How to Get Duplicate RC Online & Offline?

What is a Duplicate RC?

A duplicate Registration Certificate (RC) is an official copy of your vehicle's original RC, issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It serves as legal proof of vehicle ownership, just like the original, and becomes necessary when the original RC is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed. Think of it as a replacement for your car or bike's "birth certificate."

Your RC is a crucial document. It contains vital information about your vehicle, including its registration number, chassis and engine numbers, as well as your name and address as the owner. Driving without a valid RC can result in fines and legal complications. Therefore, if your original RC is compromised in any way, obtaining a duplicate RC is essential to ensure you can continue drive your bike legally and without any hassles or worries.

When & Why Would You Require Duplicate RC?

Here are a few reasons why would you need duplicate RC downloaded:

• Lost or Stolen RC (and potentially bike): If your RC is lost or stolen, you will need a duplicate RC book to prove ownership. In the worst scenario, if your bike was also stolen (a common scenario when an RC goes missing), you will need both the duplicate RC and your bike insurance policy to file a claim. The RC proves you owned the bike, and your bike insurance policy confirms it was insured.
  Without both, your claim could be denied. Filing an FIR with the police is the first step in both getting a duplicate RC and filing a bike insurance claim in India. However, ensure you have a comprehensive bike insurance policy as it covers loss due to theft to your insured motorcycle.
• Damaged or Mutilated RC: A damaged RC is practically useless. You need a legible RC for any official purpose. While this situation might not directly involve your insurance, having a valid RC is essential for any RTO-related work, including some insurance-related processes.
• Destroyed RC: Similar to a damaged RC, a destroyed one needs replacing. Again, while not directly tied to a claim, a valid RC is a basic requirement for legally owning and operating a vehicle, which is the foundation of your insurance coverage.
• Change in Personal Details: If you change your address, you will need a duplicate RC reflecting the updated information. While this might not directly impact your existing two-wheeler insurance policy, it's crucial for any future interactions with your insurer. For example, if you need to make a claim, the address on your RC should match the address on your policy. Hence, you must raise bike insurance endorsement request for changing personal details with your insurance provider.
• Transfer of Ownership: When selling your bike, you will need to transfer the RC to the new owner. This process usually involves issuing a new RC, which in a sense is a "duplicate" reflecting the new ownership. The RC transfer of bike is a critical step in this process.

What is the Process for Duplicate RC Download?

There is an online procedure for duplicate RC download. Follow the below steps for duplicate RC download:

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Sewa website portal.
• Step 2: Fill out the application form.
• Step 3: Fill in the required information, such as police FIR and bike insurance policy details.
• Step 4: Submit the fee amount displayed on your phone. The fee depends on the vehicle's category.
• Step 5: Get a duplicate RC, download it, and print the receipt generated on the successful payment.
• Step 6: Submit the receipt and other documents to the RTO office.

Documents Required for Duplicate Bike RC Download

You must submit the following documents and the application form to the RTO office:

• Application form no 26. (From the financier of hypothecated, a copy attested to the endorsement and in duplicate)
• Get the original FIR copy. Once you register an FIR at the police station, if your vehicle is stolen or lost
• Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC) attested copy.
• Valid Two-wheeler Insurance certificate attested copy*.
• Address proof*
• Challan clearance from traffic police*
• PAN card attested copy or form 60 & 61*
• Chassis & Engine pencil print*
• Identification of signature of owner*
• Affidavit that states you lost the RC and has not been recovered

*Note: All the document copies must be attested by Nigam Parshad/MLA/Public Notary/Gazetted officer, and the documents marked with * might be required in some states.

How to Apply for Duplicate RC Offline?

To apply for duplicate RC offline, you need to follow the steps mentioned below:

• Step 1: The first and foremost thing to do is to file an FIR at the local police station. Mention everything about the vehicle, like owner details, chassis number, engine number, and registration number.
• Step 2: Visit the RTO office where the vehicle was initially registered.
• Step 3: Issue the RC extract. An RC-Extract is the owner's information about the registered vehicle and driving license.
• Step 4: Fill in the application form for duplicate RC.
• Step 5: Do this along with Form 26.
• Step 6: Get your vehicle financier to attest that the two-wheeler was on loan.
• Step 7: Choose the type of vehicle. Then, submit the form to the RTO office and take the receipt.

