How to get duplicate RC Book online & offline - 2024

The RTO (regional transport office) issues the RC (registration certificate) book of a vehicle as an official document, confirming the vehicle's ownership and registration. Whenever the vehicle is on the road, it is crucial to carry this important document. Thus, it is essential that every individual knows how to get one, in case the original has been lost or damaged. We explain the simple method created by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to apply for a duplicate RC online and offline. If you are looking to sell your car, you may need to apply for a duplicate RC in order to initiate the RC transfer process. 

What Is a duplicate RC Book

In situations where the original registration certificate of the vehicle is misplaced, damaged, stolen or updated owing to changes in personal information, a duplicate RC can be sought by the owners. 

The RTO issues the duplicate RC book, just as it does the original. It contains all the vital information that was in the original and is valid for official purposes.  

When and why would you require a duplicate RC Book

When a new car is purchased, the RC book issued by the RTO is in the form of a physical copy. It must be carried in the vehicle when the vehicle is on the road. As per the amendments made in the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, vehicle owners can also get their RC books digitalised, which can be saved on platforms like mParivahan and DigiLocker. However, this facility has been created for convenience, and in the case of internet or technical issues, one could have trouble accessing the RC book online. For these reasons, having the physical RC while driving can come in handy to avoid any conflicts with the traffic personnel.. There are various reasons why there could be a problem with the original RC book. Let’s look at a few of them. 

1. Lost or stolen RC book: In case an individual misplaces their RC book or it is stolen, a duplicate RC book will be required to enable one to legally use their vehicle on the road. 
2. Damaged or destroyed RC book: Like any important physical document, an RC book must also be kept safe in a proper condition where all its contents are clearly visible. However, unforeseen circumstances may cause damage to an RC book, or it may experience general wear and tear, such as the ink becoming lighter. These reasons make the document less legible.  

It is important to note that if an RC book is lost, stolen, or destroyed, it must be reported to the local police station and a FIR must be obtained which needs to be submitted to the local RTO. 

How to apply for a duplicate RC online 

1. To apply for a duplicate RC online, go to the Parivahan website’s Vahan services page (https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice/vahan/). 

2. On the bottom left, a pop-up will appear. Select the ’Vehicle Registration’ option and enter the vehicle’s registration number. From the drop-down, select the state in which the vehicle is registered and the local RTO

   

3. Accept the ‘Terms and Conditions’ and click on proceed.
4. Another pop-up will appear, which lists all the auto-services available online. Click on the ‘Proceed’ button. 
5. The Vahan Citizen Services page will be opened. 
6. Click on ‘Basic Services’ on the top left. In the drop-down, click on ‘RC related services’, and another drop-down will appear. 
7. Click on ‘Apply for Duplicate RC’ 
8. The online application form will appear, where the vehicle registration number is auto filled. Enter the last five digits of the vehicle chassis number and click on ‘Verify Details’.
9. After this, the last four digits of the registered mobile number will be shown, where one can get the OTP by clicking on ‘Generate OTP’ (one-time password). The OTP will go to the registered mobile number (which is shown earlier). 
10. Upon entering the OTP and clicking ‘Submit’, the next part of the application opens where the reason for applying for the duplicate RC book is required. 
11. For reasons such as loss or theft, the details of the FIR must be added. Please note that the police complaint is the first step to be taken when an RC book is lost or stolen.
12. The same page will contain details of the duplicate RC fees to be paid for the issuance of a duplicate RC book, and it is from this page that the applicant will be directed to the payment gateway. 
13. After the payment is completed, the applicant can print Form 26, which is required for applying for a duplicate RC book. One can also print the payment receipt. 
14. Once this is done, all documents required for duplicate RC must be uploaded online, which includes the Form 26 that is signed by the applicant (a complete list of required documents is given in a later section). With this, the final application is submitted to the RTO for processing.  

