Form 20 is an application form used for registering a new motor vehicle in India according to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989. It needs to be submitted to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) within 7 days of buying a new vehicle. This is a mandatory requirement to drive a new vehicle on Indian roads. By registering your vehicle with Form 20, you will create an official record with the Government regarding your vehicle details. Continue reading to know all about the RTO Form 20.
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Form 20 is a formal application used by the vehicle owner to request the permanent registration of a new motor vehicle. Typically, it is filled out and submitted by the vehicle dealer on behalf of the buyer, with all the necessary documents, including the insurance certificate, sale invoice, proof of address, and identity proof. Once processed, Form 20 results in the issuance of a Registration Certificate (RC), which is mandatory for legally operating the vehicle on public roads. Vehicle owners can submit this form at the concerned Regional Transport Office (RTO) or online on the Parivahan portal.
Form 20 must be submitted by:
Individuals purchasing a new two-wheeler or car.
Buyers of commercial vehicles.
Authorised dealers submitting the registration application on behalf of customers.
Vehicle owners applying for permanent registration after obtaining temporary registration.
Have a look at the table below to understand the difference between Form 20 and Form 20B:
| Basis of Comparison | Form 20 | Form 20B |
| Nature | Application for a new vehicle registration | Application to extend the of temporary vehicle registration certificate |
| Filed By | Vehicle owner/dealer | Vehicle owner |
| Use | Submitted to the RTO to apply for permanent RC | Submitted to the RTO to extend the validity of the temporary RC |
| Requirement | Mandatory for obtaining a vehicle RC | Required when the temporary RC expires before the permanent one is issued |
In simple words, Form 20 initiates vehicle registration, while Form 20B is used to apply for an extension of the vehicle's temporary registration.
Some of the important details required in Form 20 are as follows:
Details of the licensing authority
Owner-related details, including name, age, permanent address, place of birth, and mobile number
Ownership type
Vehicle-related details, such as engine number, chassis number, fuel used, etc.
Dealer and manufacturer details
Particulars of previous registration (if applicable)
Additional details required only for transport vehicles (except motor cabs)
Inspection certificate details for vehicles whose body is built separately on a purchased chassis
Hire-purchase, lease, or hypothecation agreement details with the financier (if applicable)
Declaration and signature of the applicant
Use the steps listed below to fill out the Form 20:
Step 1: Address the form to the relevant RTO.
Step 2: Fill in the full name of the vehicle owner and mention their relation (son/daughter/wife of).
Step 3: Mention the age of the applicant. Also, fill in the permanent address and attach the valid proof of the same.
Step 4: Fill in vehicle details exactly as mentioned on the invoice.
Step 5: Provide the name and address of the authorised dealer from whom the vehicle was purchased.
Step 6: Also include the details relating to the vehicle's insurance policy and its temporary registration.
Step 7: Attach the required documents, including the sales invoice, proof of address, proof of identity, etc.
Step 8: Sign the declaration and submit the form to the RTO.
Form 20 itself does not have a validity period. It is a one-time application form used to initiate the vehicle registration process. Once the vehicle registration is approved, the RTO issues a valid registration certificate (RC), which is typically issued with a validity of 15 years.
Submitting Form 20 is essential for the following reasons:
It enables the legal registration of a new vehicle.
It helps to create official ownership records with the RTO.
It is mandatory for obtaining the RC and the registration number of the vehicle.
It helps to link vehicle insurance and compliance records.
It prevents the vehicle owner from incurring penalties for driving an unregistered vehicle.
Some of the common reasons for Form 20 rejection by the RTO are listed below:
Mismatch in vehicle details
Incomplete or incorrect owner details
Missing mandatory documents
Invalid or expired insurance policy
Incorrect dealer or invoice information
For a new vehicle, the registration certificate (RC) is issued by the RTO with a validity period of 15 years. After the initial validity lapses, the RC can be renewed with a 5-year validity.
If you do not submit Form 20, you may be levied penalties, and your vehicle may also be seized by the authorities. This is because driving a vehicle without completing its registration is illegal in India as per the Indian Motor Laws.
The processing time of a Form 20 application usually ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. The form processing time varies depending on many factors, such as document verification and RTO workload.
No, Form 20 is not required for pre-owned vehicles. It is only needed for the registration of new vehicles. To register a pre-owned vehicle, you must provide Form 29 and other required documents.
Yes, many states allow online submission of Form 20 application via the Parivahan Sewa portal. However, in some specific states, you may need to submit physical copies of the form to the RTO.
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