Kerala RTO Motor Vehicle Department (MVD Kerala) Details & Code List

Kerala RTO (MVD Kerala): An Overview

Kerala RTO is the Motor Vehicle Department of Kerala state. Being the perfect blend of beauty with enormous mountains and charming sea views, Kerala is known as ‘God’s Own Country’. Hence, an attraction for travellers to visit Kerala and enjoy sightseeing. The Government of Kerala is highly concerned about its traffic rules and people’s safety by all means. Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD Kerala) was established under Section 213 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Central Act 59 of 1988) to implement the necessary traffic provisions. The Government of Kerala regulates the Kerala RTO regarding policy formulation and various implementations for the changes in Road Transport Technology and the development of road networks in the state. The Kerala RTO has 18 Regional Transport Offices, which are governed by the Regional Transport Officers.

Kerala RTO (MVD Kerala) Functioning

One of the most revenue-generating departments across the state is the regional transport office in Kerala (Kerala RTO). Regarding the formulation of policies and their enforcement, the Department of Motor Vehicles is governed by the state government of Kerala. The Commissioner of Transport heads the Kerala RTO, who is also the Head of the Department. The state government has introduced several measures to ensure the efficient and people-friendly functioning of the RTO office Kerala. The primary objective of Kerala RTO is to maintain a comprehensive database of all motor vehicles registered in the city as well as to monitor and enforce the various rules and regulations. 

Structure of MVD Kerala

The Kerala RTO department has four functional levels, mentioned below

Head Office: Under the supervision of the Transport Commissioner,

4 Zonal Offices: Under the supervision of Deputy Transport Commissioners,

18 Regional Transport Offices: Headed by Regional Transport Officers. One Regional Transport Office has statewide jurisdiction exclusively for Nationalised Sector,

68 Sub-Regional Transport Offices: Supervised by Joint Regional Transport Officers.

 

Roles and Responsibilities of Regional Transport Office Kerala (MVD Kerala)

The Kerala RTO department manages all transport-related activities and enforces the Motor Vehicle Act in Kerala. Let’s understand the day-to-day responsibilities of Kerala RTO in detail. 

Driving License-Related Services

Any citizen of 16 years or above can apply for a driving license and hold a valid permit to drive in Kerala and outside the state. They can apply for a driving license in the concerned Kerala RTO office. To do that, they must fill out the details in the form carefully, pay the required fee, and qualify for the driving test conducted. Kerala RTO offers the following services

• Conduct a driving test and evaluate the capability of the driver 
• Issuance of learning license
• Issue New & Renewal of Driving License
• Issue International Driving License
• Addition of a new class of vehicle to the Driving License
• Motor Driving School license issuance and renewal
• Professional Driving Instructor's License issuance and renewal
• Issue of Conductor's License

Vehicle Registration Related Services at Kerala RTO

Motor vehicle registration is mandatory in India under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. Penalties apply for vehicles not registered under the concerned Kerala RTO office. MVD Kerala enforces the following roles regarding the registration of vehicles

• Issuance and renewal of Registration Certificates for Motor Vehicles
• Transfer of Ownership in Registration Certificate
• Entry/Lease/Hypothecation in R.C. Book
• Updating information in Registration Certificate
• Issue Temporary or Duplicate Registration Certificate
• Issue of No Objection Certificate (NOC)
• Issue & Renewal of Trade Certificate

Tax Collection for the Government by Kerala RTO

Kerala RTO is responsible for collecting different applicable taxes and revenue generation for the Government. They are also accountable for collecting the service charges regulated by MVD Kerala. They also deal with tax exemption cases wherever required. Kerala RTO collects the following taxes 

• Motor Vehicles Tax
• IMV Fees Collection
• DA (Departmental Action) Cases
• Green tax
• Border tax
• Road tax

Vehicle Permit-Related Services

The motor vehicles transporting goods or carrier services or people need a legal permit to work within the state. Kerala RTO issues the permits for the following vehicle owners

• Permits for Metered / Non-Metered Motor Cab
• Permit issued to Maxi Cab / Taxi
• Stage Carriage / Goods Carriage Vehicles permit
• Permits for Private Vehicle / Commercial vehicle
• Permits to Tourist Cab/ vehicles other than tourist cab
• Issuance of National Permit / Local Permit to the vehicles 
• Auto Rickshaw Permit
• All India Tourist Vehicle Permit
• Permit for Specific Contract Carriage/ Special Permits

Road Safety Measures by RTO Kerala

Besides the services mentioned above, MVD Kerala also checks on pollution control of vehicles and measures for safety on the roads. The following roles are involved in encouraging road safety and environmental upgradation.

