How to Change Car Colour Legally in India

Posted on: Oct 29, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How to Change Car Colour Legally in India

Thinking about giving your car a fresh look? Changing your vehicle’s colour can instantly make it new as well as increase its resale value. However, this modification isn’t as simple as visiting a paint shop. India has specific regulations governing vehicle paint or wrap changes. It involves legal formalities and compliance with transport rules. Failing to follow them can lead to registration (RC) troubles and impact your car insurance policy, too.

This guide walks you through the legal process to change car colour in India, documents required, and how insurance is affected.

Understanding the Rules for Car Colour Changes in India

According to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, any alteration to your vehicle’s original specifications requires proper authorisation from the Regional Transport Office (RTO). When you change car colour, you are modifying its official registered details. So, the RTO must approve this change and update your Registration Certificate (RC) accordingly.

The law prohibits the use of specific colours for private vehicles. The hues, including particular shades of blue, green, yellow, and red, are reserved for government and emergency vehicles. Driving a vehicle with an unapproved paint change can result in fines, RC seizure, insurance claim denial, and even vehicle detention.

Step-by-Step Process to Legally Change Your Car’s Colour

Follow these steps to ensure your car colour change remains within legal boundaries:

1. Visit your local RTO and complete the NAMV (Notice for Alternations in Motor Vehicles) form.

2. Add vehicle details and the desired new colour or shade. Make sure the mentioned shade is specific and not vague.

3. Submit the form along with the necessary documents and a sample of the new colour.

4. Pay the applicable service charges. If everything is in order, the RTO will inspect the application and approve the proposal.

5. After approval, get your car repainted at a professional workshop. Make sure the final colour matches the one approved by the RTO.

6. Bring the vehicle back to the RTO after modification for final inspection.

7. The RTO will record the new colour in the database and reissue the RC.

Documents You Need for Car Colour Modification

Gather the following documents before visiting the RTO to change the car colour:

• Original RC

• Car insurance policy

• PUC certificate

• Application for alternation form (NAMV)

• Identity and address proofs (Aadhaar, driver’s license, passport)

• Passport-size photos

• Colour sample swatch

• Photocopies of all the above documents

How a Car Colour Change Affects Your Insurance

Your car insurance policy is linked to your vehicle’s registered specifications, including the colour. Insurance companies classify a colour change as a modification. They may reject a claim if they find a mismatch between your car’s actual colour and what’s mentioned in the policy description.

Updating your policy with the new colour ensures you maintain your vehicle’s comprehensive protection from accidents, theft, and natural disasters. Most insurers don’t charge extra premiums for colour changes since this modification doesn’t affect risk assessment significantly. However, consult your insurance provider for further clarity.

Why You Must Inform Your Insurer About a Colour Change?

Transparency with your insurer will protect your financial interests. Your car insurance policy includes a clause requiring you to report any modifications made to the vehicle. Failing to do so constitutes a breach of policy terms and immediately invalidates the coverage.

Furthermore, during claim settlement, insurers compare vehicle details with policy records. Any discrepancy, including colour or shade difference, can complicate or deny your claim.

Car Wrapping vs Repainting: Legal & Insurance Insights

Both car wrapping and repainting change your vehicle’s appearance, but they have different legal and insurance implications.

Repainting:

This process involves changing the car colour permanently. Repainting is durable but cannot be reversed. The new paint becomes your car’s official colour and requires RTO approval and RC and insurance policy updates.

Wrapping:

Vinyl film wraps can temporarily transform your car’s look. You can peel them off without impairing the original paint. However, if the wrap significantly alters your car’s appearance, like covering more than 50% of the vehicle’s surface, RTO permission and insurance updates are mandatory.

Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Your Car’s Colour

Avoid these common errors when you change car colour:

• Changing the vehicle’s colour or shade without informing the RTO. This may lead to legal issues.

• Using prohibited shades reserved for ambulances, police vehicles, and other government services. Example: Army olive green.

• Forgetting to update your insurance policy. This oversight can invalidate your coverage without prior notification.

• Attempting DIY modifications or getting low-quality wrap or paint that peels and draws attention during inspection at the RTO.

Final Thoughts

Changing your vehicle’s appearance through colour modification is an excellent way to personalise your ride. However, it requires proper legal procedures to avoid fines and insurance claim rejections. Always obtain RTO approval before you change car colour, complete the necessary paperwork promptly, and update your RC. Equally important is informing your insurance company about the repainting.

So, take the time to repaint or wrap your car correctly to enjoy the fresh look without worrying about legal issues down the road.

FAQs

1. Will changing the car colour increase my insurance premium?

Generally, repainting or wrapping cars doesn’t affect premiums since they don’t increase driving risks. However, you must inform your insurer about the modification to ensure seamless claim processing.

2. How to update my insurance policy after changing the car colour?

Contact your insurer through their helpline, website, or visit the nearest branch. They will update your policy records and issue an endorsement reflecting the change.

3. What are the penalties for changing colour without permission?

You could face fines (INR 1000 to INR 5000), vehicle detention, and even imprisonment under Sections 52 and 182A of the Motor Vehicles Act.

4. How long does it take to get RTO approval for a colour change?

Depending on your state and regional office, it may typically take 2 to 7 working days.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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