Motor Vehicles Department was established by the Government of Kerala for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions made under Section 213 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Central Act 59 of 1988). The Motor Vehicles Department is regulated by the Government of Kerala in terms of policy formulation and its implementation. The District Office is administered by the Regional Transport Officer who is assisted by the Senior Superintendent, Junior Superintendent, Head Clerk and Clerks in the Ministerial Side and Joint Regional transport Officer, Motor Vehicle Inspector and Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector in the Executive.
Functions performed by Regional Transport Office Kerala
Licenses
- Conduct test and issue learning license
- Issue New & Renewal of Driving License
- Issue of International Driving License
- Addition of a new class of Vehicle to Driving License
- Motor Driving School license issuance and renewal
- Professional Driving Instructor's License issuance and renewal
- Issue of Conductor's License
Registration of Vehicle
- Registration Certificate for Motor Vehicles issuance and renewal
- Transfer of Ownership in Registration Certificate of a Motor Vehicle
- Entry/Termination of Hire-Purchase/Lease/Hypothecation in R.C. Book
- Registration Certificate updating
- Issue Temporary Registration Certificate
- Issue of No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- Issue & Renewal of Trade Certificate
- Issue of Vehicle Fitness Certificate
- Permits
Revenue Collection for the Government
- Motor Vehicles Tax
- IMV Fees Collection
- DA (Departmental Action) Cases
Inspection of Vehicles at Check posts
Environmental Upgradation
- CNG/LPG Conversion
- PUC Testing Centres
Other than the above-mentioned services, the department also keeps a check on pollution control of vehicles and measures for safety on road.
Other Facilities:
- An effective and efficient any service any counter system has been introduced in all offices to render various services to the public.
- The policy of accepting only one application form from a person has been introduced.
- The system of issuing a computer generated acknowledgment slip for application and records has been introduced.
- The date of the test and venue of the driving test are informed to the applicant on the day of the passing of learner's test.
- The procedures are accepting motor vehicle tax and fees are simplified in order to avoid long queues and crowding in front of the Regional Transport Offices.
- Introducing onetime tax system has restricted the frequent visits of the vehicle owners to the Regional Transport Offices for the payment of tax.
- One-time tax upto 15 years, in respect of newly registered motor cars, motor cycles, scooters, three wheelers, etc. has been introduced with effect from 1st April, 1998.
- 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 facility of payment of vehicle tax in respect of private vehicles and fees, through FRIENDS Citizens Integrated Service Centre at Thiruvananthapuram and all district headquarters has been introduced.
- Physically handicapped persons, including the blind and the deaf, with more than 40% disability are exempted from payment of motor vehicle tax for their motor vehicles for their own use.
- A Public Grievance Redressal Cell is functioning in all offices of the Department.
NUMBER OF RTO OFFICES IN KERALA
Following is the list of 18 Regional Transport Offices which execute various services in state of Kerala:
RTO CODE |
RTO address |
RTO CODE |
RTO address |
KL-01 |
RTO Trivandrum, Transport Bhavan, East Fort, Fort PO, 695023 |
KL-41 |
