All About Vintage Car Registration Process
No car can beat the beauty of a classic vintage car cruising on the streets.Read more
What is a Vintage Car in India?
Any four-wheeler is categorized as a vintage vehicle if it is at least 50 years old, well maintained in its original form and has not undergone any modifications. To regulate such vehicles, the government has introduced specific rules covering registration, identification, usage, and registration fees.
Key Aspects of Vintage Car Registration in India
To help vehicle owners clearly understand how the vintage vehicle registration system works, you must keep in mind the following key aspects in mind:
- Eligibility: Vehicles must be older than 50 years or more in their original condition without any substantial structural or mechanical modifications to be classified as a vintage vehicle.
- Application Process: You must register your vintage car by filling Form 20. You must also submit a valid vintage car insurance, prescribed fee, vehicle registration certificate, and other required documents to register/re-register your vehicle. The State Registering Authority issues a certificate of registration as per Form 23A, within 60 days of your application.
- Number Plate: As per the MoRTH, the vintage cars will have a "VA" number plate format to differentiate them from all other number plates in India.
- Restricted Usage: Vintage cars are restricted for commercial or regular commuting purposes. However, it can be used to run on the Indian roads for technical research, taking part in an exhibition, car rally or for display.
- Buying and Selling Regulations: According to the law, the buyer and seller of a vintage car need to inform their respective state transportation authorities within 90 days from the date of purchase or sale respectively.
- Fees: The fee for a new registration of a vintage vehicle is ₹20,000 and for a subsequent re-registration is ₹5,000.
How to Register a Vintage Car?
Here are the steps to register a vintage car in India:
- Step 1: If your vehicle meets the set eligibility criteria, fill Form 20
- Step 2: Gather all the required documents, such as the car insurance, old RC (if applicable), etc.
- Step 3: Submit the application and prescribed fee at the State Registering Authority/RTO.
- Step 4: Once verified, the authority issues the Certificate of Registration (Form 23A) and assigns the VA series number.
Documents Required for Vintage Car Registration
You must submit the following documents for a vintage car registration in India:
- Identity proof such as Aadhar card, PAN card, etc
- Address proof, such as a utility bill, Aadhar card, etc
- Original vehicle RC to verify the age of the vehicle
- Affidavit declaring the vehicle's originality and non-commercial use
- Coloured photos showing vehicle's front, rear, and sides
- Roadworthiness certificate (if applicable)
- Car insurance policy
Vintage Car Registration Plate
As per the law, vintage vehicles will be allotted special number plates starting with the letters "VA" to differentiate them from regular cars. It will follow the format of 'XX VA YY ****', where XX stands for the state code, VA refers to vintage vehicles, and YY is the two-letter series that will be followed by a four-digit number (****) lying between 0001-9999. This number will be allotted by the respective state registering authority.
As a vintage car owner, you must have the original documents of your earlier registration number. You can retrieve the information regarding the new registration from the Parivahan Sewa portal. Vintage vehicles are exempt from the HSRP number plates.
Criteria for Disqualification of Vintage Cars
According to the Motor Laws, the age of a vehicle is not the sole factor for acquiring a new registration certificate for your vintage car. Your car should be in its original form and free from any modifications in its chassis, engine, and body shell. Therefore, a vintage car should be well-maintained.
To keep an eye on the registration formalities, the Vintage Motor Vehicles State or Union Territory Committee has been appointed. They will handle the registration process and disqualify any car that does not meet the criteria.
Final Thoughts
Vintage car owners can now register their cars with the amended Motor Vehicles Act. However, these cars cannot be used for regular or commercial purposes. Moreover, to comply with the Motor Vehicles Act, you must have a new registration certificate, a valid vintage car insurance policy, and a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
