Form 29 and 30: how to transfer vehicle ownership online, step by step
Form 29 and 30 are the two forms that move a vehicle into a buyer's name. Form 29 is the seller's notice of transfer; Form 30 is the joint application to record the new owner. File them on Vahan under the transfer of ownership service, upload the RC, insurance and PUC, pay the fee shown and finish any RTO verification within 30 days.
Key takeaways
- Form 29 is the seller's notice of sale; Form 30 is the application that puts the buyer's name on the RC.
- The seller reports within 14 days for a same-state sale; the buyer files the RC and fee within 30 days.
- The central transfer fee for a private car is reported as ₹300, plus ₹200 if a smart card RC is issued; states add their own charges.
- Until the RTO records the transfer, the seller stays the legal owner and can be held liable for accidents and challans.
- A move to another state needs an NOC on Form 28 and, after 12 months, a new number on Form 27.
- Inherited and auctioned vehicles use Form 31 and Form 32 instead of the usual pair.
On this page · 44 sections
What are Form 29 and 30?
Form 29 and 30 are the central forms under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules used to change who owns a registered vehicle. Form 29 is the seller’s notice of transfer. Form 30 is the application that asks the registering authority to enter the buyer’s name in the record and on the RC.
Why two forms and not one
The seller and buyer have separate duties. The seller reports the sale, which ends their liability on record; the buyer asks for the change, pays the fee and hands in the RC.
Where they sit in the law
Both forms serve Section 50 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which sets the deadlines. For penalties, see our motor vehicle act guide.
What does transfer of ownership mean for a vehicle?
Transfer of ownership is the change of the registered owner’s name in the Vahan record after a sale, gift, inheritance or auction. The vehicle keeps its number, chassis and engine details. Only the owner’s name, address and contact details change, and the RTO then issues a fresh RC.
What the record shows afterwards
Once approved, the RC shows the buyer as owner, with an ownership serial number (first owner, second owner and so on).
What a transfer does not do
It does not clear old challans, unpaid tax or a recorded loan; those usually block the service until settled. It also does not change the registration state.
How does vehicle ownership transfer online work?
Vehicle ownership transfer online runs through the Vahan citizen services portal. The application is started with the registration number, verified by OTP on the record’s mobile number, and filled with the buyer’s details. Signed forms and documents are uploaded, the fee is paid online, and the RTO approves it.
Contactless filing with Aadhaar
A September 2022 MoRTH notification extended Aadhaar-based online delivery to 58 licence, registration and transfer services. Where switched on, both parties authenticate with Aadhaar and skip the counter.
When the RTO still wants to see you
Some offices ask for originals, a chassis pencil print or an inspection, especially for old records or financed vehicles. The screen or SMS after payment says if a visit is needed.
RC transfer online: the step-by-step Vahan process
The RC transfer online process on Vahan has five stages: open the portal for your state, choose transfer of ownership, verify with OTP, fill the buyer’s details and upload documents, then pay and book any verification. Keep the application number; you need it for every follow-up.
- Open Vahan citizen services. Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in, choose the state and the RTO that holds the vehicle record.
- Choose transfer of ownership. Open the vehicle related services menu, select transfer of ownership and enter the registration number and last five chassis characters.
- Verify with OTP. Enter the one-time password sent to the mobile number in the vehicle record, which is usually the seller’s.
- Fill buyer details and upload. Type the buyer’s name, address and ID details, then upload signed Form 29, Form 30, insurance, PUC and address proof.
- Pay and book verification. Pay the fee the portal generates, save the receipt and application number, and book an RTO slot if your state asks for one.
Menu names change between states
The service may appear as Transfer of Ownership or TO. Search the services page for “transfer” if you cannot see it.
Print and sign before you upload
Have both parties sign in ink and scan each page clearly; a blurred signature is a common reason for rejection.
How to transfer ownership online when seller and buyer live apart?
You can transfer ownership online when seller and buyer are in different cities of the same state. The seller verifies the OTP and signs Form 29; the buyer signs Form 30, uploads it and receives the original RC by courier.
Sharing the OTP safely
The OTP goes to the seller’s number. Share it only on a live call while the buyer fills the form. If that number is inactive, update it on Vahan first.
Signing at a distance
Each party signs, scans and shares their copy. Keep the originals for verification, and a dated delivery note with the time of handover.
What is the notice of transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle?
The notice of transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle is Form 29. The seller fills in the vehicle number, chassis and engine numbers, the buyer’s name and address, and the date of sale, formally reporting the sale to the RTO.
The seller’s deadline
For a vehicle registered in the same state, the seller reports the sale within 14 days and sends a copy to the buyer. For a vehicle registered in another state, the seller has 45 days to send the NOC, or proof of applying for it.
Why sellers should not skip it
A filed notice proves the date the vehicle left your hands. Without it, challans and accident claims can still reach you.
Which vehicle transfer form does the buyer sign?
The buyer signs Form 30, the main vehicle transfer form. It is the application for the RTO to record the transfer, and both the seller and the buyer sign it. The buyer files it with the original RC, the fee and the seller’s Form 29 copy within 30 days.
What Form 30 asks for
Registration, chassis and engine numbers, both parties’ names and addresses, and a declaration by both. Newer versions add the buyer’s mobile number.
Who submits it
Usually the buyer. A dealer can file for both, but the signatures must be their own.
Which forms required for vehicle transfer apply to you?
The forms required for vehicle transfer depend on why the owner is changing. A normal sale needs Form 29 and Form 30. Inheritance, auctions, loans and interstate moves bring in other forms. The table below shows which one fits your case.
| Form | What it is for | Who signs |
|---|---|---|
| Form 28 | NOC to move the vehicle to another state | Owner |
| Form 29 | Notice of transfer of ownership (sale) | Seller |
| Form 30 | Application to record the transfer | Seller and buyer |
| Form 31 | Transfer on the death of the owner | Legal heir |
| Form 32 | Transfer after a government auction | Auction buyer |
| Form 35 | Ending a recorded loan (hypothecation) | Owner and lender |
| Form 27 | New registration mark in another state | Owner |
Only the pair for a normal sale
With a living seller, no loan and no state change, Forms 29 and 30 are all you need.
Loan and interstate cases
A recorded loan needs the lender’s consent or Form 35 first. An interstate move needs Form 28 before the transfer and Form 27 at the new RTO.
Where to get the vehicle ownership transfer form?
The vehicle ownership transfer form set is free. Download it from the Parivahan Sewa site under the forms section, from your state transport department’s website, or pick up a copy at the RTO. Never pay a website for a blank Form 29 or Form 30.
Download or fill on the portal
Some states print the forms pre-filled from the Vahan application; others want a scanned, hand-filled copy. Both parties sign either way.
Use the current version
Older printouts can lack newer fields, so download a fresh copy.
How to fill the car ownership transfer form?
Fill the car ownership transfer form with details copied from the RC, not from memory. Write the registration number, chassis and engine numbers exactly, add both parties’ full names as on their ID, the buyer’s address and the date of sale, and sign in the boxes provided.
Common mistakes
A missing chassis digit, a nickname instead of a legal name, or an address that does not match the proof. Each one delays the car name transfer.
Car name transfer: who signs what
The seller signs Form 29 and part of Form 30; the buyer signs Form 30. A company signs through an authorised signatory.
Is the bike transfer form any different?
No. The bike transfer form is the same Form 29 and Form 30 used for cars. Two-wheeler owners fill the same fields, sign the same declarations and file through the same Vahan service. Only the fee and some state rules, such as chassis prints, differ.
Vehicle name transfer form for scooters and mopeds
Every registered two-wheeler uses the same vehicle name transfer form. Low-speed electric models that need no registration have no RC to transfer.
Bike name transfer documents
Bike name transfer documents match the car set: RC, insurance, PUC, address proof and PAN or Form 60.
What documents required for vehicle transfer should you keep ready?
The documents required for vehicle transfer are the original RC, signed Form 29 and Form 30, a valid insurance certificate, a valid PUC certificate, the buyer’s address proof and PAN card or Form 60. Many RTOs also ask for a pencil print of the chassis number.
Address proof the RTO accepts
Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, a utility bill or a rent agreement usually work. The address must fall in the RTO’s area.
Bike transfer documents for a quick visit
For bike transfer documents, carry originals and one photocopy each, and bring the bike if an inspection is listed.
Documents required for RC transfer on a financed vehicle
The documents required for RC transfer grow when a loan is recorded on the RC. The lender’s written consent or a no-dues letter with Form 35 is needed before the RTO will move the vehicle to a new owner. Without it, Vahan rejects the application.
Loan already repaid
If the seller has repaid the loan, ask the lender for the NOC and signed Form 35, and remove the hypothecation first. Our no objection certificate guide explains the lender NOC in detail.
Buyer taking a new loan
If the buyer finances the purchase, the new lender’s hypothecation is added during the transfer for an extra fee.
What are the vehicle ownership transfer online fees?
The vehicle ownership transfer online fees have a central part set under Rule 81 and a state part. Since the December 2016 revision, the transfer fee is reported as half the registration fee for the vehicle class. For a private car that comes to ₹300, plus ₹200 for a smart card RC.
| Item | Amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer of ownership, private car | ₹300 | Every car transfer |
| Smart card RC (Form 23A) | ₹200 | When the new RC is a card |
| Hypothecation endorsement | ₹1,500 | Buyer takes a loan on the car |
| Late transfer sum (Section 50) | Up to ₹100 | Seller or buyer misses the deadline |
| Late NOC submission | ₹500 per month | Only where an NOC is involved |
Why the portal total is higher
States add service or postal charges, and some a transfer tax. The Vahan payment screen shows the full amount; pay only that, on the government gateway.
Fee for transfer of vehicle ownership for other classes
The fee for transfer of vehicle ownership of commercial and heavy vehicles is also half their registration fee; we could not confirm each class, so use the Vahan fee screen.
Vehicle transfer charges: what makes up the total?
Vehicle transfer charges on the receipt usually combine four parts: the central transfer fee, the RC card fee, state service charges and any late sum. A financed vehicle adds an endorsement fee, and an interstate vehicle can add tax in the new state.