RTO Aluva6/1293, Mini Civil Station, Goods Shed Road, Aluva, Ernakulam 683101 |
KL-02 |
RTO Kollam, Civil Station, Anandavalle- swaram, 695013 |
KL-42 |
RTO North Paravur Abul Memorial Shopping Complex, Perumpadana, North Parur, Ernakulam, 683513 |
KL-03 |
RTO Pathanamthitta, Parayil Building, College Rd, Makamkunnu PO, 689645 |
KL-43 |
RTO Mattancherry Chemeens Jn., Thoppumpady PO, Kochi, 682005 |
KL-04 |
RTO Alappuzha, Civil Station, Civil Station P.O., Alappuzha. PIN: 688001 |
KL-44 |
RTO Kothamangalam3rd Floor, Revenue Tower, Kothamangalam PO, Ernakulam, 686691 |
KL-05 |
RTO Kottayam, Civil Station, Collectorate PO 686002 |
KL-45 |
RTO Irinjalakuda Mini Civil Station, Irinjalakkuda, Thrissur, 680121 |
KL-06 |
RTO Idukki, Civil Station, Kuyilimala, Pinav PO, 685603 |
KL-46 |
RTO Guruvayur, Manjulal Shopping Complex, East Nada, Guruvayoor PO, Thrissur, 680101 |
KL-07 |
RTO Ernakulam, 2 Floor, A 3 Block, Civil Station, Kakkanad, Ernakulam - 682030 |
KL-47 |
RTO Kodungallur Mini Civil Station, West Nada, Kodungallur, Thrissur, 680664 |
KL-08 |
RTO Thrissur, Civil Station, Ayyanthole PO, Thrissur, 680003 |
KL-48 |
RTO Wadakkancherry Souhrada Arcade, Near Taluk Office, Vadakkancherry, Thrissur, 680582 |
KL-09 |
RTO Palakkad, Civil Station, S Fort Rd, Kenathu- parambu, Kunathurmedu 678002 |
KL-49 |
RTO Alathur Mini Civil Station Alathur, Palakkad, 678541 |
KL-10 |
RTO Malappuram, Civil Station, Uphill, Malappuram 676505 |
KL-50 |
RTO Mannarghat Mini Civil Station, Kunthipuzha, Mannarkkad, Palakkad, 678541 |
KL-11 |
RTO Kozhikkode, Civil Station, Malaparamba 673020 |
KL-51 |
RTO Ottappalam SBI Building, Opp. Municipal Bus Stand, Main Road, Ottapalam, Palakkad |
KL-12 |
RTO Wayanad, Civil Station, Kalpetta, North Kalpetta PO 673122 |
KL-52 |
RTO Pattambi2nd Floor, Mini Civil Station, Pattambi PO, Palakkad, 679303 |
KL-13 |
RTO Kannur, Civil Station, Edapally-Panvel Highway, Kannur 670002 |
KL-53 |
RTO Perinthalmanna Ward 18, Building No 609/60 C,D,E,F & G,Tharayil Bus Stand Building, Perinthalmanna PO, Malappuram, 679322 |
KL-14 |
RTO Kasaragod, Civil Station, Vidyanagar PO, 671123 |
KL-54 |
RTO Ponnani1st Floor, Mini Civil Station, Ponnani Nagar, Ponnani, Malappuram, 679583 |
KL-15 |
RTO Nationalized Sector, Civil Station, Kudapanakunnu, Trivandrum |
KL-55 |
RTO TirurMini Civil Station, Tirur, Malappuram, 676101 |
KL-16 |
RTO Attingal, AMC 16/218(1), Avittam Complex, Mamam, Attingal PIN:695104 |
KL-56 |
RTO Koyilandi Dream Mall, East Road, Opposite New Bus stand, Koyilandy - 673305 |
KL-17 |
RTO Muvattupuzha, Mini Civil Station, Pazhapally, Mudavoor PO, 686669 |
KL-57 |
RTO Koduvally Mini Civil Station, Koduvally PO, Kozhikkode, 673572 |
KL-18 |
RTO Vadakkara, Mini Civil Station, Vadakkara Town, Kozhikkode, 673101 |
KL-58 |
RTO Thalassery 2nd Floor, Hindustan Tower, Town Hall Road, Chirakkara PO, Thalassery, Kannur, 670104 |
KL-19 |
RTO Parassala, Mini Civil Station, Parassala, Trivandrum 695502 |
KL-59 |
RTO Thaliparamba 6/140 N, Katti Complex, Manna, Thaliparamba, Kannur, 670141 |
KL-20 |
RTO NeyyattinkaraMini Civil Station, Opp. Neyyattinkara Taluk Office, Trivandrum 695121 |
KL-60 |
RTO KanhangadMini Civil Station, Hosdurg, Kanhangad PO, Kasaragod, 671315 |
KL-21 |
RTO Nedumangad3rd Floor, Revenue Tower, Nedumangadu, Trivandrum 695541 |
KL-61 |
RTO Kunnathur Kunnathur, Chakkuvally, Sooranadu PO, Kollam |
KL-22 |
RTO Kazhakkoottam / Thiruvananthapuram2nd Floor, Alathara Complex, Kazhakootam, Trivandrum 695582 |
KL-62 |
RTO Ranni Cheriyamoozhiyil Building, Pulimukku Angadi PO, Ranni, Pathanamthitta, 689674 |
KL-23 |
RTO KarunagapallyMini Civil Station, Karunagapally, Kollam 690518 |
KL-63 |
RTO Angamaly IIV Buildings, Manjapara Road, Angamaly, Ernakulam, 683572 |
