Kolkata RTO: A Complete Guide to Regional Transport Office Services

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) plays an essential role in managing transportation and ensuring road safety across Indian cities. In Kolkata, the RTO takes on several responsibilities, ranging from vehicle registration and issuing driving licences to enforcing road safety standards. This guide provides detailed information about the services offered by the Kolkata RTO, making it easier for residents to navigate the various processes involved.

The Kolkata RTO ensures the smooth management of traffic and compliance with motor vehicle laws. It serves as the governing authority for road safety, licensing, and vehicle registration, all of which are crucial for maintaining order and efficiency on the city's roads.

 

The RTO is essential for residents who need to register their vehicles, obtain a driving licence, or pay road taxes. It also ensures that traffic laws are followed and works towards minimising road accidents through stringent enforcement of safety regulations.

Every region within Kolkata has a designated RTO code. These codes help in the identification and management of vehicles across the city. Below is a table listing the RTO codes for different regions in Kolkata.

Kolkata has several RTO offices spread across the city. Each office caters to a specific region, making it convenient for residents to access services. Below is a table listing the RTO office locations, their contact numbers, and working hours.

Issuing Driving Licences

The RTO issues learner’s licence and permanent driving licences. It also handles the renewal of expired licences and provides international driving permits (IDP) for those who wish to drive abroad.

Vehicle Registration and Renewal

The Kolkata RTO is responsible for registering all new vehicles and renewing existing registrations. Vehicle registration is mandatory for anyone purchasing a vehicle in Kolkata. Renewal is also required periodically to keep the vehicle on the road legally.

Issuing Permits

The RTO issues various types of permits for commercial vehicles, such as passenger transport, goods carriers, and tourist vehicles. These permits ensure that vehicles operate legally within specified boundaries.

Road Tax Collection

The RTO collects road taxes, which are used for maintaining road infrastructure. Road tax rates are calculated based on the type and age of the vehicle, and it is mandatory for vehicle owners to pay this tax.

Enforcing Road Safety and Pollution Control

The Kolkata RTO plays a significant role in ensuring road safety by enforcing traffic laws, regulating speed limits, and conducting vehicle pollution checks. The office takes measures to reduce pollution levels by ensuring vehicles meet emission standards.

The RTO requires specific forms for various services. Some of the essential forms include:

• Form 1A: For medical fitness certificate

• Form 20: For vehicle registration

• Form 26: For a duplicate certificate of registration

• Form 28: For no objection certificate (NOC) for transferring vehicles

Vehicle registration is mandatory for all vehicles in India, including Kolkata. Whether you're registering a new vehicle or renewing your existing registration, the Kolkata RTO ensures that the process is straightforward and well-organised.

Steps to Register a New Vehicle in Kolkata

1. Visit the Kolkata RTO or apply online via the Parivahan website at https://parivahan.gov.in

2. Submit the following documents:

   • Form 20 (Application for Registration)

   • Form 21 (Sales Certificate from the dealer)

   • Form 22 (Roadworthiness certificate issued by the manufacturer)

   • Proof of valid insurance

   • Proof of address (such as Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.)

   • PAN Card or Form 60 (if PAN not available)

   • Temporary registration certificate (if applicable)

3. Pay the registration fee based on your vehicle type as per the fee structure set by the Kolkata RTO

4. The RTO Superintendent will verify the details provided in your application.

5. The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) will review and approve the registration.

6. After approval, the RTO office will initiate the process to issue a Smart Card for your vehicle, which will be delivered to your registered address by post

Steps to Renew Vehicle Registration in Kolkata

In Kolkata, it's essential to renew your vehicle’s registration certificate 60 days before its expiry to ensure your vehicle remains road-legal.

Documents Required for Registration Renewal

• Duly filled Form 25 (Application for Renewal of Registration)

• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

• Original Registration Certificate (RC Book)

• Fitness certificate (if applicable)

• Proof of payment for up-to-date road taxes

• Valid insurance certificate

• Copy of PAN card or Form 60 and Form 61, as applicable

• Chassis and Engine Pencil Print

• Identification proof with the owner’s signature

How to Apply for Vehicle Registration Renewal in Kolkata

1. Submit Form 25 to the relevant Kolkata RTO office within 60 days before your registration expires

The Kolkata RTO oversees the transfer of vehicle ownership, whether it's due to a regular sale or the death of the vehicle owner.

