As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is mandatory to register a new bike with the RTO (Regional Transport Office). If you have recently bought a new bike, you can either visit the nearest RTO office directly or opt to carry out the new bike registration online. Even if you do choose the online process, you may have to physically visit the RTO office for certain procedures. At the RTO, inspectors may inspect and verify the vehicle and then allot a registration number to your new bike. You can even check the new vehicle’s number online on the Vahan portal.
As per Indian Motor Vehicles Act, it is mandatory to complete the new bike registration process with the RTO (Regional Transport Office). If you have recently bought a new bike, then its registration can be carried out at the nearest RTO. You can either visit the office directly or carry out the new bike registration online. Even if it is online, you may have to physically visit the RTO office for certain procedures. At RTO, inspectors may inspect and verify the vehicle and then allot the new bike, a registration number.
The new bike registration process is different for commercial and private vehicles. Either the owner or the dealer can register the new bike. The dealer could register it before delivering the new bike to the owner or the owner can visit the nearest RTO after receiving the new bike for registration.
Here’s a chart that shows the fee structure applicable for the registration of your brand new bike.
Specification |
Fees |
Bikes |
₹300 |
Imported Cars |
₹5,000 |
Smart Card |
₹200 |
Light Motor Vehicles or Cars |
₹600 (Non-transport) |
Imported Bikes |
₹2,500 |
Duplicate Registration Certificate |
Half of Original Registration Fees of New Vehicle |
Here is the complete list of documents required along with registration forms for the new bike registration:
Roadworthiness certificate from the manufacturer
Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC) from the dealer
Temporary Registration Certificate from the RTO
Purchase invoice of the dealer and the manufacturer
Form 34, in case the bike is bought using a bank loan
Engine and Chassis number print by pencil sketch
Address proof (Copy of Driving Licence/Passport/Voter’s ID/Utility bill etc.)
Age proof (Copy of Driving Licence/Passport/Voter’s ID etc.)
Copy of PAN card/Form 34
Passport size photographs
If you are planning to get your new bike registration process done without involving your dealer, you can follow the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Locate your nearest RTO and visit the office directly
Step 2: Fill up Form 20 and submit it to the office along with other necessary documents
Step 3: Once the documents are inspected by the RTO superintendent, the inspector will verify the details mentioned
Step 4: A fixed registration fee should be paid at the office
Step 5: The Motor Vehicle Inspector will inspect the new bike and register the details to the central database
Step 6: During the new two-wheeler registration process, the RTO superintendent will verify the stored data, and the Assistant Regional Transport Officer or ARTO has to approve it
Step 7: After approval of the new bike registration process, the Smart Card along with your new registration bike number will be sent to your registered mailing address
If you want to have the new bike number plate process checked online, you can follow the steps mentioned below.
Step 1: Visit the VAHAN portal launched by the Government of India.
Step 2: Log in to your account using your registered mobile number and password.
Step 3: Enter the application number and verification code.
Step 4: Click on ‘View Report’.
Step 5: Your application status will be displayed on the screen.
If you lose your Registration Certificate or RC by chance, you can get a duplicate copy of the same. Follow the steps mentioned below for duplicate RC issuance.
Visit the Parivahan web portal launched by the Government of India.
From the top menu bar, click on ‘Online Services’.
Choose ‘Vehicle Related Services’ from the dropdown menu.
Select the state name from the list available.
Enter the vehicle registration number, select RTO and click on ‘Proceed’.
From the new window, click on ‘Services’ and select ‘RC Related Services' from the dropdown menu.
Choose ‘Apply for Duplicate RC’.
Now, enter the last 5 digits of the Chassis number and click on ‘Validate’.
On the new window, enter your mobile number and generate an OTP.
Type in the OTP received and select ‘Show Details’ on the screen.
Tick on specific ‘Application Selection’.
Fill in all the required details and choose the payment option.
Once the payment is done, you can take a printout of the fee receipt.
Visit your RTO with this fee receipt and other necessary documents to get the duplicate RC.
Read More: How to Apply for Duplicate RC
No, you cannot drive a new bike on Indian roads without registration. It is a punishable offence under Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
You have to apply for RC renewal after 15 years. Post this period, it has to be renewed after every 5 years.
You will have to pay an additional fee for the delay apart from the RC renewal fee. This is charged at ₹300 per delayed month for a motorcycle owner and ₹500 for those who own other non-transport vehicles.
The RTO bike registration process fee for a two-wheeler vehicle is ₹300.
Once you register your vehicle with the RTO, the validity of the registration lasts for 15 years.
Through the Parivahan portal, you can apply for a duplicate RC if you have lost or misplaced the original RC.
The number is valid for up to 30 days.
Yes, as per the Motor Vehicle Act it is mandatory to carry your RC when you are driving your vehicle. In case you are asked by a traffic police personnel, the RC has to be presented.
Yes, you may use a vehicle that is older than 15 years. However, it is necessary for you to register your vehicle once again to be able to do so.