How to Get a Duplicate RC Online & Offline?

What is a Duplicate RC?

A duplicate Registration Certificate (RC) is an official copy of your vehicle's original RC, issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It serves as legal proof of vehicle ownership. It contains crucial information about the vehicle, such as its registration number, chassis and engine numbers, as well as the name and address of the owner.

Driving without a valid RC can result in fines and legal complications. If your original RC is lost, damaged, or worn out, you must apply for a duplicate RC book or do a RC card download to continue riding legally.

When & Why Would You Require a Duplicate RC?

Here are a few reasons why you will need to download duplicate RC or apply for one in the following cases:

• Lost or Stolen RC (and potentially bike): If your bike RC or RC book is lost or stolen, you will need a duplicate RC book to prove ownership. In the worst scenario, if your bike was also stolen (a common scenario when an RC goes missing), you will need both the duplicate RC and your bike insurance policy to file a claim. The RC proves you owned the bike, and your bike insurance policy confirms it was insured.
  Without both, your claim could be denied. Filing an FIR with the police is the first step in both getting a duplicate RC and filing a bike insurance claim in India. However, ensure you have a comprehensive bike insurance policy as it covers loss due to theft to your insured motorcycle.
• Damaged or Mutilated RC: A torn or faded RC card is practically invalid. You need a legible RC for any official purpose. While this situation might not directly involve your insurance, having a valid RC is essential for any RTO-related work, including some insurance-related processes.
• Destroyed RC: Similar to a damaged RC, a destroyed one needs to be replaced. Again, while not directly tied to a claim, a valid RC is a basic requirement for legally owning and operating a vehicle, which is the foundation of your insurance coverage.
• Change in Personal Details: If you change your address, you will need to obtain a new RC book online or a duplicate RC that reflects the updated information. While this might not directly impact your existing two-wheeler insurance policy, it's crucial for any future interactions with your insurer. For example, if you need to make a claim, the address on your RC should match the address on your policy. Hence, you must submit a bike insurance endorsement request to update your personal details with your insurance provider.
• Transfer of Ownership: When selling your bike, you will need to transfer the RC to the new owner. This process usually involves issuing a new RC, which in a sense is a "duplicate" reflecting the new ownership. The RC transfer of the bike is a critical step in this process.

What is the Process for Duplicate RC Download?

There is an online procedure for duplicate RC download. Follow the steps below for duplicate RC download:

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal.
• Step 2: Select "Online Services" and then "Vehicle Related Services."
• Step 3: Choose your state and RTO.
• Step 4: Click on "Apply for Duplicate RC".
• Step 5: Enter your vehicle registration number/bike number and chassis number (last 5 digits).
• Step 6: Complete the application form and provide the required details, including the reason for the duplicate RC (e.g., lost, stolen, damaged).
• Step 7: Upload required documents, including:
• FIR copy (if lost/stolen)
• Valid two wheeler insurance policy documents
• PUC certificate
• Address proof, etc.
• Step 8: Pay the applicable fee online, and the amount depends on your vehicle category.
• Step 9: Print the acknowledgement/receipt and submit the application to RTO (if required). Some RTOs require physical document verification (especially in the case of FIRs).
• Step 10: Track application status online. Once it is approved, the duplicate RC card will either be sent to your registered postal address or will be available for digital downloads via DigiLocker or the mParivahan app (depending upon the state).

Documents Required for Duplicate Bike RC Download

You must submit the following documents and the application form to the RTO office:

• Application form no 26. (From the financier of hypothecated, a copy attested to the endorsement and in duplicate)
• Get the original FIR copy. Once you register an FIR at the police station, if your vehicle is stolen or lost

• Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC) attested copy.
• Valid two wheeler Insurance certificate attested copy*.
• Address proof
• Challan clearance from the traffic police*
• PAN card attested copy or form 60 & 61*
• Chassis & Engine pencil print*
• Identification of the signature of the owner*
• An affidavit that states you lost the RC, and it has not been recovered

*Note: All the document copies must be attested by Nigam Parshad/MLA/Public 

Notary/Gazetted officer, and the documents marked with * might be required in some states.

How to Apply for a Duplicate RC Offline?

