Step-by-Step New Car Registration Process 2025

Posted on: Mar 21, 2022 | 3 Min | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Step-by-Step New Car Registration Process 2025

Purchasing a car is a milestone, but driving it on public roads requires proper registration. The RTO car registration process is a legal requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act, ensuring that your vehicle is officially recognised by the government and legally linked to your ownership.

Car registration assigns a unique identity to your four-wheeler, establishes proof of ownership, and confirms compliance with insurance and pollution control norms. Below is a detailed guide to the updated 2022 vehicle registration process.

Necessary Documents for Vehicle Registration in 2025

Before heading to the RTO, you must gather all the car registration documents required to avoid delays. The RTO will not issue a registration certificate without verifying these papers.

Key documents required include:

• Filled application Form 20

This is used to apply for permanent registration. You have to fill up the form with your personal details, vehicle information, and dealership name.

• Sale certificate from the dealer (Form 21)

As per the current RTO norms, it is compulsory to submit the Sale Certificate. It contains the vehicle details, including its model, make, manufacturer, month and year of manufacturing, invoice amount, etc. Before the delivery of your vehicle, ask your dealer to hand over the Sale Certificate.

• Roadworthiness certificate from the manufacturer (Form 22)

It confirms that the concerned vehicle abides by the safety, pollution, and current roadworthiness standards. If you opt for self-registration, ensure to collect it from your dealer beforehand.

• Temporary registration certificate (if applicable)

A copy of the temporary Registration Certificate, which remains valid for 30 days.

• Valid insurance certificate

You will need a car insurance policy mentioning the matching chassis number, engine number, name, address, and make and model of the car as per the details mentioned in the invoice. You can obtain insurance from the car dealer or get it yourself through online platforms.

• Proof of address

Aadhaar, utility bill, or rental agreement can be used as your address proof.

• PAN card or Form 60/61

You have to submit your PAN card for financial verification.

• Invoice of the vehicle purchase

You must keep both the retail invoice (issued to you at the time of purchase) and the manufacturer’s invoice (issued to the dealer against the chassis number). If you plan to opt for self-registration, make sure to request both copies from your dealer before initiating the registration process.

• Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

You have to submit a PUC certificate, which is valid for one year.

• Identity proof

Submit your passport, driving licence, or voter ID as proof of identity.

Once submitted, the RTO verifies these documents before issuing a registration number.

Temporary and Permanent Registration Number

Every new car begins with a temporary registration number, which is mandatory for driving immediately after purchase. It is issued by the dealer or RTO. The temporary registration is valid for up to one month. It allows the car to be driven legally while awaiting permanent registration.

A permanent registration number must be obtained within 30 days of purchase. It is assigned by the RTO. Once issued, this number becomes your vehicle’s official identity.

Failing to convert a temporary number to a permanent one within the stipulated time can result in penalties.

Vehicle Registration Procedure

The new car registration process involves both paperwork and physical verification.

Step-by-step procedure:

1. Application submission:

Fill in Form 20, attach all relevant documents, and submit them at the nearest RTO.

2. Vehicle inspection:

The RTO inspects the vehicle’s chassis number, engine number, and compliance with emission norms.

3. Fee payment:

Pay the prescribed registration charges and road tax.

4. Number plate allocation:

A permanent registration number is assigned to your vehicle by the RTO.

5. Smart card RC issuance:

The RTO issues a Registration Certificate (RC) in the form of a smart card.

Digital initiatives:

In 2022, many states have moved parts of this process online, reducing physical visits to the RTO.

Vehicle Registration Fees

The cost of registration depends on the type and category of the vehicle.

Typical charges include:

• Registration fee:

₹600 for a new car (may vary by state)

• Road tax:

Calculated as a percentage of the car’s ex-showroom price

• Number plate fee:

As per High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) norms

• Smart card fee:

Around ₹200

It is advisable to check with your state RTO website for the latest fee structure, as charges may vary.

Conclusion

Completing the RTO car registration process is not just a legal formality but an essential step to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and linked to your ownership. While the procedure may seem time-consuming, digital improvements introduced in 2022 have made it more convenient. Remember that a valid insurance policy is mandatory for registration. You can easily purchase car insurance online through insurance aggregator websites or the specific portal of an insurer. This not only ensures compliance but also protects you against unexpected financial liabilities arising from vehicle theft or damage.

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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