How to Apply for Duplicate RC for Your Bike
How to Apply for Duplicate RC for Your Bike

If you have lost or damaged your original RC, you will have to apply for a duplicate RC. Make sure you are submitting the right documents to get the RC.
The registration certificate or RC is an important part of the bike ownership experience. However, it is only human to lose a piece of paper in the daily hustle of life. Nevertheless, even if you lose this important document, you can obtain a duplicate RC from the RTO office. Now, if you are thinking of how to apply for duplicate RC, let us tell you that the process is quite simple, whether you take the online or offline route. You will have to submit all the necessary documents, including the third party bike insurance policy details as well. This blog will guide you on everything you need to know how to get a duplicate RC.
What is a Registration Certificate (RC)?
The Registration Certificate is the official document stating that your bike is registered with the local Regional Transport Office. The territorial boundary in which you can use the vehicle, chassis number and engine, cubic capacity, and the fuel used are mentioned on the RC certificate.
What is a Duplicate RC?
A duplicate RC is the replacement copy of the lost or damaged original RC provided to you by the RTO. It confirms your vehicle’s ownership and registration.
Reasons for Obtaining a Duplicate RC
You should get a duplicate RC if you have lost or damaged your original RC. The duplicate RC will only be provided to the owner of the vehicle.
Documents Required for Duplicate RC Application
Documents needed while applying for a duplicate RC
• Form 26 – application form
• RC card lost challan copy (from the police station)
• No Objection Certificate from the lender if the bike is purchased with a loan
• Copy of the two wheeler insurance
• Emission test paper copy
• Copy of driving license
• Age and address proofs
• Passport-size photographs
• Two-wheeler purchase papers
How to Get Duplicate RC Online?
1. Visit the ParivahanSewa website and fill out the application form along with the necessary details. You are required to fill in the details of the FIR filed and the third party bike insurance policy.
2. Submit the online application form and pay the required service fee.
3. A receipt will be generated after successful payment. You need to submit the receipt to the RTO office.
How to Apply for a Duplicate RC Offline?
After filing an FIR, you need to visit the RTO office where the vehicle was originally registered. Then follow a few steps to learn how to get a duplicate RC-
1. If you have purchased your bike with a loan, you need NOC from the lender.
2. Obtain an affidavit detailing your bike's information and the reason why you need a duplicate RC.
3. Fill and submit the prescribed application form, i.e. Form 26, along with the RC extract (you need to get the RC extract from the RTO centre). You are also required to submit other relevant documents to the RTO officer.
4. The authorised officer will verify and sign the file. Then you have to visit the assistant RTO and pay the required service fee, and in return, you will get the receipt.
5. Get the receipt signed by the traffic superintendent and take the acknowledgement slip. The slip will display the date on which you will get the duplicate RC.
Fee Structure for Obtaining a Duplicate RC
The fee structure for applying for a duplicate RC is as follows:
Type of Vehicle | Duplicate RC Fee (in Rs.) |
Invalid Carriage | 25 |
Motorcycle (Two-wheeler) | 150 |
Non-transport Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) | 300 |
LMV (for transportation) | 500 |
Medium passenger motor vehicle | 500 |
Medium goods vehicle | 500 |
Heavy passenger motor vehicle | 750 |
Heavy goods vehicle | 750 |
Imported motorcycle | 1,250 |
Imported motor vehicle | 2,500 |
Other vehicles | 1,500 |
Issues in Applying for Duplicate RC
A duplicate RC can be helpful, but you will face some problems while applying for it. These issues can often lead to rejection of the application.
Some of the common issues in applying for a duplicate RC are as follows:
1. Verification:
If your online application shows that it is still under verification at the RTO level, you will have to visit the RTO and physically verify the document. Moreover, you will also need to submit your biometrics to get the process completed.
2. Unauthorised Agents:
When applying for a duplicate RC, it is crucial that you partner with experts and authorised agents. Some of these unauthorised individuals will claim to be agents, but they aren't. You must never choose an unauthorised agent because it is not the legal method. Moreover, you should refrain from submitting your original documents to anyone who claims to be an agent but doesn't have proof, as they may have some safety risks.
