In India, owning a two-wheeler is not just for convenience and safety. It comes with a set of obligations, one of which is possessing a crucial document called the two-wheeler RC book (two-wheeler registration certificate). This document serves as proof of ownership and registration for your vehicle. But what is this RC for a two-wheeler, how to get your RC book, or how to obtain a duplicate RC book for a two-wheeler online if in case it is misplaced? This page covers everything you need to know about two-wheeler RC book in India.

The RC book, also referred to as the registration certificate, is an important document that confirms that you have registered your two-wheeler with the relevant RTO.

To drive on Indian roads, every vehicle must first be registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It contains all the vital information about your vehicle, such as the name of the owner, registration number, chassis number, engine number, and other information required for legal compliance.

Additionally, it is an important document in order to obtain two-wheeler insurance and acts as legal proof of ownership, registration, and other vehicle information. In the unfortunate circumstance of an accident, a valid RC book is required for filing claims and ensuring proper insurance procedures.

A two-wheeler RC book is legal evidence of the registration of any motorised vehicle. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, all motor vehicles in India undergo registration with the registering authorities, depending on the location where the vehicle is intended to be utilised.

Without a valid registration, a vehicle cannot be driven or used in any public location in the country. The RC of a non-commercial or private vehicle remains valid for 15 years from the date of registration. The registration certificate must then be renewed every five years thereafter. Regardless of brand, manufacture, or model, all cars are required to be registered under the Motor Cars Act.

In India, when you purchase a new vehicle, typically the dealer manages the registration procedure. That being stated, you can also begin your vehicle registration procedure and obtain the RC yourself.

Follow these steps to apply for an RC book yourself:

• Take your vehicle to the closest Regional Transport Office (RTO).
• Your vehicle will be inspected by the RTO officer-in-charge
• You will be required to fill out Form 20 in order to obtain your RC for a two-wheeler.
• An imprint of your vehicle’s chassis number will be taken by the officer-in-charge.
• You will be asked to submit all the supporting documents as per their requirements.
• Lastly, pay the charges at the counter and collect your receipt.
• After a few days, you will receive your vehicle's RC book at your address.

Once your vehicle's RC has been granted, you can access your RC book online via the DigiLocker smartphone app. This enables you to take a digital/electronic RC copy along wherever you go.

The cost structure changes according to the vehicle you possess. See the following table for more details.

The following documents are necessary for two-wheeler registration in India:

• Application in CMV Form 20
• Form 21 issued by the two-wheeler dealer
• Form 22 and 22A issued by the two-wheeler manufacturer
• Proof of the vehicle owner's address, such as an Aadhaar card or ration card
• PAN card copy
• Vehicle insurance certificate
• Affidavit of the applicant
• Form 34, signed by both the vehicle owner and the financier in the case of hypothecation
• Payment of vehicle registration fees
• Receipt for one-time road tax payment
• The dealer issued vehicle receipt
• Passport-sized photos of the vehicle's owner

The RC book for two-wheelers includes important information, including:

• Vehicle registration and engine number.
• The name and place of residence of the vehicle's owner.
• Cubic capacity, weight, model, fuel type, and body type of the vehicle
• Date of vehicle registration, as well as any hypothecation details.
• Vehicle wheel base
• Vehicle manufacturer
• Vehicle manufacturing date (month and year)
• Registration's validity period
• Chassis number for the vehicle.

If you want to verify your vehicle's RC information, all that you need to do is follow the steps listed below.

• Visit VAHAN's website.
• Select the 'Know Your Vehicle Details' option.
• If you already have an account, please log in. Otherwise, sign up to create a new account.
• Once logged in, input your vehicle's registration number and captcha code, then click 'Vahan Search'.
• The webpage will display your vehicle's details.

• Enter VAHAN followed by your vehicle's registration number, and send a text message at '7738299899.'
• You will receive the vehicle's details via text message from the mentioned number.

If you have lost or misplaced your two-wheeler RC, you can obtain a duplicate through these steps:

• Obtain a copy of the police's FIR indicating the loss of the RC book.
• Fill out CMV Form 26.
• If your vehicle is being financed, get Form 26 from the financier (attested).
• Pay the registration fee as applicable
• Attach the tax receipt and payment information for the last four quarters.
• Provide a copy of your two-wheeler insurance certificate.
• Get an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the car financier.
• PUC certificate

Ensure that all necessary documents are supplied along with the completed application in Form 26 to obtain your duplicate RC book.

First, you must write an application to your city's Superintendent of Traffic Police explaining why you need your RC book changed to an RC smart card. Then you will be required to present the following documentation to the Superintendent of Traffic at the RTO:

• Original RC book
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate copy
• Insurance certificate copy
• Required fees, as applicable

After submitting these documents to the RTO, the procedure for getting the RC smart card normally takes about a week.

Now that you know what an RC book is and how to obtain one, you understand why it is a vital piece of documentation for every two-wheeler owner.

If you're thinking about buying a new two-wheeler and considering self-registering, keep in mind that you'll need to have an appropriate two-wheeler insurance plan. Without it, you will be unable to complete the registration procedure for your vehicle.

SBI General provides a quick solution to make the insurance purchase process easier. By visiting their official website, you can compare a range of vehicle insurance policies and choose the one that best suits your needs.

What is a two-wheeler RC book?
The two-wheeler RC book is an official document provided by the RTO (Regional Transport Office) in India that shows possession and registration of the vehicle.

Is it mandatory to have the RC while driving?
Yes, it is required to carry a printed or digital copy of the vehicle's registration certificate when driving. According to the Motor Vehicle Act, if you fail to carry your vehicle's registration certificate, you will be given a fine of Rs.5,000 for your initial offence and Rs.10,000 for subsequent offences.

What happens if a vehicle doesn't possess a valid RC book/RC smart card?
Driving a vehicle without a valid RC book is prohibited and can result in costly fines.

What details are found in the RC book?
You can obtain information about the vehicle's owner, including their full name and address. In addition, you may obtain information on the vehicle, including its chassis and engine number, registration number and validity, the fuel type of the vehicle, its cubic capacity, and more.

What to do when the validity of the vehicle's RC expires?
When your vehicle's registration certificate expires, you can extend its validity for another 5 years by applying to the Regional Transport Office.

What is the RC's validity?
An RC is valid for 15 years from its date of issuance.

Can I modify the address on my registration certificate?
Yes. You can change your address on the RC book. To update the residential address on the RC, you will be required to submit a properly filled-out Form 33. Provide relevant proof of the address change, passport-sized photographs, and certificate of vehicle registration. All of the paperwork can be presented to either the Regional Transportation Officer to the Grade 1 Motor Vehicle Inspector.

What is a temporary RC, and for how much time is it valid?
A temporary RC is a provisional document provided by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) when you buy a new vehicle. It acts as a temporary verification of a vehicle's registration. It is given until the permanent registration certificate is issued. It has validity for 30 days.

What will happen if you lose your RC book?
If you lose your RC book, you can reapply for a duplicate RC book from your local RTO.

Is it possible to sell your two-wheeler without an RC book?
No, a valid RC book is required to transfer ownership of a two-wheeler.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.