In India, a Registration Certificate (RC) is a crucial document for any vehicle, serving as proof of its registration with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). In the event that the original RC is misplaced, stolen, or damaged, vehicle owners can apply for a duplicate rather than going through the process of re-registering the vehicle. This process can begin online via the Parivahan Sewa portal, although some steps may require physical document submission or a visit to the local RTO for verification, depending on the state.
When is a Duplicate RC Necessary?
Owners may need to apply for a duplicate RC if the original is lost, stolen, or damaged to the extent that it is unreadable. The duplicate serves as a replacement and does not alter the vehicle’s registration number. In cases of damage, the original RC should be ready to hand over if requested by the RTO. If the document is lost or stolen, a police report should be filed and retained for the application process. It’s important to note that a duplicate RC is distinct from an RC renewal, which is necessary when the registration period expires.
Documents Required for a Duplicate RC
The primary document needed is Form 26, which serves as the application for a duplicate RC. Depending on the specific circumstances and the requirements of the RTO, additional documents may include:
- Police report or FIR, if the RC is lost or stolen.
- Valid motor insurance certificate.
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
- Identity and address proof, such as an Aadhaar card or PAN card.
- Affidavit or declaration, if required by the RTO.
- A pencil imprint of the chassis number.
- Financier’s No Objection Certificate (NOC), if the vehicle is under a loan or has a hypothecation entry.
It is advisable to check the specific list of required documents with the relevant RTO as requirements can vary by state and vehicle category.
Steps to Apply for a Duplicate RC Online
To initiate the process online, vehicle owners can use the Parivahan Sewa portal. The steps may slightly differ based on state regulations and the services available for the vehicle.
Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal at parivahan.gov.in and navigate to the vehicle-related services section. Select the state where the vehicle is registered.
Step 2: Enter the vehicle details by accessing the relevant vehicle services page. Input the vehicle’s registration number, and the portal may request the last five digits of the chassis number and OTP verification.
Step 3: Choose the ‘Duplicate RC’ service from the available options.
Step 4: Fill in the application form, ensuring all vehicle and owner information is accurate. Provide the reason for requesting a duplicate where prompted.
Step 5: Upload the required documents if the portal allows. Prepare the police report or FIR for a lost or stolen RC, as well as insurance and PUC certificates and any other required documents.
Step 6: Pay the applicable fee as displayed on the portal, and keep the receipt and application number for future reference.
Step 7: Complete verification if required. Some states may necessitate physical document submission or an appointment for verification after the online application.
Step 8: Track the application status using the application number on Parivahan to monitor progress. Once approved, the duplicate RC is processed according to the specified procedure.
Offline Application for a Duplicate RC
Owners can also apply for a duplicate RC directly at the RTO where the vehicle is registered. This involves submitting Form 26 along with the necessary documents, paying the fee, and obtaining an acknowledgment receipt. Additional documents or verification may be required depending on the vehicle and the reason for the application.
Costs and Processing Time
The fee for obtaining a duplicate RC varies depending on the vehicle category and any additional services, such as smart card issuance. The exact amount is displayed during the application process on the Parivahan portal. Applicants should verify any extra charges with the RTO before making a payment.
The time taken to process a duplicate RC depends on various factors, including the RTO’s procedures and whether physical verification is needed. Applicants can track their request online and should follow up with the RTO if there are any delays.
Driving Without a Physical RC
If the physical RC is lost, a virtual version available through DigiLocker or the mParivahan app is recognized as valid under current government rules. However, owners are still advised to apply for a duplicate RC if the original document is lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged. A police report or application acknowledgment does not substitute for an RC.
What to Do if the Original RC is Found
If the original RC is recovered after a duplicate has been issued, it should be surrendered to the registering authority. The duplicate RC supersedes the original, maintaining the same registration number for the vehicle.
Source: Autocar India
