How to Register a New Car at RTO in India 2026

Registering a new car with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) is a mandatory legal process that every vehicle owner must complete. While dealers often handle the paperwork, understanding the process helps you track progress, verify documents, and avoid delays. This guide covers everything from temporary registration to HSRP number plates, road tax, and EV-specific benefits.

Step-by-Step Car Registration Process

Here is the complete journey of registering a new car, from the dealer showroom to your home with a permanent number plate.

Step 1: Vehicle Purchase and Invoice Generation

When you finalize a car at the dealership, the dealer issues a tax invoice (Form 21) that includes the ex-showroom price, options, registration charges, insurance, and road tax. The ex-showroom price forms the base for road tax calculation. The dealer collects the road tax amount from you along with the vehicle invoice.

Step 2: Temporary Registration (TR)

Before handing over the car, the dealer applies for a temporary registration (TR) from the RTO. The temporary number is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive the car legally while the permanent registration is being processed. The dealer typically completes this step within 1-2 days. The temporary number format is "XX XX TR XXXX" and is displayed on a paper board or temporary plastic plate.

Step 3: Road Tax Payment

Road tax (also called motor vehicle tax) is paid to the state government at the time of registration. The dealer usually collects this amount and deposits it with the RTO on your behalf. Road tax rates vary by state, vehicle type, fuel type, and price. See the "Road Tax Payment Process" section below for details.

Step 4: Application for Permanent Registration

The dealer submits the permanent registration application to the RTO through the Vahan 4.0 portal. Required forms include:

• Form 20: Application for registration of a motor vehicle.
• Form 21: Sale certificate from the manufacturer/dealer.
• Form 22: Certificate of roadworthiness (also known as Form 22A for some states).

Step 5: RTO Verification

The RTO inspector physically verifies the vehicle to confirm that the chassis number, engine number, and vehicle specifications match the documents. This can happen at the RTO premises or at the dealer's stockyard (for bulk registrations). With the digitization of RTO processes, many states now accept virtual verification through video calls or geotagged photographs.

Step 6: Number Allotment and RC Generation

Once verification is cleared, the RTO allots a permanent registration number from the available series. The Registration Certificate (RC) is generated and sent to the registered address by post. The digital RC is instantly available on the mParivahan app and DigiLocker. The RC contains details including the owner's name, vehicle specifications, registration date, and validity period (typically 15 years).

Step 7: HSRP Number Plate Fitting

After the permanent number is allotted, you must get a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) fitted. The dealer typically arranges this through an authorized HSRP vendor. The number plate is manufactured and affixed within 2-5 days of registration. See the HSRP section below for detailed rules.

Step 8: Collect Documents

Once the process is complete, you should have the following documents in your possession:

• Permanent Registration Certificate (RC) — physical or digital copy.
• HSRP number plate with laser-etched PIN.
• Insurance policy document (third-party + comprehensive, if opted).
• PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate.
• Sale invoice and warranty documents.

Documents Required for New Car Registration

Here is the complete list of documents needed for new car registration in India:

Temporary vs Permanent Registration

Note: The dealer is legally required to apply for permanent registration before the TR expires. If the dealer delays, you can approach the RTO directly with the documents. Driving beyond 30 days on TR is illegal and carries penalties.

Road Tax Payment Process and State-wise Rates

Road tax is a one-time payment for new vehicles in most states (some states collect it annually). It is calculated as a percentage of the vehicle's ex-showroom price and varies by:

• Fuel type: Diesel and luxury cars attract higher rates; EVs get concessional rates.
• Vehicle price: Many states use a slab system with higher percentages for costlier vehicles.
• Seating capacity: Personal cars (up to 7 seats) vs SUVs vs commercial vehicles.
• State policy: Each state sets its own rates and rules.

The dealer collects the road tax amount from you and deposits it with the RTO or state treasury. You receive a tax receipt that must be submitted with the registration application. For precise estimates, use the DesiCalc RTO Tax Calculator.

Indicative Road Tax Rates (2026) for Petrol Cars under ₹15 Lakh

HSRP Number Plate Rules (2026)

High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) are mandatory for all vehicles in India as per Supreme Court orders. Key features and rules:

• Tamper-proof design: HSRP uses snap-on locks that self-destruct if removal is attempted, preventing theft and misuse.
• Chromium hologram: A hot-stamped chromium hologram of the Ashoka Chakra is applied on the top-left corner.
• 10-digit laser-etched PIN: Each plate has a unique 10-digit PIN laser-etched on the bottom-left, which is linked to the vehicle's registration in the Vahan database.
• Retro-reflective film: The plate uses reflective sheeting that improves visibility at night.
• Third plate for ICAT compliance: Some states now require a third plate on the windscreen with a RFID tag for automated toll collection and traffic enforcement.
• Cost: ₹400-₹600 for cars, ₹600-₹1,100 for SUVs and commercial vehicles, depending on the state.
• Dealer-fitted: Number plates must be fitted by authorized HSRP vendors. Self-affixed plates are not recognized as HSRP.

Used Car Transfer Process

When buying a used car, the registration must be transferred to the new owner's name. The process involves:

1. Form 29 and Form 30: Both buyer and seller sign these forms for transfer of ownership. Form 29 is the notice of transfer by the seller, and Form 30 is the application for transfer by the buyer.
2. NOC from seller: If the vehicle is financed, a No Objection Certificate from the bank/lender is required.
3. RTO application: Submit the forms along with the original RC, insurance, PUC, and address proof to the RTO. The fee is ₹200-₹500 for transfer.
4. Fitness test: For vehicles older than 15 years, a fitness certificate from an authorized testing station may be required.
5. Processing time: 7-30 days. The new RC is sent to the new owner's address.

Important: The seller must notify the RTO within 14 days of sale (Form 29). The buyer must apply for transfer within 30 days of purchase. Delays attract late fees.

EV Registration Benefits

Electric vehicles (EVs) enjoy several registration and tax benefits as part of the government's push for green mobility:

• Road tax exemption: Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP, and several other states offer 100% road tax exemption on EVs. Karnataka offers 50% exemption. This saves ₹50,000-₹1,50,000 on an EV priced between ₹10-₹25 lakh.
• Green number plates: EVs are issued green-coloured number plates (white font on green background for private vehicles, yellow font on green for commercial EVs). This allows benefits like free parking at select locations and entry into restricted zones in some cities.
• Registration fee waiver: Many states waive the registration fee for EVs entirely.
• Faster registration: Some RTOs have dedicated counters for EV registration to expedite the process.
• Lower insurance: Third-party insurance premiums for EVs are lower than for ICE vehicles.

Compare road tax costs for EVs vs petrol vehicles using our EV vs Petrol Road Tax comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions