Vehicle Ownership Transfer in India Complete Guide 2025

Introduction

In India, transferring the ownership of a car or bike is a legal requirement whenever the vehicle is sold, gifted, inherited, or bought at an auction. If ownership is not updated in the Regional Transport Office (RTO) records, the previous owner can continue to receive traffic challans or even be held responsible for accidents caused by the vehicle.

This guide explains when to transfer ownership, the documents required, and how the process works, with direct links to official resources.

When is Ownership Transfer Required?

Ownership transfer must be done in these situations:

• Selling a vehicle – When a car or bike is sold to another person.
  
  

• Gifting a vehicle – If the vehicle is handed over to a relative or family member.
  
  

• After the owner’s death, the vehicle passes on to the legal heir.
  
  

• Buying from an auction – If the vehicle is purchased in a bank or government auction.

Documents Required for Ownership Transfer

The following documents are usually needed:

• Registration Certificate (RC)
  
  

• Valid insurance certificate
  
  

• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
  
  

• Buyer’s address proof (Aadhar, Voter ID, Passport, etc.)
  
  

• Passport-size photographs of the buyer and seller
  
  

• PAN card copies of both parties (for sales transactions)
  
  

• Forms 28, 29, and 30 (downloadable from the Parivahan portal)
  
  

• Death certificate and proof of relation (in case of inheritance)
  
  

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) if transferring to another state
  
  Also read→
  How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration Certificate in India

Step-by-Step Process at the RTO

1. Visit the RTO
   The buyer and seller should go to the RTO where the vehicle is registered.
   
   

2. Submit Forms and Documents
   Submit Forms 28, 29, and 30 along with RC, insurance, and PUC. Forms are available at the RTO or on the Parivahan website.
   
   

3. Pay the Prescribed Fee
   
   

   • Two-wheelers: approximately ₹150–₹300
     
     
     

   • Four-wheelers: approximately ₹300–₹500
     (Charges may vary by state. For details, check your state’s RTO website.)
     
     

4. Vehicle Verification
   In some cases, the RTO may inspect the vehicle before approving the transfer.
   
   

5. Receive New RC
   After approval, the buyer is issued a new Registration Certificate (RC) in their name. Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks.

Important Points to Keep in Mind

• Keep a signed sale agreement or delivery note for legal proof.
  
  

• Ensure the insurance policy is updated in the new owner’s name; otherwise, claims may be denied.
  
  

• For transfers outside the state, always obtain an NOC first.
  
  

• Until the RTO completes the process, the seller remains legally responsible for the vehicle.

Can the Process Be Done Online?

Yes, you can start the process online using the official Parivahan portal. However, even if you apply online, you must visit the RTO to submit documents and complete verification.

Also read→
How to Get Vehicle NOC from RTO: Complete Step Guide

Conclusion

The vehicle ownership transfer process is straightforward if all documents are prepared in advance and steps are followed carefully. Whether it is a car ownership transfer or a bike ownership transfer, updating records at the RTO ensures that future liabilities do not fall on the previous owner. Using the official Parivahan portal helps begin the process quickly, but final approval is always done at the RTO.

By completing the process properly, both buyer and seller are legally protected, and ownership of the vehicle is officially updated.