How to apply for a duplicate RC offline 

1. An appointment at the local RTO must be made. 
2. At the RTO, Form 26 is to be filled with all the required details, such as the vehicle registration number, chassis number, reason for applying, and other such important information. This is, then, to be signed by the applicant. 
3. Additionally, there are a few more documents required for duplicate RC that must be submitted along with the application, like the applicant’s ID card, the PUC certificate, and the insurance certificate, among others. The complete list is given in the next section. 
4. A copy of the FIR that is lodged in the case of an RC book being lost or stolen is also to be submitted, along with Form 26.  
5. The duplicate RC fees must be paid at the RTO charge desk. 
6. After this, the Form 26, required documents, and payment receipt must be submitted to an RTO officer or counter, where they will be checked. 
7. If everything is correct in the submission, the application will be accepted, and an acknowledgement receipt will be provided to the applicant.  

Documents required for issuing duplicate RC online

For an application to be approved and the duplicate RC book to be issued, all required documents must be submitted. Here is a list of the documents needed: 

1. Copy of the FIR registered or RC lost challan (in the case of a stolen or lost RC book)
2. Original RC book (in case the reason for applying is damage to the original RC book) 
3. Form 26 that is duly filled out and signed by the applicant (the form can be printed when applying online).  
4. A no objection certificate (NOC) from the bank in case the vehicle is purchased on loan. 
5. Pollution under control (PUC) certificate 
6. The vehicle’s valid insurance certificate 
7. The applicant’s ID card, which can be used for signature and address proof (this may be a passport, Aadhar card, driving licence, or any other identification proof issued by the Government of India). 
8. A copy of Form 60 or Form 61 or the applicant’s attested PAN card 
9. Chassis and engine pencil print 
10. An affidavit from a registered notary on a stamp paper, which clarifies that the RC is in fact lost and is not for an impounded vehicle. 
11. Challan clearance proof from the traffic police. In the case of a commercial vehicle, challan clearance from the Enforcement wing or Transport Department  
12. Tax clearance (in case it is a commercial vehicle)  
13. Passport-sized picture of the applicant 

Note: Documents listed from points 5 to 12 may be required in some, but not all, states. It is recommended that all these documents be kept handy when applying for a duplicate RC book. 

Documents required for issuing a duplicate RC offline

The documents required by the RTO to accept an application are the same online and offline. However, in the case of offline submission, the fee payment receipt must also be submitted to the RTO officer or at the counter. In the case of online submission, this step needs to be completed in the due process to enable the applicant to reach the stage of uploading documents.  

Fee structure to get a duplicate RC 

How to check the status of a duplicate registration certificate

• Online: Once the application has been accepted, its status will be reflected on the Parivahan website. 

1. Go to the Application Status page of the Parivahan website (https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice/vahan/ui/appl_status/form_Know_Appl_Status.xhtml) or search for ‘Parivahan application status’ on any search engine 

   

    

2. On the application status checking page, the applicant must enter the application number or the vehicle registration number. 
3. After this, the website will show the stage that the application is inf.
4. An applicant can also track the progress of the application on the same page. 

• RTO: An applicant may visit the RTO where the application was submitted and enquire about the status of the application using their acknowledgement receipt number. 
• Phone: Parivahan Sewa has a hotline number (+91-120-4925505) where one can call to inquire about the status of the application. 

What is the processing time for a duplicate RC

After the application is approved, the duplicate RC book is processed in about two to four weeks. Though there could be instances where some factors could lead to a delay in processing. In this case, an applicant can visit the website to check the status or visit the RTO to enquire about the application status.   

What are the problems in getting a duplicate RC

There are some issues in the application or approval process that could lead to either a delay or rejection. 

