New Bike Registration Through RTO & VAHAN Portal

New Bike Registration Through RTO & Vahan Portal

The first step after buying a new bike is to register it with the nearest RTO (Regional Transport Office). You can do this either by visiting the RTO directly or via the VAHAN portal online. However, you need to follow a certain procedure to register your bike. This guide explains the new bike registration process, required documents, fees, and how to register bike easily with RTO and VAHAN portal.

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Why to Register Your New Bike?

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, every owner must complete two wheeler registration with the RTO. Once the RTO verifies the details, it issues a registration bike (RC) and assigns a permanent number. A registered bike is legally recognised and linked to its engine and chassis number.

You can complete new bike RTO registration in two ways:

  • Self (apply at RTO / VAHAN)
  • Through the bike dealership

Tip: Along with new bike registration, ensure you purchase valid two wheeler insurance, it is mandatory by law and protects you financially.

Vehicle Registration Number in India

There are two types of vehicle or bike registration numbers in India:

  • Temporary Registration — valid for 30 days from purchase
  • Permanent Registration — issued after inspection and document verification

A temporary registration number is allotted for a new bike that is valid for one month. It is issued before the permanent number is allotted to the bike owner.

However, once the RTO assigns a permanent vehicle registration number, the bike register entry is created in the central database. Also, the vehicle identification is conducted based on its chassis and engine number.

How to Register a New Bike in RTO?

Both private and commercial vehicles can be registered at the RTO without your dealer. However, you can easily register your bike on your own.

Here are the steps that you can follow to get your bike registered-

  • Go to your nearby RTO office with your newly purchased bike
  • Fill and submit Form 20
  • The administration will verify all your documents
  • Once the documents are verified, you will have to pay the registration fee at the counter
  • Then, the vehicle inspector will inspect your new bike
  • Next, your bike information will be stored in the central database
  • Once the data is uploaded, the RTO superintendent will verify it
  • The ARTO (Assistant Regional Transport Officer) will approve it
  • After approving all of the data, the RTO office will send the Smart card to your registered mailing address.

Note: It is advised that once your bike gets registered, you purchase a two wheeler insurance to protect it from unforeseen incidents. Also, as per law, it is mandatory to have at least a 3rd party bike insurance for all bike owners but a comprehensive policy provides better coverage.

If you're wondering how to register new bike in RTO without a dealer, this self-registration method works for both private and commercial vehicles.

Forms Required for Vehicle Registration Certificate

To register bike or apply via bike registration online, submit:

  • From 20: New vehicle registration application
  • Form 21: Certificate of sale
  • Form 23: Registration certificate
  • Form 24: Motor Vehicle Registration
  • Form 29: Vehicle ownership transfer notice
  • Form 38A: Inspection report
  • Form 50: Lading bill
  • Form 51: Certificate of Insurance Coverage (bike insurance policy)
  • Form 54: Report of accident information
  • Form 57: Foreign insurance (wherever applicable)

Documents Required for New Bike's Registration Certificate

To get an RC of your new bike, you must submit a registration form along with some documents. You can download the registration form from the VAHAN website.

Here is a list of documents that you are required to fill and submit with the registration form:

  • Form 20 is a new vehicle registration application
  • Form 21 is the sale certificate that is provided by the vehicle dealership
  • Form 22 is a roadworthiness certificate provided by the manufacturer of the bike
  • PUCC refers to Pollution Under Control Certificate provided by the bike dealer
  • Address proof like a utility bill, or ID proof with the address on it
  • Temporary Registration Certificate provided by the RTO until you get the permanent registration certificate
  • Form 34 is required if you have purchased the vehicle from a bank loan. It contains the hypothecation details of the bike
  • From 60/PAN Card: Get a copy of your PAN card. In case you do not have it then fill the form 60 and submit it
  • Invoice of Dealer/Manufacturer: The purchase invoice by the dealer as well as the invoice provided to the dealer by the manufacturer
  • Passport size photographs
  • Birth and ID Proof
  • Engine and Chassis number print by pencil sketch.

RTO Charges for New Bike Registration & Fees

Below are the indicative RTO charges for new bike and RC issuance across India:

Purpose Fees
Bikes Rs 300
Light Motor Vehicles/Cars Non-Transport: Rs 600
Imported Cars Rs 5,000
Imported Bikes Rs 2,500
Smart Card Rs 200
Issue of Duplicate Certificate of Registration 50% of New Vehicle Registration Charges

How to Check New Vehicle Registration Status Online?

As a vehicle owner, you can access the VAHAN portal launched by the Central Government of India. It contains all the details related to vehicles and their owners running on Indian roads.

You can follow the steps below to check the status of your new bike's registration:

  • Visit the VAHAN web portal and click on the application status
  • Enter the application number and then click on 'View Report'
  • It will show you the application status.

How to Get a Duplicate Registration Certificate for a Bike?

The registration certificate of your bike is one of the most important documents. As per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, it is mandatory for a vehicle owner to have RC of the bike and a two-wheeler insurance policy with them while riding/driving a vehicle.

In case you lose the RC, or it gets stolen then you can get a duplicate copy of the RC by visiting the PARIVAHAN Sewa web portal or the RTO office.