• CNG/LPG Conversion
• Fitness inspection of vehicles and issuance of Fitness Certificates
• PUC Testing
• Issue challan in case of violation of rules

Other Important Development Under Kerala MVD

The Motor Vehicle Department MVD Kerala is continuously increasing its capacity and bringing technological advances in operations to make transportation-related services more easily accessible. The following developments have strengthened the regulatory activities at Kerala RTO.

• An effective service counter system named ‘Any Service Any Counter’ has been introduced in all offices to render various public services.
• The policy of accepting only one application form from a person has been introduced.
• Introduction of a computer-generated acknowledgement slip for applications and records.
• The date and venue of the driving test are informed to the applicant on the day of the learner's test.
• The procedures of accepting motor vehicle tax and fees are simplified to avoid long queues and crowding in front of the Kerala RTO office.
• The introduction of a one-time tax system has restricted the frequent visits of vehicle owners to the RTO office Kerala to pay tax
• New registered motor cars, motorcycles, scooters, three-wheelers, etc., can pay a one-time tax.
• The owners of two-wheelers below 95 cc have been given the facility to pay vehicle tax in a lump for 5 years or 10 years, or 15 years at their choice
• The payment of vehicle tax regarding private vehicles and fees through FRIENDS- Citizens Integrated Service Centre at Thiruvananthapuram and all district headquarters have been introduced. Where citizens can pay all taxes under one roof at no extra cost.
• Physically disabled persons, including the blind and the deaf, with more than 40% disability, are exempted from payment of motor vehicle tax for their motor vehicle for their use.
• A Public Grievance Redressal Cell functions in all Kerala RTO Department offices.
• The department regulates through an online portal, mobile application, and authorized centres as RTOs or SRTOs (MVD Kerala).

Kerala RTO Codes and MVD Kerala Office Details:

Following is the list of Regional Transport Offices (Kerala RTO) that execute various services in the state of Kerala. 

Applicable Fee for Registering a Vehicle in Kerala RTO

The Motor Vehicles Act requires vehicle owner to pay certain fees to register their vehicles with the concerned Kerala RTO across the state. Below are the types of charges applicable in the process of registering a vehicle with the Kerala RTO:

Registration Fee at Kerala RTO

As per the latest amendment of the Motor Vehicles Act in the year 2017, the issue/renewal of a certificate of the registration fee for:

• Motorcycle: ₹300
• Non-transport vehicle: ₹600
• Transport vehicle: ₹1000
• Medium goods vehicle: ₹1000
• Medium passenger motor vehicle: ₹1000
• Heavy goods vehicle: ₹1,500
• Heavy passenger motor vehicle: ₹1,500
• Imported motor vehicle: ₹5,000
• imported motorcycle: ₹2,500
• Any other vehicle which is not mentioned above is charged ₹3000

Charges for Delayed Application for RC

If you have not applied for a permanent registration number and are delayed after the pre-defined period, the following charges are applicable

• Upto 3 months, an additional fee is imposed: Transport Vehicles – ₹ 200/-; Non-Transport Vehicles – ₹ 100/-
• Upto 3 to 6+ months, an additional fee is imposed: Transport Vehicles – ₹ 300/-; Non-Transport Vehicles – ₹ 200/-
• More than 6 months: Transport Vehicles – ₹ 500/-; Non-Transport Vehicles – ₹ 300/-

The fee for the issue of duplicate/change of address in the registration certificate is half the original registration amount.

Process of Vehicle Registration in Kerala RTO

To register a vehicle in Kerala, an individual must visit the respective Kerala RTO, submit the necessary documents, and pay the applicable application fee. Two types of registration certificates are issued from Kerala RTO (MVP Kerala): Temporary Registration Certificates for new vehicles purchased and Permanent Registration Certificates within 1 month of issuance of temporary registration. On verification of the documents and inspection of the vehicle by Kerala RTO officials, the applicant is assigned a registration number. A computerized number can be availed once the registration process is done. The same will be intimated via SMS or email on the registered ID. The application for vehicle registration should be made within a period of 7 days from the date of the vehicle purchase.

Documents Required for Vehicle Registration at Kerala RTO:

The following documents are required to be submitted at Kerala RTO to initiate the process for the vehicle registration process.

