RTO services, broken down by what you're actually trying to do
Four service areas cover almost everything people visit an RTO for. Pick yours below for the document list, typical fees structure and timeline.
Vehicle registration & transfer
From a brand-new RC to transferring ownership when a vehicle changes hands.
New vehicle registration
Filed by the dealer in most cases, using the invoice, sales certificate (Form 21), insurance and PUC. You receive a temporary registration first, followed by the permanent RC.
Ownership transfer
Requires Form 29 and Form 30, the existing RC, insurance, a valid ID/address proof of the buyer, and a no-objection certificate if the vehicle was financed.
Duplicate RC
Needed for a lost or damaged RC — apply with Form 26, a police report (if lost) and an affidavit, along with current insurance and PUC.
Re-registration after 15 years
Private vehicles need re-registration 15 years from the original date, subject to a fitness check; commercial vehicles instead renew fitness certificates periodically.
Driving licence
Learner's licence through to renewal, and adding a new vehicle class.
Learner's licence
Apply online, pass the basic road-rules test, and the learner's licence is valid for 6 months while you practise ahead of the permanent licence test.
Permanent driving licence
Apply after holding a learner's licence for at least 30 days, then pass a practical driving test at the RTO for your vehicle class.
Licence renewal
Renewable up to a year before expiry and up to a year after, though a licence lapsed for longer usually requires re-taking the test.
Adding a vehicle class
To add motorcycle, LMV or transport categories to an existing licence, apply with a fresh learner's licence for that class before the practical test.
Road tax & challans
How tax is worked out, and what to do about a traffic fine.
Private vehicles
Most states charge a one-time road tax at registration, calculated as a percentage of the vehicle's ex-showroom price and varying by state.
Commercial vehicles
Transport vehicles typically pay tax quarterly or annually based on seating capacity, load capacity or vehicle type.
Checking & paying a challan
Traffic challans can be checked using the vehicle or challan number on the official e-challan portal and paid online or contested where applicable.
Fitness, PUC & permits
Required mainly for commercial and transport vehicles.
Fitness certificate
Mandatory for transport vehicles, confirming roadworthiness. Renewed periodically at an RTO or automated testing centre, and required before permits can be renewed.
Pollution Under Control certificate
Required for every vehicle, checked at authorised testing centres, and needed to renew insurance as well as fitness.
Route, national & goods permits
Commercial vehicles need a permit matching how they operate — state route, all-India tourist, or national goods permit — renewed alongside fitness.
RTO service questions
Many services — licence renewal, tax payment, appointment booking — can be started online through the official portal, though some steps like the driving test or biometric verification still need an in-person visit.
Driving a transport vehicle with an expired fitness certificate can attract fines and the vehicle may be impounded — renew before expiry rather than after.
Commercial vehicles generally need to update or re-register their permit when the vehicle's operating base changes state; private non-transport vehicles have more flexibility but should update the RC address.
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