Registration Certificate (RC): Check Vehicle Registration and Owner Information Online

Getting a car or bike legally registered is one of the few essential steps in purchasing and operating a car or a bike. You must have your vehicle's Registration Certificate (RC) in order to accomplish this. All vehicle owners are required to have an RC against their vehicle in order to use it, according to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. An official document known as an RC is submitted as evidence that your vehicle is registered with the Indian government.

Two-wheelers are helpful in conjunction with huge traffic in metropolises, where they can serve as a great help in maneuvering through the traffic smoothly. Moreover, with the rapid enhancement of road infrastructure and urbanisation, the demand for two-wheelers has increased so much that it is easy to spot a bike at any corner. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that buying a bike can be tiring as there are certain things that need to be taken into consideration even after that. One such thing that needs to be taken care of as soon as you have purchased a bike is to get your bike registered and acquire the registration certificate or what is popularly known as RC.

What Is A Registration Certificate?

A vehicle registration certificate or RC is a very crucial document for all bike owners and is issued by the government of India. This is because it is the vehicle registration certificate that validates that your vehicle has now officially been registered at the regional transport office or the RTO. Owing to its importance, the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 has made it a mandatory requirement to have an RC document. It is also mandatory for you to have RC with you at all times when riding your bike on Indian roads.

RC contains some of the most important details about your bike such as the following:

• Registration date and number
• Engine number
• Chassis number
• Model of the bike
• Type and color of the bike
• Fuel type
• The manufacturing date of the bike

Now, let us also understand how to check the RC certificate online, but first, let’s also read how to get RC.

Importance of Registration Certificate

You must carry your RC when riding the bike, similar to bike insurance online coverage. Read the following things to learn how crucial your bike's RC is.

• To legally ride your two-wheeler on public highways in India, you must have an RC. 
• If you fail to carry your RC while riding your bike, you will be fined. If this is your first infraction, the fine for not possessing an RC is Rs 5,000. For consecutive crimes, you face a fine of up to Rs 10,000.
• In rare situations, the traffic police may confiscate your vehicle if you do not have an RC. 
• In addition, you must have the RC of your bike in order to obtain bike insurance online coverage. 
• To get good insurance coverage for your bike, you can search for two-wheeler insurance firms online. Furthermore, you may use a bike insurance premium calculator to calculate the premium amount before purchasing the coverage.

How to Get Registration Certificate for Your Bike

You must be wondering if getting an RC is a tiring task. For getting an RC, you just need to follow the below-mentioned steps to get an RC for your bike:

1. Along with your bike, visit the nearest Regional Transport Office or RTO.

2. At the RTO, your vehicle will be inspected by the concerned official. 

3. After your vehicle has been successfully inspected, then just fill the form 20 for getting RC.

4. Then, the concerned officer will also note down the vehicle chassis number which is unique for each vehicle. 

5. Next, you need to submit all the required documents such as the following:

• Invoice of the vehicle
• Your valid ID proof such as an Aadhar card and PAN card
• Bike insurance copy
• Temporary registration in case issued by the dealer
• Form 20, 21 and 22

6. Finally, pay the RC cost. Within the stipulated time, you will get the RC for your bike.

Alternatively, you can also ask your dealer to provide you with RC. Please note that only if dealers have a trade certificate from the respective RTO can they get the RC issued. In case you get RC from the dealer, then just submit the documents to the respective dealer and get your bike RC without any difficulty.

How to check RC data or Vehicle registration information online: Step-by-step directions

Online RC check is quite simple. The Vahan e-service site was developed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to act as a consolidated national registration for all registered automobiles in the nation. Customers may learn more about car details using this online portal or check RC check online. You must take the following actions in order to learn more about the car and find RC Details and obtain the vehicle RC owner details:

Step 1: Go to https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan to the Parivahan Sewa Portal.

Step 2: Select the 'Online Service' area.

