RC Transfer Process for Second-Hand Vehicles

4 Jul 2025

Written by: BikeCarHub Editorial Team

Published on: 4th July 2025

Introduction

Buying or selling a second-hand vehicle in India? One of the most critical legal steps you must complete is the RC (Registration Certificate) transfer. It ensures that the buyer becomes the new registered owner of the vehicle, removing the seller from all future liabilities related to that vehicle.

Thanks to digital India initiatives, the RC transfer process has become easier and faster through online portals like Parivahan. In this 2025 step-by-step guide by BikeCarHub, we explain how to transfer RC for second-hand vehicles efficiently, legally, and conveniently.

Why RC Transfer is Necessary

Legal ownership proof for the buyer
Protects seller from future traffic fines or legal issues
Required for insurance claim settlement
Mandatory during vehicle resale or loan applications

When is RC Transfer Required?

After the sale of a used vehicle (bike or car)
Within-family transfers (gift or inheritance)
Ownership change due to the death of the owner
Inter-state relocation and registration change

RC Transfer Scenarios

1. Same-State Transfer Buyer and seller reside in the same state

2. Inter-State Transfer Vehicle sold and registered in another state

3. Death of Owner Requires succession certificate or legal heir declaration

Documents Required for RC Transfer

Document Name	Purpose
Original RC	To validate current ownership
Form 29 & 30	Notification and application for ownership transfer
PUC Certificate	Valid emission compliance
Insurance Certificate	Mandatory for transfer approval
Address & ID Proofs	Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.
NOC (if inter-state)	No Objection Certificate from original RTO
Form 28, 27, 35	Additional for interstate or hypothecation removal

Pre-Transfer Checklist

Ensure the vehicle has no pending challans (check via eChallan portal)
Clear loan hypothecation if active
Verify insurance and PUC validity
Make a notarized sale agreement
Scan and keep digital copies ready

Step-by-Step Guide to Online RC Transfer (Same State)

Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Portal

Go to https://parivahan.gov.in and select "Vehicle Related Services."

Step 2: Choose State and RTO

Select your respective state and RTO office.

Step 3: Select "Transfer of Ownership"

Enter the vehicle registration number and chassis number (last 5 digits).

Step 4: Fill Buyer and Seller Details

Include names, addresses, contact details, and sale date.

Step 5: Upload Documents

Submit scanned copies of RC, Form 29 & 30, ID proofs, insurance, and PUC.

Step 6: Pay Online Fee

Fees can be paid via UPI, cards, or internet banking.

Step 7: Book RTO Appointment (if required)

Some RTOs may ask for physical verification.

Step 8: Submit Acknowledgment Receipt

Keep a digital/printed copy of your application for reference.

Online RC Transfer for Inter-State Vehicle

Additional Steps:

Apply for NOC from original RTO using Form 28
Submit Form 27 (re-registration) and pay applicable road tax
Transfer RC after receiving NOC and re-registration

Note: New RC will have the updated RTO code of the buyer's state.

RC Transfer Charges & Fees (2025)

Regular Bike Transfer: ₹30 - ₹35 (state-dependent)
Smart Card Fee: ₹200
Imported Bike Transfer: Up to ₹100 (state-dependent)

Online vs Offline RC Transfer

Feature	Online Transfer	Offline Transfer
Speed	7-15 days	15-30 days
Convenience	High	Low
Document Submission	Digital	Physical
Payment Mode	Online	Cash/DD
Tracking	Real-time	Manual follow-up

BikeCarHub Tip: Go digital! It's faster, safer, and more transparent.

How to Track RC Transfer Status

Visit Parivahan > Vehicle-Related Services
Click "Application Status"
Enter Application Number and Date of Birth
View real-time status: pending, under review, approved, dispatched

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Failing to check pending challans
Missing NOC in case of inter-state transfer
Not updating insurance to buyer's name
Uploading poor quality or incorrect documents
Delaying submission post-sale

Tips for Smooth RC Transfer

Always use high-resolution scanned documents
Choose weekdays for RTO appointments
Maintain backup copies of receipts and forms
Start the process within 14 days of sale

Conclusion

Transferring the RC of a second-hand vehicle is a legal requirement that protects both the buyer and seller. With the Parivahan portal, the process has become highly efficient and transparent. Whether you're selling your old bike or buying a used scooter, following the correct RC transfer process will ensure smooth ownership change.

For more vehicle ownership and legal guides, visit BikeCarHub — your trusted motor companion.