Get Duplicate RC
Certificate Online

What is an RC and When Do You Need a Duplicate?

A Registration Certificate (RC) — also called the RC Book or RC Smart Card — is the official document issued by your Regional Transport Office (RTO) that proves your vehicle is legally registered in your name and authorised to be driven on Indian roads. Carrying a valid RC is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

You need to apply for a Duplicate RC in any of these situations:

First Step — File an FIR (If RC is Lost or Stolen)

If your RC has been lost or stolen, filing an FIR at your nearest police station is mandatory before applying for a duplicate. The FIR protects you legally in case the original RC is misused by someone else.

• 1
  Visit your nearest police station — it does not have to be the RTO's jurisdiction, any police station in your city will do.
• 2
  Report that your vehicle's RC book / smart card has been lost or stolen. Provide the vehicle registration number (from your number plate), vehicle make and model, and your personal details.
• 3
  The police will register a Non-Cognisable Report (NCR) or FIR. Collect the FIR acknowledgement slip — this is your proof of reporting. Keep multiple copies.
• 4
  Prepare a notarised affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper declaring that your RC has been lost and is not in the possession of any third party. This affidavit is required along with the FIR when submitting the duplicate RC application.

Eligibility Requirements

• ✓
  Registered owner of the vehicle — only the person named as the registered owner in the RTO database can apply for a duplicate RC. If you have purchased the vehicle but the transfer of ownership is pending, the previous owner must apply.
• ✓
  Vehicle must be registered — your vehicle's registration must be active and not expired, suspended, or cancelled. If your RC validity has lapsed, renew it first.
• ✓
  Valid insurance — your vehicle must have a valid insurance policy at the time of application. Lapsed insurance will cause the application to fail.
• ✓
  No outstanding challans — some RTOs require all pending traffic challans to be cleared before processing the duplicate RC. Check your challan status at echallan.parivahan.gov.in.
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  FIR copy (if lost/stolen) — mandatory for loss or theft cases. Not required for damaged/mutilated RC.
• ✓
  Vehicle under loan — if your vehicle is under hypothecation (bank loan), you can still apply for a duplicate RC. Some states may require an NOC from the bank/financier. The hypothecation details will continue to appear on the new RC.

Documents Required

Apply Online via Vahan Portal — Step by Step

The official Vahan portal allows you to submit the duplicate RC application, pay fees, and upload documents entirely online. An RTO appointment may be needed in some states for biometric verification or document submission.

• 1
  Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice/vahan/ in your browser. Alternatively, visit parivahan.gov.in → Online Services → Vehicle Related Services → Select your state.
  

  Visit the Vahan portal and enter your vehicle registration number
• 2
  Enter your vehicle registration number in the search field (e.g., MH01AB1234) and click "Proceed".
• 3
  If you are a new user, click "Register" and create an account with your mobile number and email. Existing users can log in with their mobile number and OTP. The account is free and takes less than 2 minutes to create.
• 4
  Click on "Basic Services" from the top menu of the Vahan citizen services page.
  

  Click Basic Services → then navigate to RC related services
• 5
  Enter the last 5 digits of your vehicle's chassis number in the provided field and click "Validate Regn_no/Chasi_no" to verify your ownership.
• 6
  Click "Generate OTP". An OTP will be sent to the mobile number registered with your vehicle. Enter the OTP and click "Submit".
• 7
  From the list of available services, select "Duplicate RC".
• 8
  Fill in the Service Details — select the reason for duplicate RC (Lost, Damaged, Destroyed, Mutilated), enter the FIR number and date (for lost/stolen), and other required details.
  

  Select the reason, enter FIR details (if lost), and fill service information
• 9
  Update your Insurance Details — enter your current insurance policy number, insurer name, and policy validity dates. This is a mandatory step.
• 10
  Review the Fee Panel. The applicable fee will be calculated and shown. Click "Proceed" to go to the payment page.
• 11
  Pay the fee online via UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking. Save the payment receipt — your application is now submitted. Note the application reference number.
• 12
  Upload documents (if your state's Vahan configuration requires it) — scanned copies of FIR, affidavit, proof of identity, proof of address, insurance, PUC, and photograph. Files must be in JPG or PDF format, under 500 KB each.
  

