How to Transfer Car Ownership Online?

To transfer car ownership in India, you need to notify the respective Regional Transport Office (RTO). While most of the process is completed online, you'll usually need to make a final visit to the RTO for document verification. Let's explore the online car ownership transfer process so you can easily transfer your car to a new owner or a different state.Read more

Step-by-Step Process for Car Ownership Transfer Online

You can easily apply for your car ownership transfer online on the government's Parivahan Sewa portal by following these steps:

1. On the official Parivahan Sewa website, select Online Services → Vehicle-Related Services.
2. Choose your state and RTO, and proceed.
3. Now, select 'Transfer of Ownership', provide your vehicle registration number and chassis number, and verify using the OTP.
4. Fill the Form 29 (Notice of Transfer) and provide the buyer's details in Form 30 (Application for Transfer), including current & permanent addresses.
5. You need to clear any pending challans before the Regional Transport Office (RTO) can approve your vehicle ownership transfer (RC transfer). It makes sure that the new owner is not liable to pay for any past violations by you.
6. Proceed to pay the vehicle ownership transfer fees online.
7. Now, you can digitally sign the forms via Aadhar eSign. (some RTOs may also require buyer's signature)
8. Upload the signed forms, required documents, and valid ID proofs.
9. Take a printout of the payment receipt and application acknowledgement.
10. Once approved, the new Registration Certificate (RC) in the buyer's name will be sent to the registered address.

*Note: Some state RTOs may ask you to make a physical visit to verify the original documents if digital copies or signatures aren't accepted.

Documents Required to Transfer Ownership of Car

Keep the following documents handy to ensure a smooth vehicle ownership transfer:

• Form 28: It is the application and grant of a No Objection Certificate from the RTO. This form is mandatory when there is an interstate transfer of vehicle ownership.
• Form 29: This form is to notify the RTO of the transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle in case of a normal sale
• Form 30: It is the application for intimation and transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle.
• Form 31: This form is an application for transfer of ownership in the name of the nominee or person succeeding to the possession of the car
• Form 32: Application for ownership transfer when the car is purchased or acquired in a public auction
• PAN Card: PAN cards of both buyer and seller are mandatory in case of car ownership transfer. In case PAN is not available, Form 60 or 61 is required.
• Registration Certificate: The original R.C. of the vehicle is also required in all these scenarios.
• PUC Certificate: The Pollution Under Control certificate is also required to transfer the ownership of the vehicle in these scenarios.
• Address Proof: For vehicle ownership transfer, you will also require proof of residence which can be in the form of an electricity bill, ration card or other utility bills.
• Car Insurance Certificate: A valid car insurance certificate is also mandatory to transfer the ownership of a car in all the above-mentioned scenarios
• Death Certificate: When the transfer happens due to the death of the car owner, a death certificate in relation to the registered owner is also required
• Form 35: This form is required for the termination of hypothecation during ownership transfer of the vehicle if it was purchased under hypothecation.
• Police NOC or NCRB Clearance: Some state RTOs may also require an NOC (No Objection Certificate) or clearance from NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) for vehicle ownership transfer.

Documents like Chassis & Engine pencil print, Proof of succession, and Buyer's undertaking may also be required in certain states.

You May Also Read: Check Car Insurance Status Online

Why is Vehicle Ownership Transfer Important?

Transferring vehicle ownership provides a safety net for both the buyer and the seller. Here's why you should do it:

1. Adherence to Motor Laws

   According to Indian motor laws, the car's RC indicates the current owner of the vehicle. If the RC details mismatch the person driving the car, it is assumed that the car is being used illegally, which can result in fines or, in severe instances, seizure of the vehicle.

2. Seller's Legal Protection

   After selling your car, your vehicle RC will show you as the owner until the ownership is transferred. As a result, you will be held legally responsible if the new owner gets a traffic challan, commits a crime using the car, or is involved in an accident.

3. Buyer's Rights

   The buyer's name on the registration certificate confirms that they are the legal owner of the car. Having the old owner's name can create legal issues, especially when renewing car insurance or paying road taxes.

4. Car Insurance and Claims

   Vehicle ownership transfer is mandatory for transferring the car insurance policy. By skipping this, the buyer cannot make claims in case of an accident or renew their insurance coverage.

5. Avoid Financial Conflicts

   A proper vehicle ownership transfer means that the new buyer is not liable for any pending loans, fines, or challans on the vehicle. In this way, it protects the seller from being held responsible for clearing any outstanding dues after selling the car.

Car Ownership Transfer: Important Timelines & Penalties

For a hassle-free vehicle ownership transfer, keep in mind these crucial points:

• Deadline: You need to notify the RTO about the transfer of car ownership within 14 days of the sale.
• Late Fees: If you delay the ownership transfer beyond 30 days, there's a fine of Rs. 500 per month.
• Processing Time: A new vehicle RC is typically issued within 15 to 30 days after successful verification of documents.

Reasons for Car Ownership Transfer

The ownership of a four-wheeler is transferred in three major scenarios. These include

• Death of the Car Owner: As per the motor laws, a car's ownership has to be transferred to the legal inheritor in case the owner of the vehicle dies.
• Normal Sale of the Car: In situations, when the vehicle is sold to a new buyer, the transfer will happen between the seller and buyer. The transfer can be within the state or interstate.
• Public Auction of the Car: A car's ownership should also be transferred in case the vehicle is sold in a Government sponsored public auction.

Consequences of Not Transferring Car Ownership

Transferring ownership of a car is a mandatory process as per the motor laws of India. If you do not transfer the ownership in the name of the new owner, any traffic rule violations made by the buyer will be subjected to your name.

Moreover, any legal proceedings or fines will be imposed on you and you will have to pay it from your pocket even if you are not the car owner anymore.

Wrapping Up!

Transferring car ownership is an essential step if you are selling your vehicle to someone. This process can be done offline and online as well. However, the online process is more suitable and convenient. Moreover, you can also keep a track of your application status when done online.