KL-24 |
RTO KottarakaraMini Civil Station, Kottarakkara P O, Kottarakkara |
KL-64 |
RTO Chalakkudy Mini Civil Station, Chalakkudy, Thrissur, 680307 |
KL-25 |
RTO PunalurAyyappas Building, 1st Floor, Nellipally, Punalur 691305 |
KL-65 |
RTO Thirurangadi Mini Civil Station, Block Road, Chemmadu, Tirurangadi, 676300 |
KL-26 |
RTO Adoor3rd Floor, Revenue Tower, Adoor 691523 |
KL-66 |
RTO Kuttanadu Kailath Building, Ramankary PO, Kuttanad |
KL-27 |
RTO Thiruvalla4th Floor, Revenue Tower, Thiruvalla 689101 |
KL-67 |
RTO Uzhavoor Theruvathu Building, Uzhavoor PO, 686634 |
KL-28 |
RTO MallappallyMini Civil Station, Mallappally 689585 |
KL-68 |
RTO Devikulam Near Police Station, Adimali, Idukki, 685561 |
KL-29 |
RTO KayamkulamMini Civil Station, Near KSRTC Bus Stand, Kayamkulam 690101 |
KL-69 |
RTO Udumbanchola Civil Station, Nedumkandam, Udumbanchola, Idukki |
KL-30 |
RTO ChengannurMini Civil Station, Chengannur 689121 |
KL-70 |
RTO Chittur Mini Civil Station, Chittur, palakkad-678101 |
KL-31 |
RTO MavelikaraMini Civil Station, Mavelikkara |
KL-71 |
RTO Nilambur Chandanakunnu PO, Nilambur, Malappuram |
KL-32 |
RTO CherthalaMini Civil Station, Cherthala PO 688524 |
KL-72 |
RTO Mananthavady Kellur PO, Mananthavady, Wayanad, 670645 |
KL-33 |
RTO ChanganasseryRevenue Tower, Changanassery PO, Kottayam 686101 |
KL-73 |
RTO Sulthan Bathery St. Mary's Jacobite Soonoro Church Building, Cheeral Road, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad, 673592 |
KL-34 |
RTO KanjirappallyMangalampady Buildings, Attickal, Ponkunnam PO, Kanjirappally, Kottayam 686506 |
KL-74 |
RTO Kattakkada Building number KP 17 89 B, Left side of employment exchange, kulathummal, kattakada |
KL-35 |
RTO Pala15/168-C, Chethimattam, Pala, Kottayam 686575 |
KL-75 |
RTO Thriprayar, Mini Civil Station, Nattika, Thriprayar |
KL-36 |
RTO Vaikom Municipal Building, Kochukavala, Vaikom PO, Kottayam 686141 |
KL-76 |
RTO Nanmanda Building No 9/499, Nanmanda, Kozhikode |
KL-37 |
RTO Vandiperiyar3rd Floor, Mini Civil Station, Peerumedu PO, Idukki 685531 |
KL-77 |
RTO Perambra,First Floor, Minin Civil Station, Perambra, |
KL-38 |
RTO ThodupuzhaBldg No II/609, Prakash Bldg, Opp. Prakash Pump, Thoduppuzha PO, Idukki 685584 |
KL-78 |
RTO Iritty Falcon Plaza NP Road, Iritty, Kannur-670703 |
KL-39 |
RTO Thripunithura1st Floor, Mini Civil Station, Near Old Bus Stand, Tripunithura PIN: 682301 |
KL-79 |
RTO Vellarikundu, Building No 462, ward 15. Belal Grama Panchayath, vellarikundu |
KL-40 |
RTO PerumbavoorMunicipal Shopping Complex, Pattal, Iringole PO, Perumbavoor, Ernakulam 683548 |
KL-80 |
RTO Varkal (0470 262 6400), NH 47, Ansar Complex, TB Junction-Hospital Jct Rd, Mamam, Attingal, Kerala, 695101 |
APPLICABLE FEE FOR REGISTERING THE VEHICLE
The Motor Vehicles Act requires the vehicle owner to pay certain fees in order to register their vehicles with the concerned RTOs across the state. The below are the types of charges applicable in the process of registering a vehicle with the RTO:
Registration Fee
As per the latest amendment of Motor Vehicles Act in the year 2017, the issue/renewal of certificate of registration fee for:
- Motorcycle is ₹300
- non-transport vehicle is ₹600
- transport vehicle is ₹1000
- medium goods vehicle is ₹1000
- medium passenger motor vehicle is ₹1000
- heavy goods vehicle ₹1,500
- heavy passenger motor vehicle is ₹1,500
- imported motor vehicle is ₹5,000
- imported motor cycle is ₹2,500
- any other vehicle which is not mentioned above is charged ₹3000
In case of delay in applying RC:
- 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 issue of duplicate/change of address in registration certificate is half of amount of original registration.
