Register Vehicle

What is Vehicle Registration and Why is it Needed?

Vehicle Registration involves the recording of a motor vehicle in the official records after due verification. Vehicle Registration is mandatory under the law and is essential to prove the ownership of a vehicle. It is also required during the sale of a vehicle and transfer of its ownership.

The Legal Framework

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (External website that opens in a new window) is the principal instrument for regulation of motor vehicular traffic throughout the country, which falls under the Concurrent List of Schedule VII of the Constitution of India. The implementation of various provisions of this Act rests with the State Governments.

Registration of Motor Vehicles lies under the purview of this Act. The Act provides that no person should drive a vehicle, and that no owner of a motor vehicle shall cause or permit a vehicle to be driven, in any public place, unless the vehicle is registered and the certificate of registration of the vehicle has not been suspended or cancelled, and the vehicle carries a Registration Mark displayed in the required manner.

What You Need to Do to Register Your Vehicle

To register a new, private, non-commercial vehicle, you need to apply in the prescribed form (either available online or with the concerned local authorities) to the RTO (Regional Transport Officer)/Transport Department of the area of your residence. You will be required to produce the sale certificate issued by the vehicle dealer, the road-worthiness certificate issued by the manufacturer, an attested copy of a valid vehicle insurance policy, documents as proof of address, a print of the chassis number and such other papers as may be needed. In addition, you will be asked to submit one-time road tax and the required registration fee. The vehicle will be physically inspected by the Inspecting Authority and a unique Registration Mark assigned to the vehicle for display thereon.

Links that Might Interest You:

• Facts about Road Safety