  Upload all required documents and confirm submission
• 13
  Book an appointment (if required by your state) to visit the RTO for document verification and to surrender the original damaged RC if applicable. The portal will show if an appointment is needed.
• 14
  A receipt is generated with your application reference number. Download and save this receipt — you will use it to track your application status.

Apply Offline at the RTO

If you prefer to apply in person, or if your state's online portal is not working for your vehicle, visit the RTO where your vehicle is registered.

• 1
  Download and print Form 26 (Application for Duplicate RC) from parivahan.gov.in, or collect a physical copy from the RTO front desk. Fill it completely in capital letters.
• 2
  Attach all required documents — FIR copy (if lost), affidavit, proof of identity, proof of address, insurance certificate, PUC certificate, photographs, and the original damaged RC (if applicable).
• 3
  Visit the RC Services desk at the RTO where your vehicle is registered. Submit your complete application set.
• 4
  Pay the prescribed fee at the RTO counter — cash, demand draft, or via the online payment link the RTO officer provides. Collect the fee receipt.
• 5
  Collect your acknowledgement slip with the application reference number. This is your proof of submission. Use it to track the status online.
• 6
  The duplicate RC smart card will be dispatched to your registered address by speed post once processing is complete — typically within 15–30 working days.

Fees Breakdown

All fees are standard MoRTH rates. Some states may charge slightly more. All fees are non-refundable once paid.

Timeline — How Long Does It Take?

How to Track Your Duplicate RC Application Status

You can check the status of your duplicate RC application online at any time:

Via Vahan Portal

• 1
  Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice and log in with your registered mobile number.
• 2
  Click on "Status" in the top menu and select "Know Your Application Status".
• 3
  Enter your application reference number or your vehicle registration number and click Search. Your current application stage will be displayed.

Via SMS

Send an SMS: VAHAN [Vehicle Registration Number] to 7738299899 to get basic vehicle status including RC details.

Via Phone

Call the Parivahan helpline at 1800-180-0151 (toll-free) or 0120-492 5505 with your application reference number for a status update.

Get Digital RC from mParivahan or DigiLocker (Immediately)

While waiting for the physical duplicate RC to arrive, you can access your legally valid digital RC right now using the mParivahan app or DigiLocker. These are accepted by traffic police across India under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Via mParivahan App

• Download the NextGen mParivahan app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
• Register with your mobile number → tap Informational Services → RC Search
• Enter your vehicle registration number — your digital RC will appear and can be shown to traffic police at any time

Via DigiLocker

• Open digilocker.gov.in or the DigiLocker app
• Log in with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
• Search for "Vehicle Registration Certificate" under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
• Enter your vehicle registration number — your RC will be fetched directly from the Vahan database and stored in your DigiLocker permanently

Common Errors and Fixes

❌ "Vehicle Not Found" When Entering Registration Number

Your vehicle's records may not be fully migrated to the Vahan digital portal. This is common for vehicles registered before 2010 in some states.

Fix: Visit the RTO where your vehicle is registered and request a Vahan database migration. Once updated (usually 2–3 days), the online application will work.

❌ "Chassis Number Validation Failed"

You entered the wrong chassis number or the wrong 5 digits. The chassis number is a 17-character VIN code — the portal requires the last 5 characters.

Fix: Locate your chassis number on the vehicle (door frame, firewall, under dashboard) or on your insurance certificate. Enter only the last 5 characters — letters and numbers, exactly as engraved.

❌ "OTP Not Received" on Registered Mobile

Your registered mobile number in the Vahan database may be outdated or incorrect.

Fix: Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in → Online Services → Change Mobile Number. Update it with your current number. Once updated, the OTP will be delivered correctly.

❌ "Insurance Expired" Error During Application

The Vahan portal blocks duplicate RC applications if the vehicle's insurance has lapsed. You must have valid, active insurance to apply.

Fix: Renew your vehicle insurance immediately. After renewal, contact your insurance company and confirm they have updated the policy details on the Vahan database. Once the insurance shows as valid on Vahan, proceed with the duplicate RC application.

❌ Application Rejected by RTO

Rejection usually happens due to incomplete documents, mismatched details between the FIR and application, or outstanding challans.

Fix: Check the rejection reason in your application status on the Vahan portal. Clear any outstanding challans at echallan.parivahan.gov.in. Resubmit with corrected and complete documents.

Frequently Asked Questions