Form 23B is a temporary registration certificate of a motor vehicle, issued by the RTO under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The certificate serves as temporary proof of registration for a recently acquired motor vehicle. Form 23B is generally issued to the vehicle owner while the permanent registration is in progress. Read on to know more about Form 23B, including its contents, application, importance, and more.
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In India, Form 23B functions as the official temporary registration certificate for motor vehicles until their registration certificate (RC) is issued. The document is a temporary permit that allows vehicle owners to operate their new vehicles on public roads for a specified time until they obtain permanent registration. Once issued, Form 23B is usually valid for 30 days from the date of issue, during which you must complete permanent registration of your vehicle.
Check out who can apply for Form 23B below:
Vehicle Owner (Buyer): The buyer of the vehicle can apply for the temporary registration of the vehicle through the RTO. The buyer can legally use the vehicle on the road until the permanent registration certificate is issued with the Form 23B.
Authorised Motor Vehicle Dealer: Motor vehicle dealers can apply for the temporary registration of the vehicle on behalf of the buyer. Dealers present all necessary documents to the RTO in order to secure a temporary RC.
Vehicle Manufacturer: The manufacturer of the motor vehicle can arrange temporary RC when the vehicle is at the workshop or is to be delivered to the buyer in another state.
Check out the table below to know the difference between Form 23A and Form 23B:
| Basis of Comparison | Form 23A | Form 23B |
| Purpose | Issued as the permanent RC of a vehicle in card format. | Issued as a temporary registration certificate for a newly purchased vehicle. |
| Type of Registration | Permanent registration document | Temporary registration document |
| When is it issued? | Issued after the vehicle is permanently registered with the RTO. | Issued when permanent registration is still pending. |
| Format | Laminated card without a smart chip. | Paper-based temporary certificate issued by the RTO. |
| Legal Use | Acts as the official proof of permanent vehicle registration. | Allows the vehicle to legally operate on roads until permanent registration is completed. |
These are the details that can be found in Form 23B:
Temporary registration mark
Application number
Owner details, such as name, father's or husband's name, address, and mobile number
Vehicle details, including vehicle class, manufacturer, type of body, seating capacity, engine number, chassis number, etc.
Place where the vehicle will be permanently registered
Purpose of obtaining a temporary RC
Validity date
Hypothecation details (if the vehicle is bought on finance)
Fee and tax payment details
Date of issue
Signature of the registering authority
If your car dealer has not applied for a temporary RC for your new vehicle on your behalf, you can apply for it yourself by following the steps below:
Step 1: Go to the Parivahan Sewa official website.
Step 2: Click on the 'Informational Services' menu and choose the 'Downloadable Forms' option.
Step 3: Download the required forms, including Form 20 for the application, Form 21 i.e., the sales certificate of the car, and Form 22, i.e. roadworthiness certificate of the car.
Step 4: Fill the application form accurately and attach relevant supporting documents, such as an insurance certificate, address proof, an invoice from the dealer, etc.
Step 5: Submit the application form to the RTO.
Step 6: After inspection, the RTO will issue the temporary RC for your vehicle.
The Form 23B document remains valid for one month from the date of issue. You need to apply for the permanent registration certificate before it expires to keep everything legal. If the permanent RC is not issued within this period, then you can head to the RTO to request an extension with a valid reason and the required fee.
Here are the top reasons that make Form 23B important:
Useful for Inter-State Delivery: The vehicle needs to receive temporary registration through Form 23B when the owner purchases the vehicle in one state and now needs to transport it to another state for permanent registration.
Legal Driving Proof: Form 23B provides you with the authorisation to operate your newly purchased vehicle on public roads while you wait for your permanent RC.
Avoids Penalties: The absence of Form 23B results in multiple penalties, including heavy fines, vehicle impoundment, and legal action by traffic authorities.
Helps During Police Verification: Form 23B functions as valid proof of temporary vehicle registration, which allows police officers to verify the vehicle's legal right to operate on public roads.
You will need the following documents to obtain a temporary RC for your vehicle:
Form 20 or the main form used to apply for vehicle registration
Form 21 or the original sale certificate given by the dealer
Form 22 or roadworthiness certificate
Copy of the vehicle’s valid insurance policy
Identity or address proof, such as Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID
Copy of PAN card, or Form 60/61
Original purchase invoice of the vehicle.
The Regional Transport Office can reject the issuance of Form 23B due to the top reasons listed below:
If important details, such as owner information or vehicle details, are missing in the application form.
If vehicle details are incorrect or there is a mismatch in the chassis or engine number.
If the documents, such as the sale certificate, insurance copy, or address proof, have not been submitted.
If the prescribed fees have not been paid.
If the vehicle is financed, but information regarding the financier is missing or incorrect.
If you have submitted your application to the wrong RTO.
If the vehicle does not meet the prescribed safety or regulatory requirements.
The main purpose of Form 23B is to allow you to legally drive the vehicle on public roads for a limited time until the permanent RC is issued.
No, Form 23B is not the same as the permanent RC. It is only a temporary registration valid for a limited duration.
Form 23B is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). In some cases, authorised motor dealers may also handle this process.
If your Form 23B has expired and you still have not received your permanent RC, you can apply for an extension at the concerned RTO.
Yes, you should carry a copy of Form 23B while driving, as traffic authorities may ask for it during checks.
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