Here are the steps that you can follow to get a duplicate copy of your RC-

  • Visit the PARIVAHAN web portal
  • Navigate to 'Online Services' and click on 'Vehicle Related Services'
  • You will get the option to select either 'Delhi & Sikkim State' or 'Other States', select accordingly
  • Next, enter the vehicle registration number and click on Proceed
  • Click on 'Basic Services' that includes the issuance of Duplicate RC
  • Enter the last 5 digits of the 'Chassis Number' of the bike and then click on 'Validate'
  • Fill in your mobile number and click on 'Generate OTP'
  • Enter the OTP received on the mobile number
  • Then you can click on 'Show Details' and tick on specific 'Application Selection'
  • Enter required details on the application
  • Choose the payment option according to your convenience
  • Once the payment is done you will get a fee receipt.
  • Take a print of the receipt
  • Go to the RTO office with all the required documents to get the duplicate RC.

Documents Required to Get Duplicate Registration Certificate

Here is a list of mandatory documents that are required to get the duplicate registration certificate-

  • Form 26, an application Form
  • FIR from the local police station
  • Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC)
  • Copy of your two-wheeler insurance policy.
  • Address Proof, driving license, PAN Card, Aadhar card, etc.
  • Copy of PAN Card
  • In case you do not have a PAN card then form 60 and 61
  • Pencil sketch of chassis and engine number of the bike
  • An affidavit is required that states the vehicle registration certificate is lost.

Process of Renewing Your Vehicle Registration Certificate (After Expiry)

If your vehicle registration certificate is about to expire then you get it renewed within 60 days from its due date to the renewal.

To help you in this, here are the steps that you can follow to get your Vehicle Registration Certificate renewed:

  • Visit the VAHAN web portal online.
  • Click on the vehicle-related services from the 'Online Services' drop-down menu.
  • Enter the vehicle registration number.
  • Click on 'Proceed' then click on 'Renewal of Registration'.
  • Enter the last 5 digits of the vehicle's Chassis Number.
  • Click on Validate Registration Number/Chassis Number.
  • Fill in your mobile number and you will receive the OTP.
  • Enter the OTP received to your mobile number and click on 'Show Details'.
  • Verify the owner details, latest tax details, and two-wheeler insurance details.
  • Then click on 'Payment'.
  • Once the payment is done, you will get a receipt. Take a print of it.
  • Go to the RTO where the vehicle is registered.
  • Keep the printed fee receipt with you as well as supporting documents to get the registration renewed.

Documents Required for Renewal of the Vehicle Registration Certificate

Here is the set of documents required for the renewal of the vehicle registration certificate-

  • Application Form 25
  • RC Book
  • Pollution Under Control Certificate.
  • Two-wheeler insurance policy
  • Copy of PAN Card
  • If you do not have PAN Card, then Form 60 and 61
  • Pencil sketch of the vehicle's engine and chassis number.
  • Fitness certificate of the bike

FAQs – Bike Registration, RC Validity & RTO Rules

  • Q. What is the process of RTO registration?

    Ans:You must submit the sales invoice, Form 20, Form 21, Form 22, bike insurance copy, ID/address proof, and pay registration fees. The RTO assigns a registration number and issues the RC accordingly.
  • Q. What happens after 15 years of a bike?

    Ans:After 15 years, the bike must undergo fitness testing and RC renewal is mandatory in every 5 years to remain road-legal.
  • Q. What is the procedure after buying a bike?

    Ans:Get RTO registration, number plate, two wheeler insurance policy, PUC certificate, and collect RC before riding on public roads.
  • Q. Is vehicle life extended to 20 years?

    Ans:Only if the vehicle passes the fitness test and RC renewal requirements set by the RTO.
  • Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for vehicle registration?

    Ans:Aadhaar is not mandatory but may be accepted as valid ID/address proof in many states.
  • Q. What is the maximum age for DL?

    Ans:There is no maximum age limit, but medical fitness is mandatory for older applicants.
  • Q. What to do if my RC expired?

    Ans:Apply for RC renewal and vehicle fitness certificate at the RTO before riding the bike.
  • Q. Is there a penalty for late renewal?

    Ans: Yes, late RC renewal attracts penalty and the vehicle may be treated as unregistered.
  • Q. Can you get money for old bikes?

    Ans:Yes, you can sell it, scrap it, or exchange it under a bike scrappage policy.
  • Q. How many documents are required for a new bike?

    Ans:Invoice, insurance copy, PUC (if applicable), ID proof, address proof, and dealer forms.
  • Q. How many years is bike registration valid in India?

    Ans:Bike registration is valid for 15 years, then renewable every 5 years.
  • Q. Why is RC needed?

    Ans:The RC proves vehicle ownership and confirms registration with the RTO.
  • Q. Can I ride my bike without RC?

    Ans:No, riding without RC is illegal and may lead to fines or seizure.
  • Q. How much does a 2-wheeler licence cost in India?

    Ans:DL fees vary by state and therefore, you must check it with your respective state’s official website to know the exact cost.
  • Q. Can I buy a bike without local address proof?

    Ans:Yes, but you may need additional residence verification or supporting documents to buy a new bike.
  • Q. Why does RTO charge for a new bike?

    Ans:RTO charges cover registration, road tax, smart card RC, and number plate allotment.
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