Service Guide

Duplicate RC Application

Duplicate RC Application

If your Registration Certificate (RC) is lost, stolen, or completely mutilated, you must immediately apply for a Duplicate RC. Driving without an RC is a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act and attracts heavy fines. For lost or stolen RCs, filing a Police FIR or a missing report online is a strict prerequisite before applying on the Vahan portal.

Start Online Application → Check Status

Important Documents & Forms Required

Important Forms: Form 26 (Application for the issue of Duplicate RC).

Police FIR / NCR

Mandatory if the RC is lost or stolen. Not required if torn/mutilated.

Form 26

Filled and signed application form.

Valid Insurance & PUC

Active certificates are required.

Chassis Pencil Print

A physical pencil tracing of the chassis number on a blank paper.

Eligibility Criteria

  • The vehicle must be registered in your name.
  • There must be no pending eChallans or tax dues on the vehicle.

Step-by-Step Online Process

  1. Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in -> Vehicle Related Services -> Enter Vehicle Number.
  2. Select "Issue of Duplicate RC" from the dashboard.
  3. Enter the last 5 digits of your Chassis number to authenticate.
  4. Select the reason (Lost/Stolen/Torn). If Lost, enter the FIR Number and Police Station details.
  5. Upload the scanned copy of the FIR, Insurance, PUC, and Form 26.
  6. Pay the Duplicate RC issue fee and Smart Card fee online.
  7. If Aadhaar eKYC is not used, you may need to visit the RTO to submit the physical FIR copy and chassis print.
  8. The new Duplicate RC will be printed and dispatched via post.

Official Fee Structure

The fee is ₹150 for Two-Wheelers and ₹300 for Light Motor Vehicles, plus ₹200 for the Smart Card.

💡 Expert Pro-Tip

In many states, Police Departments offer a "Lost Article Report" app/website. You can generate a digital NCR (Non-Cognizable Report) for your lost RC instantly online instead of visiting a police station.

Comprehensive Process Breakdown (2026 Guidelines)

In alignment with the recent Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) updates, understanding the granular steps of this service can save you significant time and prevent application rejection. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has mandated strict adherence to digital document verification, meaning that most applications are now processed through the Faceless eKYC route. Let's dive deeper into what this means for you.

1. Detailed Eligibility & Pre-requisites

  • Active Mobile Linkage: Your current mobile number MUST be linked to your Aadhaar card to receive OTPs during the eKYC process. Without this, you cannot use the faceless service.
  • Traffic Fine Clearance: Ensure there are no pending eChallans on your vehicle or Driving Licence. The Sarathi/Vahan portal automatically checks the eChallan database and will block your application if dues are found.
  • Medical Fitness: For certain applications (like transport vehicles or if you are above 40), you must possess a valid Medical Certificate (Form 1A) signed by a registered medical practitioner.

2. Offline vs Online Application Modes

Faceless Mode (Aadhaar eKYC)

Highly recommended. By choosing "Submit via Aadhaar Authentication", your demographic details and photograph are fetched directly from UIDAI. You do not need to visit the RTO physically. Document upload requirements are minimal, and the process is entirely contactless.

Non-Aadhaar Mode (RTO Visit)

If you choose "Submit without Aadhaar Authentication", you must upload scanned copies of your Address Proof, Age Proof, and Passport Photo. Most importantly, you will be required to book an appointment slot and visit the RTO physically for document verification and biometric capture.

3. Application Tracking & Status Glossary

Once you submit your application and pay the fee, you will receive an Application Number. You can use the "Application Status" tool on the Sarathi/Vahan portal to track progress. Here is what the status messages mean:

Scrutiny Level Your uploaded documents are being verified by the RTO clerk. If any document is illegible, the application will be pushed to 'Pending' status.
Approval Level The RTO Inspector/Officer has approved your application. You have officially passed the hurdles.
Printing of Smart Card Your data has been sent to the printing vendor. The physical plastic Smart Card is being generated.
Dispatched via Speed Post Your document has been mailed to your registered address via India Post. A tracking ID will be provided on the screen.

Interactive State Directory Differences

Remember that RTO rules are governed at the state level under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR). Specific procedures for things like High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) mandates, road tax slabs, or even localized driving test tracks vary significantly between states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka. Always refer to your state-specific RTO notifications if you encounter anomalies during the online process.

💡 Extra User Tips for Quick Processing

  • Avoid Peak Hours: The Parivahan portal experiences heavy traffic between 10 AM to 4 PM. Try applying early morning or late at night for a smoother experience.
  • Document Sizing: Ensure all scanned documents are clear and under 200KB in JPEG/PDF format to prevent upload errors.
  • Browser Compatibility: For best results and avoiding payment gateway glitches, use the latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

🛠️ Common Issues & Solutions

Issue Encountered How to Fix It
Payment Deducted but Status Pending Do NOT pay again immediately. Wait 45 minutes and use the "Verify Payment Status" tool on the portal.
Aadhaar OTP Not Received Ensure your mobile network is clear. Check if your current number is linked to Aadhaar via the UIDAI portal.
Document Verification Failed Re-upload the document ensuring it is not blurry. If rejected again, you may need to visit the RTO for manual verification.

