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      How to Transfer Old Car’s Registration Number to New Car?

      Are you emotionally attached to your car's number, or is it a VIP number that you don't want to lose? Well, you can retain it and use it on your new car. This guide explains the step-by-step process to transfer your old car's registration number to a new car, as well as the documents required for the same.

      Read more

      When Should You Retain the Vehicle Registration Number?

      Here are the situations when you may want to transfer your old car's number to a new one:

      1. Sentimental Value: Retaining a vehicle registration number that has been in the family for years or has a personal significance.
      2. VIP Numbers: Individuals who wish to keep unique vehicle numbers for easier recognition.
      3. Branding Purposes: Transferring a car registration number that aligns with a company's branding strategy.
      4. Numerological Beliefs: Those who believe that a specific car registration number is lucky and brings success & wealth.
      5. Avoiding the Update Hassle: Retaining a vehicle registration number also avoids hassles at parking lots, toll booths, and any memberships related to the car.

      Importance of Vehicle Registration Number

      Once you purchase a four-wheeler, car insurance is a must to keep it secure from financial losses that may arise due to road accidents and other unforeseen events. Moreover, every car in India must have a unique registration number as per the law. It acts as its identity and helps locate & trace its history, such as its ownership, number of accidents, and many other details.

      How to Transfer Old Car's Number to New One?

      Here is an online process to transfer old car's registration number to a new car:

      • Visit the official website of VAHAN
      • Select "Retention of Registration No." from the list of Vehicle Services
      • Login using User ID, password and Submit OTP
      • If you are not logged in, register via your mobile number on the portal
      • Go to the "Service Details" section and click the "Appointment" option to book your appointment at the state RTO. Select the desired date and available time slot.
      • Pay the required fees for the transfer of the old registration number
      • A slip will be generated by the system with your registration number on it
      • Complete the rest of the formalities. Then you will have to submit the slip to the car dealer from where you have purchased the new car
      • They will enter the registration number into their online system, and then the new car will be registered under the same number
      • The car/number owner has to go to the Motor License Officer's office
      • Then, on your visit to the office, they will receive the new number for the old vehicle.

      You May Also Red - Vintage Car Insurance

      Documents Required to Transfer Your Car Registration Number

      To transfer your car's registration number to a new car, the following documents will be required:

      • Vehicle Registration Certificates (RCs) for both new & old vehicles
      • A sales receipt for a brand-new car
      • New car insurance documents
      • ID & address proofs
      • Form 18- for reassigning or changing the vehicle registration

      Eligibility Criteria for Vehicle Registration Number Transfer

      You can transfer a car registration number to a new car only when you meet the following conditions:

      • The old car being sold/scrapped must be de-registered before the registration number is assigned to the new car
      • The new vehicle is registered under the same owner's name.
      • The vehicle number being transferred should not be blacklisted or have any legal disputes
      • You must initiate the process within the time frame at the same RTO or follow inter-RTO transfer norms (if applicable)

      Different Categories of Car Numbers

      The following are the different categories of vehicle registration numbers:

      • Normal Series: Usual car registration numbers provided by RTO, e.g., DL-01-AB-1234 in sequence state code & RTO code.
      • Fancy/VIP Numbers: Special numbers that are easy to recognise, such as 0786, 0007 or 0001, sold at auction on demand for their uniqueness.
      • Shubh/Astro Numbers: These are the numbers believed to be lucky as per astrology or some form of numerology.
      • Choice Numbers: High-demand numbers that have a special significance about the person or a pattern (1234 or date of birth), but not VIP.

      Here's an example;

      For a registered number 0001, you might have to spend around Rs. 50,000, or you can pay 10% of the minimum reserve price when it goes for auction. Whereas for the registration numbers 0002 to 0009, you will have to pay around Rs. 30,000 or 10% of the minimum auction price, that is Rs. 3. Lakh. However, you will have to pay around Rs. 25,000 for the other number plates you desire.

      Wrapping Up!

      With time, every car gets old.ne day you have to sell it and purchase a new car. But, if you want to retain your old car's registration number and use it on the new one, the process stated above can help. Also, don't forget to buy the right car insurance policy for your new car. Simply visit Policybazaar.com, compare different four-wheeler insurance quotes and choose the coverage that best matched your requirements & budget.

      FAQs

      • Q1. Can I retain my old car number if the new car is registered in a different state?

        Ans: Yes. However, you must abide by the inter-state transfer protocols and get an NOC (no-objection certificate) from the previous RTO.
      • Q2. Is there a deadline to apply for vehicle number retention?

        Ans: Indeed. The deadline to apply for the car registration number transfer is usually within 30 days of scrapping/selling the old car, which varies by the RTO of the respective state.
      • Q3. Can I temporarily use the old vehicle registration number on my new car?

        Ans: No. The vehicle registration number must be assigned officially by the respective RTO to the new car before you can use it.
      • Q4. What happens if I don't assign the car number within the specified time?

        Ans: If you don't assign the car number within the deadline, the vehicle registration number gets released and becomes available for auction after the expiry of the retention validity.
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      Disclaimer: The list mentioned is according to the alphabetical order of the insurance companies. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website www.irdai.gov.in
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