Documents Required for Duplicate RC Offline

You would require the following documents when applying for the duplicate RC offline:

• Tax token along with tax payment details of the last year
• Motor insurance documents
• NOC from financier
• Valid PUC certificate

Fee for Getting a Duplicate RC

Here is a table highlighting the fee structure to get Duplicate RC:

*Disclaimer: The fees mentioned above are per the Motor Vehicle Act, rule no. 53(2) and might vary from vehicle to vehicle.

How to Check the Status of Duplicate RC?

To check the status of your duplicate Registration Certificate (RC), follow the below steps:

• Step 1: Visit the official website of Parivahan (Vahan).
• Step 2: Navigate to 'RCDL' to check the status.
• Step 3: Enter your bike's registration number and get the status of duplicate RC.

Is there any Process Time for Duplicate RC?

Yes, getting a duplicate RC takes 15-30 days from the date of application submission. However, the duplicate RC download system will be available once the application is processed. Many RTOs provide a way to track the status of your application online. You will usually receive an application number or acknowledgement receipt that you can use for tracking.

In case you haven't received your duplicate RC within the estimated timeframe, you can contact the RTO to inquire about the status of your application.

In addition to applying for a duplicate RC online and offline, many people think it is the same as renewing the RC. Let us understand the difference between these two.

Difference Between RC Renewal and Getting Duplicate RC

In Case You Lost It

The basic difference between these two is that you can apply for a duplicate RC when the original RC is lost, stolen, burnt, or misplaced. But you must renew your RC after 15 years when it expires.

Now that you understand how to apply for duplicate RCs online and offline, let's learn how to renew your RC.

Steps to Follow for RC Renewal or Vehicle Re-registration

If the vehicle is over 15 years old, the vehicle's registration expires. So here are the steps that you can follow to renew it or re-register it:

• Step 1: Along with Form 25, submit the application form to the RTO office.
• Step 2: An RTO inspector will inspect your vehicle to see the engine's condition.
• Step 3: Pay the fee at the RTO office.
• Step 4: A new registration certificate will be issued to you after verifying the documents.

How to Convert RC Book to RC Smart Card?

There was a time when the RTO office provided the RC book, a hard copy of the Registration certificate, to the vehicle owners. In this case, there is a risk of the text getting worn away or the RC book getting torn apart. Keeping these hassles in mind, the RTO launched an RC smart card option for vehicle owners that resolves this problem.

Therefore, the people who want to convert their RC book into an RC smart card can follow the procedure mentioned below:

• Step 1: Contact Your RTO First: Visit your local RTO in person or check their official website for the specific requirements, application forms, and fees for RC book to smart card conversion in your area.
• Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Documents: Gather all the required documents. Generally, it include the following documents:
  • Original RC Book
  • Application Form (obtain this from the RTO or their website)
  • Proof of Identity (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
  • Proof of Address (Utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
  • Valid Bike Insurance Certificate
  • Valid PUC Certificate
  • Chassis Number Imprint (The RTO will specify how to obtain this)
  • Photographs (Passport size)
  • Fee Payment (The RTO will specify the amount and payment method)
• Step 3: Submit Your Application at the RTO: Visit the RTO in person. Submit the filled application form along with all the required documents and the fee payment at the designated counter. Obtain an acknowledgment receipt. This is essential for tracking your application.
• Step 4: Verification and Processing: The RTO will then verify your documents and process your application. This might involve a physical inspection of your vehicle.
• Step 5: Receive Your RC Smart Card: Once the processing is complete, your RC smart card will be sent to your registered address or you may be required to collect it from the RTO. The RTO will inform you of the collection process.

Documents Required to Convert RC Book to RC Smart Card

You will have to submit the following documents and a fee of roughly ₹ 300. The supporting documents required are as follows:

• Original RC
• ID Proof
• Proof of Address
• Insurance Certificate
• PUC copy
• Chassis imprint
• Application for smart card issuance

Conclusion

Obtaining a duplicate RC, whether online or offline is crucial for legal ownership of the bike. This process becomes necessary when your original RC is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed. Remember to file an FIR if your RC is lost or stolen, as it is a key document for both the duplicate RC application and any potential bike insurance claims. Always check your state's RTO website for specific requirements and procedures to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Protecting your RC and having a valid duplicate ensures you can ride your vehicle legally and safely.