A Vehicle Registration Certificate is a legal document that serves as proof of ownership and registration of a vehicle. In India, a vehicle registration certificate is valid for 15 years for private vehicles and five years for commercial vehicles, after which it has to be renewed. If your vehicle registration certificate is about to expire, it is essential to take the necessary steps to renew it on time. In this article, we will discuss what to do if your vehicle registration certificate is about to expire and the process involved in renewing it.
What is a Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC)?
A Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) is a legal document that serves as proof of ownership and registration of a motor vehicle. It is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 in India. The VRC contains vital information about the vehicle, including the owner's name and address, engine and chassis number of the vehicle, registration number, date of registration and expiry date.
The VRC is an important document that serves as proof of vehicle ownership and is required for any transaction related to the vehicle, such as sale, transfer, or hypothecation. It is also necessary to obtain a vehicle insurance policy, a driving license, or any legal dispute related to a vehicle.
The VRC is issued at the time of vehicle registration and is valid for a period of 15 years for private vehicles and five years for commercial vehicles. After the expiry of VRC, it must be renewed by following the procedure laid down by the RTO.
In case of loss or damage to the VRC, a duplicate copy can be obtained by submitting an application to the RTO along with the necessary documents and fees.
How to Renew Vehicle Registration Certificate?
Renewing a vehicle registration certificate is a necessary process that needs to be done before the expiry date to avoid any penalties or fines. In India, the process of renewing a vehicle registration certificate involves the following steps:
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Check the Expiry Date
The first step is to check the expiry date of your vehicle registration certificate. The Registration Certificate mentions the expiry date, and it is essential to renew it before the expiry date to avoid any penalty or fine. Even if you have missed the expiry date, you can renew it by paying a penalty fee.
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Gather the Necessary Documents
The next step is to gather the necessary documents for renewing the vehicle registration certificate. The documents required may vary depending on the type of vehicle and the state in which it is registered. However, the following documents are generally required:
- Original vehicle registration certificate
- Vehicle insurance certificate
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Address proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID card, passport, etc.)
- Photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, driving license, passport, etc.)
- Application form for vehicle registration renewal (Form 25)
- Payment of applicable fees
It is important to ensure that all the necessary documents are in order and valid at the time of renewal.
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Get the Vehicle Inspected
Once you have collected all the required documents, you must get the vehicle inspected by a government-approved vehicle testing centre. During the inspection, the roadworthiness of the vehicle and its compliance with the safety and emission norms set by the government will be checked. You will be issued a Certificate of Compliance if the vehicle passes the inspection.
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Submit the Documents
Once the inspection is completed, you must submit the required documents to your state's Regional Transport Office (RTO). You can submit documents in person or through an agent. The RTO officials will verify the documents, and if everything is in order, the registration certificate will be renewed.
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Payment of Fees
Once the documents are verified, you must pay the applicable fee for renewing the Vehicle Registration Certificate. The fee varies depending on the vehicle type and the registration period. The fees can be paid through demand draft or online payment.
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Issuance of Registration Certificate
The RTO will issue a fresh registration certificate for the vehicle once the payment is completed. The new registration certificate will have a new expiry date and will serve as proof of ownership and registration of the vehicle. It is important to keep the registration certificate and other relevant documents safe for any future transactions related to the vehicle.
Conclusion
Renewal of a Vehicle Registration Certificate is a necessary process that must be done before the expiry date to avoid any penalty or fine. The process involves checking the expiry date, collecting the required documents, getting the vehicle inspected, submitting the documents to the RTO, paying the applicable fee and obtaining a new registration certificate. It is important to ensure that all the required documents are in order and valid at the time of renewal. With proper documentation and process, renewing a vehicle registration certificate can be a smooth and hassle-free experience.