Step 3: Choose the 'Vehicle-Related Services' menu item.

Step 4: Choose the state from the drop-down menu from whence the registration certificate was submitted.

Step 5: Type in the registration number of your car.

Step 6: From the drop-down option, choose "State RTO."

Step 7: Click on the 'Know Your Application Status' link under the 'Status' option in the menu at the top of the page.

Step 8: Enter the captcha code and your application number, then click "Submit."

Step 9: The 'View Report' option should be chosen in this step.

You may examine the car or bike RC details, the vehicle RC status, and the vehicle RC owner details after entering the necessary information. You can also check online rc check by vehicle number, and in this way, you can check the RC status of the bike.

How To Check Registration Certificate Status Of Bike Online?

According to the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, the official documents of the vehicle, known as the RC(Registration Certificate), need to be submitted. It is the main evidence that your car is registered with the Indian government. Using the RC numbers, it is very easy to check the registration certificate status online whenever you need to. 

So, let's see the process to check the registration certificate status of the bike online- 

• First, you must create an account at the Parivahan Sewa Portal at https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/.

• Once you log in, click the online services options and select "Vehicle-Related Services."

• On the new page, choose the state where your bike is registered.

• Clear your bike's registration number on the next page and select the state RTO from the drop-down menu.

• Then select the status option and click "Know Your Application Status."

• Now, you can enter your application number and the captcha code.

• Click "Submit" and select the "View Report" option to see your bike's RC status and details.

Tips to Perform an RC Online Check

As the RC acts as prominent proof of a vehicle’s legal standing and rightful owner, knowing the proper process of checking RC is crucial. Let’s discuss the tips to check an RC online-

Use Official Government Portal:

Check via the official transport department's website because different regions offer official RTO websites.

Also, check via the Parivahan Sewa Portal. It provides a centralised database for all registered vehicles. 

Mobile applications:

Some official RTO mobile applications also allow you to check your registration status. Some third-party apps also allow you to check RC status. 

Keep all the necessary information handy:

You should keep information like VIN or Chassis number handy to know the RC status. 

Check the details:

Understand all the details of Owner, Vehicle, and Insurance to check RC status properly. 

Internet Connectivity:

An internet connection is crucial while checking the RC status online. So, check the internet connectivity or Wi-Fi connections properly. 

Submit Your Query:

Click the "Submit" or "Search Vehicle" button for your RC details. To avoid errors, always check that your entered information is accurate.

Check Regularly:  If you are waiting for a transfer or renewal, check the status periodically to stay updated.

How do you use SMS on your phone to verify vehicle registration information? 

Vahan e-services were developed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to check vehicle registration information quickly. It can provide all the necessary details online via sms. You can access all the vehicle and owner details just by entering the  RC number. So, let’s check the steps for using SMS on your phone to verify vehicle registration information.

Step 1 - Write an SMS by creating a new message.

Step 2 - Type VAHAN <space> <vehicle registration number>. For example, if your vehicle registration number is ABC1234, the message should read: VAHAN ABC1234.

Step 3 - Send this message to the number 7738299899.

Step 4 - Now, you will get vehicle registration details on your mobile.

How To Check Bike Owner Details Online?

Steps to check bike owner details online using registration number are given below:

Step 1- Visit the VAHAN Official website.

Step 2- Select "Know Your Vehicle Details" at the top of the homepage.

Step 3- Enter your bike's registration number.

Step 5- Enter the captcha code for security purposes.

Step 6- Click on the "Search Vehicle" button to get the details.

Step 7- You will get comprehensive information about the bike registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

What Are The Common Vehicle & Owner Details You Can Get Online?

Vehicle and owner details are vital in some cases, such as accidents, purchasing second-hand vehicles, breaking traffic rules, etc. You can access the details of the car and owner online through a Parivahan website called ‘Vahan.’ It helps to know the vehicle's details and owner just with the vehicle plate number. There is some information that you can access online; let's check- 

• Owner Information
  • Partial name of the vehicle owner.