• Verification: If the online application status states ‘Application Is Under Scrutiny & Processing at RTO Level’, it means that the applicant will have to get the documents physically verified and will also have to submit their biometrics to complete the process.   
• Incomplete or incorrect information: If the information filled out in the application form (Form 26) has an error, such as details of the vehicle or applicant, then the application will not be accepted. 
• Invalid or incomplete documentation: An applicant may face issues in submitting the application if they do not have all the required documents or if they do not have clearance or approval on any document, such as clearance from traffic police stating there are no pending challans.  
• Technical errors: While the online application method is a convenient route, it could be susceptible to some technical or internet issues that eventually lead to a delay in application submission. 
• FIR delay: IIn case of a lost or stolen RC book, the vehicle owner should get an FIR lodged immediately. If there is a delay in lodging the FIR, it may cause some delays in the process.  
• Unauthorised agents: At RTOs, there are often unauthorised individuals who claim to be ‘agents’ pretending to help submit an application on behalf of the applicant for a certain amount. It is important to note that this is not a legal method and that it is not advisable to hand over one’s original documents or personal details to an unauthorised individual, as it may pose a safety risk.  

FAQ

Q. How much does it cost to obtain a duplicate RC?

The fees for a duplicate RC book vary depending on the type of vehicle and range from ₹150–₹2500. Broadly, it is half the cost of a new certificate of registration.  

Q. How long does it take to receive a duplicate RC?

On average, it takes about two to four weeks for a duplicate RC to be processed. It can take up to a week for the physical RC to be mailed to the applicant.  

Q. How can I get a duplicate RC from Parivahan?

Visit the Parivahan homepage and pick the ‘Online services’ tab. On the drop-down, select ‘Vehicle related services’. On the next page, from the drop-down, pick the state in which the vehicle is registered.(Alternately, an applicant can directly go to the Parivahan services page: https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice/vahan/). After this, on the bottom left, pick ‘Vehicle Registration’, enter the registration number and select the state and RTO from the drop-down menu. Once you are on the ‘Online Services’ page, select ‘Apply for Duplicate RC’ and proceed.    

Q. How to apply for a duplicate RC if the original RC is lost or stolen?

Before applying for a duplicate RC, an FIR must be lodged at the local police station and must be done right after the original has been lost or stolen. After this, a duplicate RC application can be submitted online through the Parivahan website or offline at the local RTO. In both cases, the FIR copy will be required with the application. For online applications, visit the Parivahan website and select ‘Online Services’, then select ‘Vehicle Related Services’ from the drop-down menu (or go to the Parivhaan services page: https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice/vahan/). Select the ‘Vehicle Registration’ option on the bottom left tab, enter the vehicle registration number, and select the state of registration and local RTO from the drop-down menu. When the ‘Online Services Page’ appears, select the ‘Apply for Duplicate RC’ option to fill in all the details and submit the application. 

Q. Can I obtain a duplicate RC for a vehicle that is still under a loan or lease?

Yes, a duplicate RC can be applied for a vehicle under loan or lease. If a vehicle has been purchased on loan, then an NOC is required from the bank or financier.  

Q. Is filing an FIR a requirement when applying for a duplicate RC?

It is mandatory to lodge an FIR if the RC has been lost or stolen. However, an FIR is not needed in the case of a damaged RC. 

Q. Can someone else apply for a duplicate RC book on my behalf?

The duplicate RC application is submitted in the name of the registered vehicle owner. Someone can help the applicant in the process of the application, but they cannot submit the application, i.e., sign Form 26 or submit the documents on behalf of the applicant.  

Q. What are the consequences of not having an RC book?

It is illegal to drive a vehicle without an RC, which could lead to the vehicle getting impounded.

Q. What should I do if my duplicate RC book is delayed?

Keep track of the status of the duplicate RC on the Parivahan website and visit the local RTO to enquire about the application. 

Q. What is the difference between duplicate RC and RC renewal?

A duplicate RC has the same details as the original RC and is issued only in cases where the original is damaged, lost, or stolen. An RC renewal is done when the vehicle ownership changes or if the vehicle is past its validity. 

Q. How can I check duplicate RC status? 

Visit the Parivahan website, select ‘Online Services’, then select ‘Vehicle Related Services’ and select the state in which the vehicle is registered. . After this, enter the vehicle registration details to see the status. 

Q. What to do if an RC card is lost?

The step should be to lodge a police complaint immediately. After this, apply for a duplicate RC. Without an FIR, the duplicate RC application will not be accepted.