.  

Let’s see what you need for a smooth process: 

  • Form 29 (Notice of transfer, signed by seller) 
  • Form 30 (Application for transfer, signed by buyer) 
  • Original RC book or RC smart card 
  • Valid insurance certificate 
  • Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate 
  • ID and address proof (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID) 
  • Passport-size photos of buyer 
  • No Objection Certificate (if financed or interstate) 

Vehicle Ownership: Offline Transfer Process

Some people prefer to visit the RTO in person to hand over papers face to face.

You start by filling out Forms 29 and 30 and collecting all photocopies. Then you pay the transfer fee—usually ₹300 to ₹800 depending on vehicle type.

An RTO inspector may check your car’s chassis and engine numbers on the spot. Finally, you keep the acknowledgment slip to collect your new RC in 15-30 days.

Vehicle Ownership: Online Transfer Process

Essential Documents Required for Buying a New Car in India in 2025

If you want to do this from home, the online method via the Parivahan portal is where you need to go.

Upload clear scans of your forms, RC, insurance, PUC, and ID proofs. Pay the transfer car RC fee with a secure payment gateway in just a few clicks.

You might need one quick visit to the RTO for a final vehicle verification. After approval, download your smart RC or await the physical card in 7-14 days.

Vehicle Ownership Transfer: Fees & Timeline

Knowing fees and timelines can help you plan your vehicle ownership transfer better. The table below shows typical charges and processing times for both same-state and interstate cases.

Vehicle Ownership: Interstate RC Update

Moving a car from one state to another involves extra steps beyond a standard RC transfer.  

  • First, obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your original RTO. This clears any pending road tax liabilities in the first state.  
  • Next, submit Forms 29 and 30 and all other documents to the new state’s RTO.  
  • Finally, pay any remaining tax differences and fees.  

Your updated RC will reflect the new state of registration. 

Vehicle Ownership: Best Pro Tips for a Smooth Transfer

A few smart moves can save you time and headaches during RC update.  

  • Always sign in black ink—some RTOs reject blue.  
  • Double-check spellings and chassis numbers on all forms to avoid rejections.  
  • Track your application status on the Parivahan portal using your token number.  
  • Keep digital copies of all receipts, challans, and acknowledgments.  
  • If your car is under finance, ask your bank for a No Objection Certificate early. 

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