If you prefer the offline method to get your duplicate RC book, follow these steps:

• Step 1: The first and foremost thing to do is to file an FIR at the local police station. Mention everything about the vehicle, like owner details, chassis number, engine number, and registration number.
• Step 2: Visit the RTO office where the vehicle was initially registered.
• Step 3: Issue the RC extract. An RC-Extract is the owner's information about the registered vehicle and driving license.
• Step 4: Fill in the application form for a duplicate RC.
• Step 5: Do this along with Form 26.
• Step 6: Get your vehicle financier to attest that the two-wheeler was on loan.
• Step 7: Choose the type of vehicle. Then, submit the form to the RTO office and take the receipt.

Documents Required for Duplicate RC Offline

You would require the following documents when applying for a duplicate RC offline:

• Tax token along with tax payment details for the last year
• Motor insurance documents
• NOC from the financier
• Valid PUC certificate

Fee for Getting a Duplicate RC

Here is a table highlighting the fee structure to get a duplicate RC:

*Disclaimer: The fees mentioned above are per the Motor Vehicle Act, rule no. 53(2) and might vary from vehicle to vehicle.

How to Check the Status of Duplicate RC?

To check the status of your duplicate RC fees for 2-wheelers, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Visit the official Parivahan (Vahan) website.
• Step 2: Navigate to 'RCDL' to check the status.
• Step 3: Enter your bike's registration number and get the current RC download status.

Is There a Processing Time for Duplicate RCs?

Yes, getting a duplicate RC takes 15-30 days from the date of application submission. However, the duplicate RC download system will be available once the application is processed. Many RTOs offer an online platform to track the status of your application. You will typically receive an application number or an acknowledgement receipt that you can use for tracking purposes.

In case you haven't received your duplicate RC within the estimated timeframe, you can contact the RTO to inquire about the status of your application.

In addition to applying for a duplicate RC online and offline, many people think it is the same as renewing the RC. Let us understand the difference between these two.

Difference Between RC Renewal and Getting a Duplicate RC

Steps to Follow for RC Renewal or Vehicle Re-registration

If the vehicle is over 15 years old, the vehicle's registration expires. So here are the steps that you can follow to renew it or re-register it:

• Step 1: Along with Form 25, submit the application form to the RTO office.
• Step 2: An RTO inspector will inspect your vehicle to assess the condition of the engine.
• Step 3: Pay the fee at the RTO office.
• Step 4: A new registration certificate will be issued to you after your documents have been verified.

How to Convert an RC Book to an RC Smart Card?

There was a time when the RTO office provided the RC book, a hard copy of the Registration certificate, to the vehicle owners. In this case, there is a risk that the text will become worn away or the RC book will be torn apart. Keeping these hassles in mind, the RTO introduced an RC smart card option for vehicle owners, which resolves this problem.

Therefore, the old paper RC book has been replaced by a smart card RC. Here's how to get it:

• Step 1: Contact Your RTO First: Visit your local RTO in person or check their official website for the specific requirements, application forms, and fees for converting your RC book to a smart card in your area.
• Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Documents: Gather all the required documents. Generally, it includes the following documents:
  • Original RC Book
  • Application Form (obtain this from the RTO or their website)
  • Proof of Identity (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
  • Proof of Address (Utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
  • Valid Bike Insurance Certificate
  • Valid PUC Certificate
  • Chassis Number Imprint (The RTO will specify how to obtain this)
  • Photographs (Passport size)
  • Fee Payment (The RTO will specify the amount and payment method)
• Step 3: Submit Your Application at the RTO: Visit the RTO in person. Submit the completed application form, along with all required documents and the fee payment, at the designated counter. Obtain an acknowledgement receipt. This is essential for tracking your application.
• Step 4: Verification and Processing: The RTO will then verify your documents and process your application. This might involve a physical inspection of your vehicle.
• Step 5: Receive Your RC Smart Card: Once processing is complete, your RC smart card will be sent to your registered address. Alternatively, you may be required to collect it from the RTO. The RTO will inform you of the collection process.

Documents Required to Convert RC Book to RC Smart Card

You will need to submit the following documents and a fee of approximately ₹300. The supporting documents required are as follows:

• Original RC
• ID Proof
• Proof of Address
• Valid two wheeler insurance policy
• PUC copy
• Chassis imprint
• Application for smart card issuance

FAQs- How to Get a Duplicate RC Online & Offline?