Most dealers handle registration for you, but the sequence is: temporary registration (valid up to 1 month) at delivery, road tax payment (7-23% of ex-showroom price, varying by state), then a permanent RC issued by the RTO, usually within 7-15 working days. Registration fees themselves are modest — around ₹600-1,500 for the RC plus a smart-card and HSRP charge — but road tax is the real cost and differs sharply by state. A High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) is mandatory on every new vehicle.
At a glance
| Step | Typical detail |
|---|---|
| Temporary registration | Valid ~1 month from date of sale, issued by dealer |
| Road tax | One-time for private cars, 7-23% of ex-showroom price by state |
| RTO registration fee | Roughly ₹600-1,500 depending on vehicle class |
| HSRP fee | Mandatory on all new vehicles, cost bundled by dealer |
| Permanent RC issued | Typically 7-15 working days after application |
| Where to track status | Parivahan Sewa portal using application/chassis number |
The registration sequence, step by step
- Dealer issues a temporary registration number valid for about a month so you can legally drive the car home and to the RTO.
- You (or the dealer, under a Power of Attorney most buyers sign) submit Form 20 along with the invoice, sale certificate (Form 21) and roadworthiness certificate (Form 22) to the RTO.
- Road tax is paid based on the vehicle's ex-showroom price and the state's slab rates.
- The RTO verifies documents, and in many states, the vehicle's chassis number is physically inspected.
- A permanent registration number and RC (registration certificate) are issued, and the HSRP is fitted.
What road tax actually costs
Road tax is by far the biggest line item, and it is not standardised nationally — each state sets its own slabs, usually as a percentage of the ex-showroom price, sometimes rising for higher-value cars. Rates commonly range from around 7% to 23%, with some states charging more for diesel vehicles or for cars priced above a threshold (often ₹10-20 lakh). If you're buying in one state but plan to keep the car registered in another (common with job transfers), you'll pay that state's road tax, not your home state's — check before you commit to a dealer in a low-tax state hoping to save money, because re-registering later in your resident state usually triggers a fresh tax demand.
Documents the dealer or you will need
- Sale invoice and Form 21 (sale certificate) from the dealer
- Form 22 (roadworthiness/type-approval certificate) from the manufacturer
- Identity and address proof (Aadhaar, PAN, passport or utility bill)
- Passport-size photographs
- Insurance policy copy (mandatory before registration)
- Temporary registration slip
- Loan hypothecation details, if the car is financed
Common delays and how to avoid them
The most frequent hold-ups are a mismatch between the buyer's name on the invoice and their ID proof, an address proof that doesn't match the RTO's jurisdiction, or a lapsed temporary registration because paperwork sat with the dealer too long. If you're financing the car, the RTO also needs to record the financier's hypothecation on the RC — missing this step is a common reason RC delivery gets delayed by weeks. Always ask the dealer for a written timeline and the application number so you can track status yourself on the Parivahan portal rather than relying on the showroom's updates.
Don't drive beyond the temporary registration's validity while waiting for the permanent RC — an expired temporary tag can attract a fine and, technically, invalidate your insurance claim in an accident.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a permanent RC in India?
Do I have to visit the RTO myself to register a new car?
Why does road tax differ so much between states?
What is an HSRP and is it compulsory?
Can I register a car in a state I don't live in to save on road tax?
Sources & further reading
- Parivahan Sewa (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways)
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
- Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (registration provisions)
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.