• Vehicle Specifications
  • Vehicle type (e.g., car, bike).
  • Make and model of the vehicle.
  • Engine number and chassis number.
  • Emission norm and fuel type.
• Registration Details
  • Vehicle registration number.
  • Vehicle registration date.
  • Date of registration.
  • Status and validity of registration.
• Insurance Information
  • Validity of the vehicle insurance policy.
  • Policy expiry date.
• Fitness and Emission Certificates
  • Validity of the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
  • Status of the vehicle fitness certificate.
• Tax Information
  • Validity of road tax or Motor Vehicle (MV) tax.
  • Hypothecation Status (whether the vehicle is financed or not).
  • Whether the vehicle is financed or under a loan agreement.

How Do You Apply Duplicate RC for a Vehicle?

If your RC is lost, you can apply for a duplicate RC both online and offline. Let's check the process of applying for a duplicate RC for the vehicle.

Online process

Parivahan Sewa Website

• Visit the Parivahan Sewa Website, click "Online Services, " then choose "Vehicle-Related Services." 
• Select your state and the RTO office.
• Enter your vehicle details and click "Proceed. 
• Select the "Duplicate Registration Certificate." put the last five digits of your vehicle's chassis number and click "Submit."

Filling form 26 

• Police complaint (FIR) if the RC is lost or stolen
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
• Valid insurance certificate
• Proof of identity and address (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
• Affidavit stating the original RC is lost
• Pay the applicable fee. After payment, print the acknowledgment slip and application form.
• Visit your nearest RTO with the printed acknowledgment and all required documents for verification.
• After processing your RTO, we will issue your duplicate RC within 15-30 days.

Offline Application Process

If your RC is lost or stolen, file an FIR at your local police station and obtain a copy.

• Visit the RTO office where your original RC was issued.
• Collect form 26A and complete it by attaching all necessary documents (including the FIR copy, insurance certificate, PUC certificate, and proof of identity).
• Apply along with the required fee.
• The RTO will provide a date for vehicle verification, and after verification, you will receive your duplicate RC.

Information Mentioned in the RC of The Vehicle

There is a lot of information mentioned about the Vehicle in RC, including-

Vehicle Details

• Registration Number assigned to the vehicle by the RTO.
• The chassis Number that identifies the vehicle's frame.
• The vehicle's engine number.
• The manufacturer and model name of the vehicle.
• The type of fuel used by the vehicle (petrol, diesel, CNG, etc.)
• The date when the vehicle was manufactured.
• The name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle.
• The date when the vehicle was registered and the validity period.
• The type of the vehicle (two-wheeler, three-wheeler, light motor vehicle, etc.
• The vehicle's insurance policy number and expiry date.

Conclusion

RC is essential, and knowing how to check it helps a lot in many emergencies. In this blog, we tried to simplify all the processes critical to checking the RC easily and quickly online for your help. If you still have any queries, please contact us. 

FAQs

Q. What is a Registration Certificate (RC)?

A Registration Certificate is legal proof of a vehicle’s registration with India's Regional Transport Office (RTO). It provides all the essential details about the car and its owner.

Q. How can I check the details of my vehicle’s RC online?

You can check the details of your vehicle’s RC online through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) official website or the Parivahan Sewa portal. Just enter your vehicle’s registration number.

Q. What should I do if there is an error in the information on my RC?

If your RC contains an error, contact the local RTO. They might ask you to provide supporting documents to verify the correct information.

Q. Is it mandatory to carry the original RC while driving?

While driving, you can carry the original RC in several formats, such as a photocopy and a digital copy that can be accessed through the government-approved mParivahan app.

Q. Can I use my vehicle’s RC to check its insurance status?

Yes, the RC provides all the vehicle’s insurance policy information. You can check the insurer's date, validity, exparity date, etc.

