How to Transfer Vehicle RC After Buying a Used Vehicle
Transfer the Registration Certificate (RC) of a used vehicle into your name — Form 29, Form 30, seller obligations, and how the Parivahan Vahan portal handles it.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- parivahan.gov.in ↗
When you buy a used vehicle in India, transferring the Registration Certificate (RC) into your name is mandatory — and time-bound. Skip it, and the previous owner remains legally responsible for your traffic violations, accidents, and toll dues.
The process runs through Parivahan Vahan. The seller files Form 29 within 14 days of the sale, and both parties file Form 30 jointly to record the transfer. Most states process it online, with a possible vehicle inspection at the RTO for chassis / engine verification.
For an inter-state sale, you also need a NOC from the original RTO and have to re-register the vehicle in the new state, paying road tax there. Plan this before you take delivery.
Eligibility
- You are the buyer of a privately registered (non-commercial) vehicle, and the sale is complete.
- Both buyer and seller have valid Aadhaar and PAN (for the financial trail).
- The vehicle is not under loan, or the loan / hypothecation has been cleared and termination is in process.
Required documents
Form 29 (Notice of Transfer)
Filed by the seller within 14 days of sale — they notify the RTO that the vehicle is sold.
Form 30 (Report of Transfer)
Joint application by buyer and seller to record the transfer in the RTO database.
Original RC
Smart card or paper RC of the vehicle.
Insurance certificate
Active third-party (and comprehensive if applicable) insurance for the vehicle.
Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
Valid PUC certificate.
NOC from RTO
Required only if the vehicle is moving to a different state.
ID and address proofs
Buyer's Aadhaar + address proof in the new state if applicable.
Sale agreement
Notarised sale deed between buyer and seller.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Both parties register on Parivahan Vahan
Both buyer and seller create accounts on the Vahan portal of the state where the vehicle is registered.
vahan.parivahan.gov.in ↗ - 2
Seller files Form 29 within 14 days
The seller notifies the RTO of the sale by filing Form 29 within 14 days of handing over the vehicle.
- 3
Buyer and seller jointly file Form 30
Form 30 is the application to record the transfer in the RTO database. Both parties' details and signatures are needed.
- 4
Upload supporting documents
Upload scanned originals — RC, insurance, PUC, sale agreement, buyer's address proof.
- 5
Pay the transfer fee
Pay the RC transfer fee online via the Vahan portal.
- 6
Vehicle inspection (if required)
Some RTOs require a physical inspection of the chassis and engine numbers before processing the transfer. Carry the original documents.
- 7
Receive the new RC
Once processed, a new RC is generated in the buyer's name. The smart card is dispatched by post; the digital RC is available on DigiLocker.
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
parivahan.gov.in
Common mistakes
- Seller skipping Form 29 — if the seller doesn't notify the RTO, the vehicle remains in their name and they're legally liable for any future violations.
- Forgetting to update insurance to the new owner — drives by the new owner on the old owner's insurance may not be honoured.
- Buying a vehicle with an active hypothecation — clear the loan and file Form 35 (Termination of Hypothecation) first, otherwise the transfer is blocked.
- Inter-state transfer without obtaining the NOC from the original RTO — required to re-register in the new state.
Frequently asked questions
Within how many days must the RC be transferred after sale?▾
Form 29 must be filed by the seller within 14 days. Form 30 (the actual transfer) should follow within 30 days from the date of sale.
What if I'm moving the vehicle to a different state?▾
Get an NOC from the original RTO first, then apply for re-registration in the new state with a new RC number. Road tax in the new state may also apply.
Is RC transfer mandatory?▾
Yes. Driving a vehicle registered in someone else's name without transferring the RC is illegal under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Can I do the entire RC transfer online?▾
Most states support online RC transfer through Parivahan Vahan. Some still require a brief RTO visit for physical inspection or final issue of the smart card.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.