Step-by-Step Guide on Transfer of Ownership of a Car

Key High​​lights

• To transfer car ownership in India, acquire the appropriate documents, including Forms 29 and 30, RC, PUC, and insurance papers.
• Submit them to the RTO together with identity documents and a No Objection Certificate (if required).
• Pay the required transfer fees and wait for the new RC to be issued in the buyer's name.
• Make sure the car's insurance is transferred to the new owner as well.

You might sell your car or get one through inheritance or gift. In any of these cases, transferring car ownership is an important step. This allows you to be legally recognised as the new owner. Moreover, the previous owner is protected from future liabilities like traffic fines or financial compensations.

There is a specific process on how to transfer car ownership. Let’s understand the process in detail.

Documents Req​​uired to Change Ownership of a Car

The first step in the process of how to transfer RC is to gather the relevant documentation. The seller and buyer must collaborate to ensure all paperwork is complete in case of regular sale.

Here are the main documents required:

1. Form 29: Notice of transfer of ownership of vehicle.
2. ​ Form 30: Application for intimation and transfer of vehicle ownership.
3. RC (Registration Certificate): It contains all of the car’s information and is required for ownership transfer.
4. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate: A valid PUC certificate is required for all cars at the time of sale.
5. Car Insurance Policy: A copy of the car’s valid insurance policy must be transferred to the new owner.
6. Other Documents: The buyer and seller must supply identity verification (such as an Aadhaar, or passport) and passport-sized pictures.
7. No Objection Certificate (NOC): If the car is hypothecated (a loan has been taken out against it), the financial institution must provide NOC.
8. Engine and Chassis pencil print
9. Tax Clearance Certificate
10. Proof of purchase along with the date

Also Read - Find out how to get the PUC online

Documentation Req​​uired on Death

In case of death, the following documents are required for the transfer of the RC -

• Form 31
• Registration certificate along with the original RC book
• Insurance certificate
• Death certificate
• PUC
• Pan card of the successor or form 60
• Declaration by all the heirs and the applicant
• ID proof of the successor along with passport-photograph
• Form 20, including the verification of the car
• Proof of relationship or succession
• Engine and chassis pencil print

Documentation R​​equired in an Auction

In case of a public auction of the car, the following documents (along with the basic documents of the car and the ID proof of the new owner) are to be prepared in the transfer of ownership of the car.

• Form 32
• Certificate or order certifying the sale of the car in his favour, properly certified by the person authorised to conduct the auction.
• Certified copy of a document of the Central or State Government authorising the sale of the car.

Also Read - Check out the top five fastest cars in the world

How to Transfer Car​​ Ownership?

After the documentation is done, the process to transfer the RC is as follows -

Submission of Documents to ​​the Regional Transport Office (RTO)

The next step is to submit the documents to the RTO. If the car is being moved to another state, the NOC must also be presented. Depending on the RTO, some forms may be available for online submission, but the majority of the process requires a physical visit to the RTO.

RC Transfer Charg​​es

The RTO charges a modest fee for the transfer of ownership. The actual car RC transfer charges may vary based on the type of car, engine capacity, and state in which the RTO is located.

Car Examination and ​​Verification

In some situations, the RTO may request an in-person examination of the car to determine its condition and the legitimacy of the paperwork.

Get the Upd​ated RC

After the RTO has processed the transfer and all payments have been received, then you will receive an updated RC with the new ownership information.

Update Address ​and Insurance 

After receiving the updated RC, ensure that the car's insurance coverage is transferred to your name.

Transfer Car Owners​​hip Seamlessly

Transferring car ownership is an important legal procedure that protects both the buyer and seller from future disputes or obligations. Ensuring that all paperwork is in place will allow you to execute the transfer without delays or penalties.

Know how to transfer car ownership for a seamless transfer. Also, opt for a comprehensive car insurance policy from Reliance General Insurance for all-around protection for your car.

FA​Qs

Q1. How much tim​e does it ta​​ke to transfer vehicle ownership in India?

The process typically takes between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on the RTO.​

Q2. How can I transfe​​r owne​​rship of a car online?

Some RTOs offer limited online services on the Parivahan Sewa portal for online car ownership transfer. However, even in such cases, the physical presentation of documents is still required.

Q3 - What to do if I l​​ose the ​​original RC?

If you lose the original RC, you should apply for a duplicate RC through the RTO before transferring ownership.

Q4 - Is there any ​additional ste​​p if the car is financed through a loan?

If you have a loan on the car, you will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank or financial institution before transferring the vehicle.

Q5 - What should​​​ I d​o if there are pending traffic challans on my car?

You should clear all pending violations before you transfer its ownership.