Vehicle Registration Renewal
Renewal of a vehicle's registration certificate (RC) before it expires.
Who needs this
Owners of private vehicles whose 15-year RC validity is approaching expiry, and owners of commercial/transport vehicles due for their periodic fitness certificate renewal.
Documents required
| Document |
|---|
| Original Registration Certificate (RC) |
| Valid vehicle insurance policy |
| Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate |
| Completed Form 25 (application for renewal of registration) |
| Proof of road tax payment |
| Fitness/inspection certificate (for vehicles over 15 years or commercial vehicles) |
| Address proof of the registered owner |
| NOC from the financer, if the vehicle is under hypothecation |
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| RTO renewal fee | ₹300 to ₹1,500, depending on vehicle category |
| Green tax | applicable for vehicles older than 15 years, amount varies by state and vehicle type |
| Late fee | charged per month of delay past the expiry date |
How long does it take
Same day to 7 working days after the physical inspection, for vehicles requiring one; apply at least 60 days before expiry to avoid a lapse
A vehicle's Registration Certificate (RC) is valid for 15 years for private vehicles from the date of first registration, and for shorter periods (typically 2 years, renewed via fitness certificates) for commercial vehicles. Renewal keeps the vehicle legally roadworthy and is a prerequisite for renewing insurance and paying road tax in many states.
For private vehicles older than 15 years, renewal also requires a physical fitness inspection at the RTO (or an authorised Automated Testing Station in states that have rolled them out), and typically attracts an additional "green tax" meant to discourage older, more polluting vehicles from staying on the road indefinitely.
Common reasons for rejection or delay
- Pending traffic challans or fines linked to the vehicle
- Expired insurance or PUC certificate at the time of application
- Vehicle fails the fitness/physical inspection
- Hypothecation not cleared or financer NOC missing
- Chassis or engine number does not match RTO records
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew my RC online through Parivahan?
Yes, the application and fee payment can be done through the Parivahan portal, though vehicles over 15 years still need a physical fitness inspection at the RTO.
Is the physical inspection mandatory for every renewal?
It is mandatory for private vehicles crossing 15 years of age and for most commercial vehicle fitness renewals; younger private vehicles usually renew without an inspection.
What is green tax and who has to pay it?
It is an additional tax charged on vehicles older than 15 years (in most states) at the time of RC renewal, intended to discourage continued use of older, higher-emission vehicles.
What happens if I do not renew my RC on time?
The vehicle becomes legally unfit to drive on public roads, and a late fee accrues for each month of delay beyond the expiry date.
Can I renew a vehicle's RC if I have moved to a different state?
You will generally need to complete a change of address or re-registration (NOC-based transfer) with the new state's RTO before or alongside the renewal, rather than renewing directly with the original state.
Last updated: 2026-09-12