🛡️ Safety Guidelines

Beware of Fraud: Parivahan Sewa services are strictly digital. Do not share your OTP, Application Number, or personal details with unauthorized agents promising faster processing. The official fees are transparent and listed directly on the portal. Always verify challans on the official echallan.parivahan.gov.in website before making any payments.

User Tips for Duplicate RC Application

  • File an FIR first if your RC is lost or stolen: The police FIR is the most important document for a duplicate RC application. Without it, the RTO will not process the request for a lost RC. File the FIR at the nearest police station or online through your state police portal within 24 hours of discovering the loss.
  • Publish a newspaper notice for a lost RC: Many RTOs require proof that you published a public notice about the lost RC in at least one local and one national newspaper before issuing the duplicate. Do this simultaneously with the FIR. Keep the clippings from both newspapers.
  • Use the Vahan portal — no need to visit RTO: With Aadhaar eKYC and proper document uploads (FIR, newspaper notice, affidavit), the duplicate RC application can be completed entirely online. The duplicate smart card RC is mailed to your registered address within 15–20 days of approval.
  • Affidavit must be notarized on stamp paper: The self-declaration affidavit stating that the original RC has been lost must be signed on a ₹10 or ₹20 stamp paper and notarized by a Notary Public. A plain-paper self-declaration without notarization will be rejected.
  • The digital RC on mParivahan remains valid during the process: While your physical duplicate RC is being processed, your digitally stored RC on DigiLocker or mParivahan remains legally valid and can be shown during traffic checks.

Duplicate RC Issues & Solutions

Issue Solution
Application rejected — newspaper notice not accepted Ensure the newspaper notice is published in a newspaper approved by your state's transport department. The notice must include the vehicle registration number, your name, and the fact that the RC has been lost. Resubmit with valid clippings showing the publication date clearly.
Duplicate RC received with an old, wrong address You must update your address separately on the Vahan portal before or during the duplicate RC application. If the duplicate was already issued with the old address, apply for a "Change of Address" service on the Vahan portal — it is a separate, low-cost application.
Original RC found after duplicate was applied for Inform the RTO and surrender the original RC if the duplicate has already been issued. Operating a vehicle with two valid RCs simultaneously is an offence under the Motor Vehicles Act. The RTO will cancel the older one.

Document Safety & Vehicle Security Tips

  • Store RC digitally as your primary reference: Use DigiLocker or mParivahan to store your RC digitally. This means even if the physical card is lost, you always have immediate access to a legally valid copy. Never keep the original RC in the vehicle's glove box — it is easy for thieves to access.
  • Photocopy your important documents monthly: Keep photocopies of your RC, DL, insurance, and PUC at home and email digital copies to yourself. In an accident or emergency, these copies help you quickly access and report accurate vehicle details.
  • If you suspect your vehicle is being misused by someone with a duplicate RC: Report immediately to the nearest police station and the issuing RTO. Criminals sometimes create forged duplicate RCs using stolen vehicle details. Early reporting limits your legal liability.
  • Never leave vehicle documents in a parked vehicle: Keeping your RC in the car is convenient, but if the car is broken into or stolen, the thief now has the RC too — making it much easier to transfer the vehicle illegally. Keep only a digital copy in the car.

Portal Safety & Fraud Prevention Tips

  • Always use the official URL: The genuine Parivahan portal is parivahan.gov.in. Bookmark it. Many fake look-alike sites charge extra "service fees" for the same free government services.
  • Never share your OTP with anyone: Parivahan and Sarathi systems will never call you and ask for your Aadhaar OTP. If someone does, it is a scam — hang up immediately.
  • Pay only through the official gateway: Fees are paid inside the portal itself via the integrated payment system. Do not make UPI or bank transfers to any third-party agent or "RTO helper".
  • Verify your Application Number: After submitting any application, note down your Application Number. This is your only genuine tracking reference. Do not share it on social media or with strangers.
  • Use DigiLocker or mParivahan for documents: Storing your DL and RC on DigiLocker or the official mParivahan app (by NIC) is legally valid across India. These apps are free and far safer than physical copies.
  • Check for HTTPS: Before entering any personal detail, ensure the address bar shows https:// and a padlock icon. Never proceed on HTTP pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if your RC is lost or stolen, a police FIR or Missing Report is strictly mandatory to prevent misuse.
Many states now offer faceless Duplicate RC services if your Aadhaar is linked. Otherwise, a visit for document verification is needed.
You should carry the payment receipt, application slip, and the FIR copy to show to traffic police as proof of application.
Form 26 is the application form used for the issuance of a Duplicate Registration Certificate.
No. If the RC is mutilated or torn, you just need to submit the torn RC along with Form 26; an FIR is not required.