A Registration Certificate (RC) is one of the most important documents for vehicle owners in India. It serves as proof that your vehicle has been registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. However, situations like loss, theft, or physical damage to the RC are quite common. Driving without an RC can lead to fines, penalties, or even seizure of your vehicle.
If your RC is lost or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate RC both online and offline. This article provides a step-by-step guide, documents required, fees, and important points to remember when applying for a duplicate RC in India in 2025.
Reasons Why You May Need a Duplicate RC
- Loss of the original RC due to theft or misplacement.
- Physical damage is making it unreadable.
- Natural wear and tear over the years of use.
- Requirement during transfer of ownership if the RC is missing.
- Accident or fire damage leading to loss of RC.
Documents Required
When applying for a duplicate RC, you must submit the following:
- Application Form 26 – The official application for a duplicate RC.
- First Information Report (FIR) – Copy of FIR in case of theft/loss.
- Challan Clearance Certificate – To confirm no pending traffic challans.
- Insurance Certificate – Valid motor insurance copy.
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate – To ensure emission compliance.
- Proof of Identity & Address – Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License, or Voter ID.
- Tax Payment Receipt – Road tax payment proof.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Bank – If the vehicle is under loan/hypothecation.
- Affidavit – Declaring the RC has been lost/damaged and requesting a duplicate.
- Passport-Sized Photographs – For owner’s verification.
Overview Table
| Step | Action Required |
|---|---|
| File FIR | Report theft/loss to police |
| Fill Form 26 | Submit application form |
| Gather Documents | ID, Insurance, PUC, Affidavit |
| Apply Online/Offline | Through Parivahan or RTO |
| Pay Fees | Varies by vehicle type |
| Issuance of RC | Submit the application form |
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Duplicate RC
1. File a Police Complaint
- Lodge an FIR at your nearest police station for the lost/stolen RC.
- Keep a copy of the FIR as it must be submitted with your application.
2. Fill Application Form 26
- Available on the Parivahan website or at the RTO.
- Requires vehicle details like chassis number, engine number, and owner details.
3. Collect Required Documents
- Arrange FIR copy, insurance, PUC, ID/address proof, and affidavit.
- If the vehicle is financed, obtain Form 34 and NOC from the bank.
4. Apply Online (Through Parivahan)
- Visit https://parivahan.gov.in.
- Select “Duplicate RC” under vehicle-related services.
- Fill in the details and upload scanned documents.
- Pay the applicable fees online.
5. Offline Application (At RTO)
- Submit Form 26 along with all supporting documents.
- Pay fees at the RTO counter.
- Vehicle inspection may be required.
6. Verification & Approval
- RTO verifies all documents and the police complaint.
- If all details are correct, the application is processed.
7. Issuance of Duplicate RC
- The RTO issues a Smart Card Duplicate RC.
- It is also updated digitally in DigiLocker for online use.
Fees for Duplicate RC in India (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Duplicate RC Fee | Smart Card Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Wheeler | ₹300 – ₹500 | ₹200 |
| Four-Wheeler (Private) | ₹600 – ₹1,000 | ₹200 |
| Commercial Vehicle | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 | ₹200 |
| Imported Vehicle | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | ₹200 |
Important Points to Remember
- Driving without an RC is a punishable offense with fines up to ₹5,000.
- Always keep a scanned copy of your RC in DigiLocker.
- If your RC was stolen, an FIR is mandatory for issuing a duplicate.
- The process usually takes 7–14 working days, depending on the RTO.
- Hypothecation details must be entered if the vehicle is loan-based.
Conclusion
Losing your RC can feel stressful, but the process to obtain a duplicate RC in India has become streamlined with the help of the Parivahan portal. Whether your RC is lost, stolen, or damaged, following the correct procedure with Form 26, an FIR, and supporting documents ensures you can get a replacement quickly.
A duplicate RC not only keeps you legally compliant but also prevents difficulties in case of insurance claims, resale, or routine police checks. Vehicle owners should also store their RC digitally in DigiLocker for safety and easy access.
FAQs
Q1. Can I drive with a digital RC instead of a duplicate physical RC?
Yes, digital RCs in DigiLocker are valid and legally accepted across India.
Q2. How long does it take to get a duplicate RC?
It usually takes between and 14 working days after verification.
Q3. Is filing an FIR mandatory for a duplicate RC?
Yes, in cases of loss or theft, an FIR copy is compulsory.