Process of Vehicle Registration in Kerala
To register a vehicle in Kerala, it is mandatory for an individual to visit the Kerala RTO and submit the necessary documents and pay the applicable application fee. On verification of the documents and inspection of the vehicle by Kerala RTO officials, a registration number is assigned to the applicant. 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
- Duly filled Form 20 i.e. application form for vehicle registration
- Form 21 i.e. sales certificate
- Form 22 i.e. 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
Other Procedures
- An inspection of the vehicle will be done. If the dealer does the inspection, the certificate issued by the concerned dealer has to be attached with the Form 20.
- After the verification, respective RTO will allot a Registration number. A computerized number can be availed once the registration process is done.
- The same will be intimated via SMA or email on the registered ID
- Registration number is provided as Smart Card, which is sent through speed post.
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
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. NOC needs to be obtained from the RTO where the vehicle is registered.
NOC is required in two cases.
1. Vehicle re-registration
NOC is required when one wants to obtain a new registration mark in migrated state. While transferring a vehicle from one state to another, NOC is required from the RTO where the vehicle is registered.
2. Ownership Transfer
NOC is required when there is a transfer of the ownership of vehicle to another person. Name of new owner will be recorded in the certificate of Registration, only after obtaining the NOC.
An NOC is valid only for 6 months. So, you need to get re-registration of vehicle or transfer the ownership of vehicle within this period.
Following documents are required for NOC of vehicles.
- CMV FORM 28 in quadruplicate (4 copies) for the issue of 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
How to obtain NOC?
None of the state governments in India currently allow online application of NOC. Owner of the vehicle needs to visit the local RTO to submit application for the NOC. Follow the below process to obtain an NOC:
- Submit form CMV 28 (Application and Grant of NOC) in the RTO in which your vehicle is registered along with the required documents as mentioned above.
- Once you submit all the applications, RTO will obtain a report of the vehicle from the police authority to check if the vehicle is involved in any criminal case or stolen.
Process of Transfer of Ownership of Vehicles:
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 are planning to sell the vehicle outside the jurisdiction of your RTO but within the state itself. Seller shall report the fact of transfer within 14 days of transfer to the RTO where the vehicle is registered. Process involved are as follows.
1. Obtain NOC from RTO where vehicle is registered
Every state has multiple RTOs. If a vehicle is sold outside the jurisdiction of RTO where it is registered, but within the state itself, then one need to obtain No Objection Certificate (NOC)/ Clearance Certificate (CC) from the RTO where the vehicle was earlier registered. 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
NOC application is free of charge. You will receive NOC/CC along with the updated RC book in speed post within 3–4 weeks.
2. Apply for Ownership Transfer at new RTO
Once NOC is obtained, apply for ownership transfer at 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 Rs.30 worth of stamps affixed on it for speed post
Ownership Transfer outside the State
This happens when one is selling vehicle to someone residing outside the State where the vehicle is registered. Seller shall report the fact of transfer within 45 days of transfer to the RTO where vehicle is registered. Process involved are as follows.
a. Obtain NOC from RTO where vehicle is registered
Following documents are required to obtain NOC from RTO where the vehicle is registered.
- CMV FORM 28 in quadruplicate (4 copies) for issue of 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, RTO will obtain a report of the vehicle from police authority to check if the vehicle is involved in any criminal case or stolen. If there are no incidence, then a clearance certificate will be issued. NOC application is free of charge.
b. Apply for Ownership Transfer at RTO in the migrated state
Once NOC is obtained, apply for ownership transfer at 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 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
Time required for Ownership Transfer
Registration certificate with new owner’s name will be received within 3–4 weeks.
Charges for Ownership Transfer
Charges for ownership transfer fee is 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 motor cycle – ₹1,250
- any other vehicle which is not mentioned above - ₹1,500
Fine for delay in applying
- 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/-