I bought a car but seller is not cooperating for RC transfer. What do I do?

You need the seller's signature on Form 29 and 30. If they're not cooperating: (1) Send a legal notice via registered post demanding cooperation, (2) File a complaint at your RTO, (3) If seller has given you all documents but won't sign, some RTOs accept an affidavit from the buyer + sale deed as alternative. Always get forms signed AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE — before making full payment.

Can I drive the vehicle before RC transfer?

Technically, you should complete transfer within 7 days. Practically, you can drive with the sale receipt + insurance in your name + original RC. Keep all documents in the car. If stopped by traffic police, the sale receipt proves legitimate ownership even before RC is transferred.

RC transfer for gifted or inherited vehicle?

Gifted: Same process as sale, but instead of sale deed, submit a gift deed (on stamp paper). Inherited: Submit death certificate of previous owner + legal heir certificate + succession certificate (if no will). RTO processes inheritance transfer — can take 30-60 days.

What if the vehicle has pending challans or loans?

Check for pending challans at echallan.parivahan.gov.in BEFORE buying. Outstanding challans are the vehicle owner's liability. For hypothecated vehicles (with active loan), the loan must be closed and hypothecation removed from RC before transfer. Get an NOC from the financing bank.

Updated: March 2026

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How to Transfer Vehicle RC Online

Transfer vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) to your name after buying a used car or bike — online process through the Parivahan portal with RTO visit

Fee

₹500-1,000

Portal

parivahan.gov.in

Processing

7-30 days

NOC

If inter-state

📝Step-by-Step RC Transfer

Get NOC from seller's RTO (if inter-state transfer)

If the vehicle is registered in a different state than where you live, the seller must get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their RTO. Apply online at parivahan.gov.in → select seller's state → NOC application. Fee: ₹200-500. Processing: 7-15 days. NOC is valid for 6 months.

Seller signs Form 29 and 30

Form 29: Notice of transfer of ownership. Form 30: Application for transfer. Both parties (buyer and seller) must sign these. Available at the RTO or downloadable from parivahan.gov.in.

Buyer applies online at parivahan.gov.in

Sarathi portal → 'Transfer of Ownership' → enter vehicle registration number → fill buyer's details → upload: Form 29, Form 30, buyer's Aadhaar, seller's Aadhaar, insurance copy (transferred to buyer), PUC certificate.

Pay transfer fee + road tax (if inter-state)

Transfer fee: ₹500-1,000. If inter-state: road tax of the destination state (₹5,000-50,000+ based on vehicle value and state). Pay online.

Visit RTO for inspection

Book appointment at your RTO. Vehicle inspection: chassis number verification, engine number matching, and physical condition check. Takes 30-60 minutes.

New RC in your name

After inspection approval, RC is updated to your name. Smart card RC mailed in 7-15 days. Digital RC available on Parivahan/DigiLocker immediately. Keep the old RC and new RC together until smart card arrives.

📄Documents Checklist — Buyer and Seller

Document	Buyer Provides	Seller Provides
Aadhaar card	Yes	Yes
Address proof	Yes	Yes
Form 29 (Transfer notice)	Both sign	Both sign
Form 30 (Transfer application)	Yes	Yes
Original RC book	—	Yes (hand over to buyer)
Insurance (transferred)	In buyer's name	Transfer from seller's policy
PUC certificate	Valid PUC needed	—
NOC (if inter-state)	—	Seller gets from seller's RTO
Road tax receipt	Pay at buyer's RTO	—

❓Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply for Driving License →How to Register on DigiLocker →How to Apply for PAN Card →

RC transfer process and fees vary by state. Check parivahan.gov.in and your state RTO website for exact procedures.