3. Invalid and incomplete documentation:
Suppose you have submitted any incomplete application for the RC documents. In order to receive the clearance, you will have to submit all the documents. Moreover, it is advisable that you also receive clearance from the traffic to signify that there are no pending challans.
4. Incomplete or incorrect information:
You must fill in all the information correctly in your document and submit it. Any incomplete or incorrect information can lead to rejection. You must be very precise while filling in the vehicle and applicant details.
5. FIR delays:
If the RC book was lost or stolen, you should immediately file an FIR. If there is any kind of delay with the FIR, it will lead to a delay in the process as well.
6. Technical Errors:
The online application is a very convenient method when applying for a duplicate RC. However, it might have some technical errors, which can lead to delays in filing the application, which can be complicated.
How to Track the Status of a Duplicate Registration Certificate?
After you have submitted the application for a duplicate RC, you will also need to track the status of it. To track the status, you will have to visit the Parivahan Sewa services portal online. The RC application can be tracked under (Registration Certificate Driving License) section. However, you must insert your vehicle's registration number so that you can get the current status of an application. Make sure you keep an eye out for the registration process to avoid any potential problems. Moreover, this will also keep you updated in case anything goes wrong, and you can go for physical verification.
Here are the steps to follow for the RC re-registration or renewal process:
1. You must apply with the Registering Authority to renew the registration certificate within 60 days from the expiry date. The Registering Authority should have jurisdiction over your vehicle.
2. Pay the due taxes on the vehicle, if applicable.
3. Pay the required renewal fee.
What is the Processing Time for a Duplicate RC?
Once you have submitted your application for the duplicate RC, it will take around 15 to 30 days for it to be issued. After the application is processed, you can download duplicate RC. It is advisable that you visit the RTO directly to get the duplicate RC. If required, you will also need a copy of the original RC as it can speed up the replacement process. You must fill application form no. 26 giving the registration number too. Apart from that, no other information is required.
What is the difference between RC renewal and obtaining a duplicate one if you have lost your RC?
The main difference between duplicate RC and RC renewal is the purpose. RC renewal means that you are extending the validity of your vehicle registration. On the other hand, getting a duplicate RC means that you are replacing the old, lost or damaged RC. However, in both cases, you will have to submit different documents and follow different procedures.
According to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, the RC expires after 15 years from its original issuance, after which it requires renewal. On the other hand, a duplicate RC is issued when the original RC is misplaced or burnt.
Documents required for submission while converting your RC book to RC smart card:
• Original RC Book
• Proof of Identification
• Proof of Address
• Insurance and PUC documents
• Imprint of the chassis
• Smart card insurance application
RC Smart Card
RC Smart Card is considered to be a more convenient form of the RC book. The RC book refers to the hard copy of your vehicle’s registration certificate. It contains all the details of your vehicle registration. There’s a huge risk of the RC book getting worn out. However, this will not be the case with an RC smart card.
Follow the steps given below to convert the RC book to an RC smart card:
● Write a formal application to the police superintendent of your city’s traffic police, stating your wish to apply for an RC smart card.
● Carry your two wheeler insurance and PUC papers to RTO.
Submit all the relevant documents along with your old RC book.
The RTO will verify all the documents and then send the newly created RC smart card to your registered address.
Key Takeaway
The registration certificate or RC is a mandatory document, like your driver's licence, PUC, etc. Therefore, you should ideally not hit the roads with your vehicle if you have lost or misplaced your RC. However, if you have misplaced your RC or it has expired, getting a copy or renewing the same is an easy procedure, as detailed above. It is advisable that you have your two wheeler insurance in place to cover any additional charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I download RC online?
Yes, you can download a copy of your RC online. You can download it from the Vahan e-service portal or use the Digilocker services.
2. How much does it cost to obtain a duplicate RC?
The cost for getting the duplicate RC will vary depending on the type of vehicle you have. The Motor Vehicle Act has already provided a list of different vehicle costs for different types.
3. How do I track the status of duplicate RC online?
You can track the status of duplicate RCs online via the Parivahan website. It is advisable to follow a proper procedure and enter the right information to get the details.
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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