• Duly filled Form 20 (application form for vehicle registration)
• Form 21 (sales certificate)
• Form 22 (roadworthiness certificate)
• PUC certificate
• Vehicle insurance certificate
• Invoice of the vehicle to be registered
• Age and address proof documents
• Passport size photographs
• Customs clearance certificate for registration of an imported vehicle
• Applicable application fees and road taxes have to be paid
• Form 34 (loan hypothecation, if applicable)
• Design approval has to be obtained for the vehicle

No Objection Certificate (NOC) from MVD Kerala (Kerala RTO)

Vehicle NOC is done to check whether there are no dues of tax on the vehicle and to confirm that the vehicle was not involved in any illegal activities. You can obtain the NOC from the concerned Kerala RTO where the vehicle is registered. A NOC is valid only for 6 months. NOC is Required in two cases:

1. Vehicle Re-registration: NOC is required to obtain a new registration mark in the migrated state. While transferring a vehicle from one state to another, NOC is required from the RTO where the vehicle is registered. A person who wants to shift from Kerala to Karnataka must obtain a NOC from the Kerala RTO office.

2. Ownership Transfer: NOC is required when there is a transfer of the ownership of the vehicle to another person in case of selling or the death of the primary owner. The new owner's name will only be recorded in the Registration certificate after obtaining the NOC.

Documents Need to Submit at Kerala RTO for NOC of vehicles

 The following documents are required to apply for the NOC at Kerala RTO (MVP Kerala).

• CMV FORM 28 in quadruplicate (4 copies)
• Registration certificate
• Insurance certificate
• Pollution Under Control certificate
• Consent of Financier on CMV form 28 (if Hypothecation, HPA or a lease agreement covers the vehicle)
• Permit and fitness certificate (applicable for commercial vehicles)
• Pencil print of the chassis number for the CMV 28 form
• Photo identity and address proof

Is NOC Available Online?

No state governments in India currently allow online application of NOC. The vehicle owner must visit the local RTO office (Kerala RTO) to apply for the NOC. Follow the below process to obtain a NOC from RTO Kerala:

• Submit form CMV 28 (Application and Grant of NOC) in the RTO where your vehicle is registered, along with the required documents mentioned above.
• Once you submit all the applications, Kerala RTO will obtain a vehicle report from the police authority to check if the vehicle is involved in any criminal case or stolen.

Transfer of Ownership of Vehicles at Kerala RTO

Transfer of ownership is required if you are selling your vehicle or the primary owner of the vehicle dies. There are two types of ownership transfers.

• Ownership Transfer within the State
• Ownership Transfer outside the State

Ownership Transfer within the State

This happens when you plan to sell the vehicle outside the jurisdiction of your Kerala RTO but within the state itself. Seller shall report transfer within 14 days of transfer to the respective Kerala RTO where the vehicle is registered. The process involved is as follows:

Step 1. Obtain NOC from Kerala RTO, Where the Vehicle is Registered

Every state has multiple RTOs. Suppose a vehicle is sold outside the jurisdiction of RTO where it is registered but within the state itself. In that case, one needs to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC)/ Clearance Certificate (CC) from the RTO where the vehicle was registered earlier. The following documents are to be submitted to obtain the NOC/CC.

• Clearance certificate request letter
• Original RC book
• Insurance copy
• Copy of Pollution Under Control Certificate
• Self-addressed clothed envelope with Rs.30 worth of stamps affixed on it for speed post.

There’s no charge applicable for NOC. You will receive NOC/CC and the updated RC book in speed post within 3-4 weeks.

Step 2. Apply for Ownership Transfer at New Kerala RTO

Once NOC is obtained, apply for ownership transfer at the new Kerala RTO using the following documents.

• Form No. CMV 29 (Notice Of Transfer Of Ownership Of A Motor Vehicle) in duplicate
• If the vehicle is covered under Hypothecation/HPA/Lease, Form no. CMV 30 (Application for Intimation and Transfer of Ownership of a motor vehicle) shall be produced in duplicate with the consent of the financier.

• Original RC book
• Insurance copy
• Copy of Pollution Under Control Certificate
• Copy of address proof
• Copy of PAN card
• One passport-size photograph of the person who buys the vehicle
• Self-addressed clothed envelope with Rs.30 worth of stamps affixed on it for speed post

Ownership Transfer Outside the Kerala State

When one sells a vehicle to someone residing outside the State where the vehicle is registered, ownership transfer is required. Seller shall report transfer within 45 days of transfer to the RTO where the vehicle is registered. The process involved is as follows.

Step 1. Obtain NOC from Kerala RTO Where the Vehicle is Registered

The following documents are required to obtain NOC from Kerala RTO where the vehicle is registered.

• CMV FORM 28 in quadruplicate (4 copies) for the issue of the No Objection Certificate
• Registration certificate
• Insurance certificate
• Pollution Under Control certificate
• Consent of Financier on CMV form 28 (if the vehicle is covered by Hypothecation, HPA or a lease agreement)
• Permit and fitness certificate (applicable for commercial vehicles)
• Pencil print of the chassis number for the CMV 28 form
• Photo identity and address proof

Once all the applications are submitted, Kerala RTO will obtain a vehicle inspection from the police authority to check if the vehicle is involved in any criminal case or stolen. If there are no incidences, then a clearance certificate will be issued. NOC application is free of charge.

