For a new car, you'll need Form 20 (application), Form 21 (sale certificate), Form 22 (roadworthiness certificate), the invoice, insurance copy, and ID/address proof. For a used car transfer, the core forms are Form 29 (notice of transfer) and Form 30 (application to transfer), plus the original RC, insurance, valid PUC, both parties' ID proof, and a No Objection Certificate from the financier if the vehicle was under loan. Missing even one of these is the single biggest cause of RTO rejection.
Documents at a glance
| Situation | Core documents needed |
|---|---|
| New car registration | Form 20, Form 21, Form 22, invoice, insurance, ID/address proof |
| Used car ownership transfer | Form 29, Form 30, original RC, insurance, valid PUC, both parties' ID |
| Financed vehicle | Additional NOC from the lender / hypothecation clearance |
| Interstate transfer | NOC (Form 28) from the original state's RTO |
| Address change on RC | Form 33 plus new address proof |
| Duplicate RC (lost/damaged) | Form 26 plus an FIR or affidavit and old RC copy if available |
Documents for registering a brand-new car
A dealer usually assembles this bundle for you, but it's worth knowing what's in it so you can spot a gap. You need Form 20 (the application for registration), Form 21 (the sale certificate issued by the dealer confirming the sale), and Form 22 (the roadworthiness/type-approval certificate from the manufacturer confirming the vehicle meets safety and emissions standards). Add the sale invoice, a valid motor insurance policy (mandatory before any vehicle touches a public road), passport photographs, and identity and address proof — Aadhaar, PAN and a recent utility bill or passport are all commonly accepted.
Documents for transferring a used car
Ownership transfer runs on two forms: Form 29 (notice of transfer of ownership, filed by the seller) and Form 30 (the buyer's application to register the transfer). Alongside these you'll need the original RC book, the current insurance policy (which should be transferred or re-issued to the buyer), a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and identity/address proof for both buyer and seller. Both parties typically sign the forms, and many RTOs now accept the process largely online via the Parivahan portal, with only document verification requiring an in-person or Aadhaar e-KYC step.
If the car was financed
A car bought on loan has the financier's hypothecation noted on the RC. Before you can sell it, you need a No Objection Certificate (Form 35) from the lender confirming the loan is closed and the hypothecation can be removed. Selling or transferring a hypothecated vehicle without this step is a common source of legal disputes.
If you're moving the car to another state
An interstate transfer needs an additional NOC (Form 28) issued by the RTO where the vehicle is currently registered. This clears the vehicle for re-registration elsewhere and confirms there are no pending dues, challans or police cases against it.
Documents for a lost or damaged RC
If the RC book is lost, apply for a duplicate using Form 26, supported by either a police complaint/FIR or a notarised affidavit stating the loss, plus a copy of the old RC if you have one. A damaged RC can usually be replaced with the same form without a police report.
PAN is compulsory on vehicle-related documents where the value crosses the income-tax threshold for high-value transactions; not carrying it is a frequent cause of last-minute RTO counter rejections.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Form 29 and Form 30?
Can I complete RC transfer entirely online in India?
Do I need a PUC certificate to transfer ownership?
What documents do I need if my car loan isn't fully paid off?
Is Aadhaar mandatory for car registration in India?
Sources & further reading
- Parivahan Sewa (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways)
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
