RC Book & Bike Ownership Transfer Process for Bikes in India

Posted on: Oct 15, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

RC Book & Bike Ownership Transfer Process for Bikes in India

The Registration Certificate (RC) transfer is the most important administrative step when ownership of a two-wheeler changes. RC book is the bike’s identity card; without it being updated to the new owner’s name, it leaves a legal and financial gap for the person. More importantly, bike insurance claims may get rejected if the RC and insurance details don’t match.

When is Transfer Required?

Transferring the RC isn't optional; it's required whenever legal ownership of a vehicle changes. Below are the situations when the ownership change of a bike is required:

1. Sale of a used bike:

The seller must ensure the RC is transferred to the buyer’s name within 14 days. If the process is delayed, the seller may remain legally accountable for fines, challans, or accidents the buyer causes.

If you are selling your bike to a person in another state, you will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your RTO and the financer, if the bike is financed.

The buyer must re-register at the new state's RTO within 45 days to avoid penalties.

2. Transfer on the death of the registered owner:

To inherit the bike owned by a dead person, the heir must submit the individual’s death certificate and succession or probate documents to the RTO. Legal processing can vary by state and often requires additional verification.

3. Purchase from a dealer or auction:

Even if the dealer or auction house holds the bike temporarily, the RC must be transferred into the final buyer’s name. Dealers who offer 'assisted transfer' as part of the sale can add convenience. Always insist on a receipt and digital proof (Parivahan acknowledgment or DigiLocker entry) when the transfer is initiated.

Documents Required

You will need the following documents for the RC transfer procedure.

• Original RC book or smart card

• Form 28 (NOC request), Form 29 (notice of transfer), and Form 30 (report of transfer)

• Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

• Valid third-party or comprehensive bike insurance

• ID proof & address proof of both buyer and seller (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)

• Passport-size photos of buyer and seller

• A clear photo or pencil rubbing of the chassis /engine numbers

• Road tax receipt (If you're moving the vehicle across a state)

• NOC from the financer, if the vehicle was financed or hypothecated

• Death certificate and legal succession documents for transfer to the heir

Procedure to Transfer RC Book

RC transfer is now easy with the online facility offered by the government. Follow the steps below for a hassle-free digital process:

• Go to parivahan.gov.in and select "Vehicle-Related Services" under "Online Services".

• Enter the vehicle's registration number and click "Proceed".

• Now, enter your mobile number to get an OTP for verification.

• In the page that appears, choose the "Transfer of Ownership" option from the list of services.

• Provide the required information regarding the seller and the buyer.

• Upload scanned copies of the necessary documents, including the original RC, insurance policy, PUC certificate, and address/identity proofs.

• Pay the necessary fees through any of the online payment gateways provided.

• Submit the application and download the receipts for Forms 28, 29, and 30.

You can then track the application status online.

Fees & Timeline

Understand the costs associated with RC transfer so that you can budget them into the sale price or transfer agreement.

• RC transfer fee (service): Typically ₹150–₹300 depending on the RTO.

• NOC issuance charges: Often around ₹100 per certificate.

• Road tax / differential tax: Applicable for inter-state transfers and calculated based on the bike's invoice value and age.

• Penalties for late transfer: Missing the 14-day same-state or 45-day inter-state window period may attract fines that differ across states.

RC processing time:

The updated RC will be issued within 7–10 working days for same-state transfers, while inter-state processes can take 30–45 working days, depending on NOC and tax clearance.

Conclusion

Completing an RC book transfer is essential to establishing clear bike ownership and avoiding future liabilities. Along with this, don’t forget to update or purchase third party bike insurance, which is legally mandatory in India. A proper RC transfer combined with valid insurance ensures smooth ownership, financial security, and peace of mind every time you ride.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will insurance be valid during transfer?

Insurance typically remains active, but claims can be rejected if the policyholder’s name doesn't match the RC. Coordinate with your insurer to endorse or re-issue the policy immediately after transfer.

2. Is there any way to speed up the RC transfer process?

Digital submission of ownership transfer application via Parivahan, clearing challans in advance, and providing clean, legible document scans are the fastest ways to reduce processing time.

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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