Step 2. Apply for Ownership Transfer at RTO in the Migrated State

Once NOC from the Kerala RTO is obtained, apply for ownership transfer at the new RTO using the following documents.

• Form No. CMV 29 (Notice Of Transfer Of Ownership Of A Motor Vehicle) in duplicate
• If the vehicle is covered under Hypothecation/HPA/Lease, Form no. CMV 30(Application for Intimation and Transfer of Ownership of a motor vehicle) shall be produced in duplicate with the consent of the financier.

• Original RC book
• Insurance copy
• Copy of Pollution Under Control Certificate
• Copy of address proof
• Copy of PAN card
• One passport-size photograph of the person who buys the vehicle
• Self-addressed clothed envelope with stamps of required worth affixed on it for speed post

The new Registration certificate with the new owner’s name will be received within 3-4 weeks.

Charges for Ownership Transfer at Kerala RTO

The charges levied by MVP Kerala for the ownership transfer fee are as follows:

• Motorcycle - ₹150
• Non-transport vehicle - ₹300
• Transport vehicle - ₹500
• Medium goods vehicle - ₹500
• Medium passenger motor vehicle - ₹500
• Heavy goods vehicle - ₹750
• Heavy passenger motor vehicle - ₹750
• Imported motor vehicle – ₹2,500
• Imported motorcycle – ₹1,250
• Any other vehicle which is not mentioned above - ₹1,500

If there’s a delay in applying for the transfer of ownership, the delayed charges are applicable in the following manner

• Delay up to 3 months: Transport Vehicles – Rs. 200/-; Non-Transport Vehicles – Rs. 100/-
• Delay of 3 to 6 months: Transport Vehicles – Rs. 300/-; Non-Transport Vehicles – Rs. 200/-
• Delay of more than 6 months: Transport Vehicles – Rs. 500/-; Non-Transport Vehicles – Rs. 300/-

Recording and Cancellation of Hypothecation in Kerala RTO

If a vehicle is purchased on loan, the recording of hypothecation in the RC Book becomes necessary. Once the loan is fully paid off, the cancellation of hypothecation in RC is important.   The same should be recorded in the RC Book. The following documents are required in the hypothecation case.

For recording hypothecation in RC: An application can be made by submitting Form 34.

For cancelling hypothecation from RC: An application can be made by submitting Form 35.

Additional documents such as a PUC certificate, Registration certificate, Chassis Number, and Vehicle insurance certificate are also required with the applicable fee.

Renew Registration Number at Kerala RTO

A permanent registration number is issued for a vehicle and is valid for 15 years. You have to renew your registration within 60 days of the expiry date. You can renew your registration certificate by following the procedure at Kerala RTO.

• You can download Form 25 from the official Parivahan seva website or get it from the Kerala RTO directly. 
• Make sure you have all the required documents, such as previous registration certificates, insurance certificates, pollution control certificates, road tax receipts, address and identity proof. 
• Submit your registration renewal fee to the Kerala RTO with all the required documents. 
• After the vehicle inspection and verification by Kerala RTO officials, you will get your renewed registration certificate. 

Change of Address in Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) 

You can change your address in your vehicle registration certificate online by filling in Form 33 and sending the supporting documents to the Kerala RTO. To update your address, you need the following documents.

• Attested copy of the proof of address change in Form No. 33
• Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
• Attested copy of address proof
• No Objection Certificate (NOC)
• Assessment token
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

Buy Vehicle Insurance in Kerala

If you own a vehicle in India, whether commercial or personal, it is mandatory to own vehicle insurance under the Motor Vehicle Act. Driving without a valid insurance certificate is illegal in India and a punishable offence. You can purchase vehicle insurance online and offline directly by reaching the motor insurer or the D2C Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd., such as RenewBuy. 

RenewBuy POSP advisors make it simple to compare policies, decide on premiums, and buy the suitable insurance policy for your vehicle at an affordable cost. Also, you can seek instant renewal, 24X7 assistance, and hassle-free claim recovery. 

Conclusion

MVD Kerala facilitates transport-related services and ensures that a systematic and organized procedure is religiously practised for a hassle-free travelling experience. Kerala RTO has 68 SRTOs to expand its reach to the general public and serve them for various services like vehicle registration, PUC certificate, renewal or issuance of a vehicle-related certificate, and other services. You can get these services online using MVD Kerala official website or directly visit the nearest Kerala RTO office.