For Normal Sale

When a vehicle is sold, the transferor (seller) must notify the Kolkata RTO of the sale within the stipulated time frame.

• Within the same state

The seller must submit Form 29 to the respective RTO within 14 days of the sale

• For out-of-state vehicles

If the vehicle is registered in a different state, the seller must submit Form 29 within 45 days

The transferee (buyer) must then apply for the ownership transfer using Form 30. If the vehicle is from another state, additional forms (Form I and Form II) may be required. Along with these forms, supporting documents such as proof of insurance, address proof, and the original registration certificate must be submitted to complete the process.

On Death of the Owner

In case of the vehicle owner’s death, the legal heir or nominee must apply for the transfer of ownership using Form 31. This must be done within three months of the owner's death. The applicant must also submit the necessary documents, including a death certificate, along with the applicable fees, to the Kolkata RTO for approval.

In Kolkata, you can apply for a driving licence either online or offline. The online process simplifies the initial steps, but you'll still need to visit the RTO for biometric verification and the mandatory driving test.

Online Application Process

To apply for a driving licence online in Kolkata, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Parivahan website at https://parivahan.gov.in

2. Click on the “Drivers/ Learners Licence” tab

3. Select "West Bengal" from the drop-down list

4. You’ll be redirected to the state's Sarathi page

5. Choose “Apply for Learner Licence” or “Apply for Driving Licence”

6. Complete the application form, upload your documents, and make the payment

7. Book your learner’s licence test slot

8. After the payment, print your receipt and application form

 

You will receive your application number via email and SMS. Once you pass the learner’s test, you can book a slot for your driving test using the same application number. Remember to carry your application form and payment slip on the test day.

Offline Application Process at the RTO

For those who prefer an offline approach, you can visit the Kolkata RTO directly. Here's what you need to do:

1. Visit the nearest RTO and fill out the application form

2. Submit the form along with the necessary documents and photographs

3. The RTO officer will verify your details and schedule your driving test

4. Pay the fee for a Smart Card licence, if applicable (Rs. 200)

5. After passing the test conducted by a Motor Vehicle Inspector, your driving licence will be sent to your registered address

6. If you fail the test, you can reattempt it after 7 days

Renewal of Driving Licence in Kolkata

To renew your driving licence in Kolkata, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit Sarathi Parivahan

2. Select "West Bengal" as your state and district

3. Click on “Apply for DL Renewal”

4. Pay the renewal fee of ₹50 (within 30 days of expiry)

5. If delayed, an additional ₹50 late fee will apply. For a Smart Card licence, there’s an extra fee of ₹200.

If you're planning to drive internationally, you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) at the Kolkata RTO. The IDP allows you to legally drive in foreign countries where it is recognised. The application process is straightforward and requires the following steps:

1. Fill out Form 4A (Application for International Driving Permit)

2. Submit the following documents:

   • Valid passport

   • Visa for the destination country

   • Current Indian driving licence

   • Passport-size photographs

3. Pay the applicable fees at the RTO

 

Once the documents are verified and the application is processed, the IDP will be issued and sent to your registered address.

The Kolkata RTO offers several services online, making it convenient for residents to access key services.

• Booking RTO Appointments

You can book appointments for driving tests or vehicle registration online via the Parivahan website.

• Online Payments

Fines, taxes, and fees can be paid online through secure payment gateways.

• Downloading Forms

Important forms like Form 1A, Form 20, and Form 26 are available for download online.

The RTO fees vary based on the service and the type of vehicle. Below are some typical fee structures for Kolkata RTO:

Fee Structure for Vehicle Registration

Driving Licence Fees

Permit Fees

The Kolkata RTO is a crucial entity in ensuring road safety, regulating vehicles, and managing transport-related services in the city. Whether you're applying for a driving licence, registering a vehicle, or paying road taxes, the Kolkata RTO offers a variety of services to keep the city’s roads safe and compliant with legal standards.