Q. How can I get a duplicate RC if I lose the original one?

If you lose the original RC, you should file a police report and apply for a duplicate RC. You need to submit a copy of the FIR along with the application.

Q. How does the vehicle identification number (VIN) differ from the registration number?

The VIN is a unique identifier number assigned to the vehicle during manufacturing. The registration number is assigned by the RTO during registration.

Q. What does ‘hypothecation’ mean on the RC?

The hypothecation on the RC indicates that the vehicle was taken through a loan. It covers all the financier’s details in the RC.

Q. Can I drive my vehicle without a valid RC?

No, driving without a valid RC is illegal in India. You couldn’t drive without a valid RC.

Q. How often do I need to renew my vehicle’s RC?

You can renew your private vehicle’s RC every five years. However, the validity and renewal rules may vary for transport vehicles. 

Q.  What is a Registration Certificate (RC)?

A Registration Certificate is a legal document that serves as proof of a vehicle’s registration with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India. It contains essential details about the vehicle and its owner.

Q.  How can I check the details of my vehicle’s RC online?

You can check the details of your vehicle’s RC online through the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) or the Parivahan Sewa portal by entering your vehicle’s registration number.

Q. What should I do if there is an error in the information on my RC?

If there is any incorrect information on your RC, you should contact the local RTO and apply for the correction. You might need to submit supporting documents to verify the correct information.

Q. Is it mandatory to carry the original RC while driving?

While it is mandatory to carry an RC while driving, you can carry its original, a photocopy, or a digital copy accessed through the government-approved mParivahan app.

Q. Can I use my vehicle’s RC to check its insurance status?

Yes, the RC contains information about the vehicle’s insurance policy, including the policy number and the name of the insurer.

Q. How can I get a duplicate RC if I lose the original one?

If you lose the original RC, you should file a police report and then apply for a duplicate RC at the local RTO. You would need to submit a copy of the FIR along with the application.

Q. How is the vehicle identification number (VIN) different from the registration number?

The VIN, or chassis number, is a unique identifier assigned to the vehicle during manufacturing, while the registration number is assigned by the RTO when the vehicle is registered.

Q. What does ‘hypothecation’ mean on the RC?

Hypothecation on the RC means that the vehicle is financed through a loan. The financier’s details will be mentioned under hypothecation in the RC.

Q. Can I drive my vehicle without a valid RC?

No, driving without a valid RC is illegal in India. You could be fined or face other legal penalties for driving without a valid RC.

Q. How often do I need to renew my vehicle’s RC?

For private vehicles, the RC is valid for 15 years from the date of registration and can be renewed every 5 years thereafter. For transport vehicles, the validity and renewal rules may vary.

Q. What is the full form of RTO?

Ans. The full form of RTO is the Regional Transport Office or Road Transport Office. It is an Indian Government organisation that keeps an automobile data system and driver database for various Indian states. It provides driving licences and vehicle registration documents in different states.

Q. Can I download my RC online?

Ans. You can download your RC copy online from the DigiLocker website. You must log in with your Aadhar number and vehicle registration details.

Q. What is the red number plate in India?

Ans. Red number plates are generally issued for brand-new vehicles. These are just temporary registration numbers that display temporary registration numbers in white, valid for 30 days.

Q. What to do if the original RC is lost?

Ans. If your original RC gets lost, you can Apply for a Duplicate RC Offline

• Step 1: First, file a police complaint (FIR)
• Step 2: Collect all the required documents.
• Step 3: Then, reach the regional transport office (RTO)
• Step 4: Complete the required application form.
• Step 5: Pay the fees for the application.
• Step 6: The next process of submission and verification of documents will start.
• Step 7: After all the process, collect your duplicate RC.

Q. Is online RC enough?

Ans. Yes, online RC is enough. Under the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, you can easily carry your driving licence and RC digitally on m-paravian or DigiLocker. 

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.