What gadi transfer fees means
Gadi transfer fees is the everyday Hindi phrase for the same charges. Whether you search for gadi, car or bike, the fee is generated by the same Vahan screen for the vehicle class in the record.
Fees agents add
An agent’s service charge is not a government fee; ask for the official receipt amount separately.
Car transfer charges and car transfer fee explained
Car transfer charges start with the central car transfer fee of ₹300 for a private car and ₹200 for a smart card RC. The state may add its own charges or a transfer tax, so two cars of the same model can cost different amounts in different states.
Car transfer from one state to another
A sale where the car is also moving state involves the NOC, the new state’s road tax and a new number. Maharashtra’s rules are in our guide to vehicle ownership transfer in Maharashtra.
Transfer tax by age
Some states tie a transfer tax to the car’s age or the tax first paid. Gujarat is an example below.
Bike transfer fee: what two-wheeler owners pay
The bike transfer fee is half the two-wheeler registration fee under Rule 81, plus any smart card and state charges. We could not confirm the exact central two-wheeler amount from an official source, so we do not print one here. The Vahan fee screen shows it before payment.
Bike re registration fees after moving states
Bike re registration fees apply when a two-wheeler gets a new number in another state: the new state’s road tax plus the new mark fee.
Bike transfer charges are usually small
For a same-state sale, most of the cost comes from late sums, agent fees or lapsed insurance.
RC book name transfer status: how to follow it
The RC book name transfer status shows where your application stands. Enter the application number on the Vahan status page to see stages such as fee paid, verification, approval and RC dispatch. SMS updates go to the mobile number given in the application.
Stages you will see
Fee received, documents verified, approved, RC printed and dispatched. If a stage stalls for weeks, contact the RTO with the receipt.
Status after approval
Once approved, the record shows the buyer as owner. Our RC card status guide explains dispatch tracking and what to do if the card never arrives.
RC transfer process: what happens after you apply?
The RC transfer process after submission is mostly in the RTO’s hands. A clerk checks the forms and uploads, the system checks for challans, tax dues and loans, and the registering authority approves. A new RC is then printed and posted, or made available for download.
The legal deadlines
| Who | Deadline | What they file |
|---|---|---|
| Seller, same state | 14 days from sale | Form 29 and copy to buyer |
| Seller, vehicle from another state | 45 days | NOC or proof of applying |
| Buyer | 30 days from sale | Form 30, RC and fee |
| Legal heir | 3 months | Form 31 |
| Auction buyer | 30 days from possession | Form 32 |
RTO notification
After the entry is made, the RTO informs the seller and the original registering authority if that is a different office.
Two wheeler ownership transfer online: what is different?
A two wheeler ownership transfer online follows the same Vahan service and forms as a car. The differences are practical: bikes change hands more often between friends and family, papers are often missing, and RTOs more often ask to see the bike for a chassis print.
Bike ownership transfer online: when an RTO visit is still needed
A bike ownership transfer online needs no visit where Aadhaar contactless service runs, unless the record is old or an inspection is listed.
Bike ownership transfer: who pays and who files
In a bike ownership transfer, the buyer normally pays the fee and files Form 30. The seller still signs Form 29 and must make sure the filing happens.
How to change ownership of bike?
To change ownership of a bike, the seller and buyer sign Forms 29 and 30, then file them on Vahan with the RC, insurance, PUC and address proof. Pay the generated fee, attend any verification and track the application until the new RC is issued.
Bike name transfer between family members
A bike name transfer to a spouse, child or parent uses the same forms, even if no money changes hands.
Bike transfer online without a visit
Bike transfer online is fully possible where Aadhaar authentication is live. Both parties must have Aadhaar linked to their current mobile numbers, or the OTP step fails.
Bike paper transfer: which papers go to the buyer?
Bike paper transfer means handing the buyer every paper the vehicle needs: original RC, insurance policy, PUC, the last tax receipt, the service book, spare keys and a copy of the signed forms. The buyer needs these to file and to ride legally.
Papers the seller keeps
Keep a copy of Form 29, the buyer’s ID and the dated delivery note.
How to do bike name transfer online
To do a bike name transfer online, the buyer uploads these papers on Vahan after the seller verifies the OTP.
Transfer car ownership: the steps for cars
To transfer car ownership, agree the sale, check the car’s record for loans and challans, sign Forms 29 and 30, then file on Vahan with the RC, insurance and PUC. Pay the fee and complete verification. The buyer gets a new RC in their name.
Before money changes hands
Check the Vahan record for a financier entry and pending challans, and ask for the original RC.
Transfer car registration and change car ownership in one go
You cannot transfer car registration to a new state and change car ownership in a single form. A same-state sale needs only Forms 29 and 30. A move needs Form 28 and later Form 27.
What is the procedure for transfer of car ownership through a dealer?
The procedure for transfer of car ownership through a used-car dealer is the same in law. The dealer collects signed forms, finds a buyer and files. Insist on a copy of the Vahan receipt.
Dealer holding stock
A dealer may take the car into its own name or hold it until a buyer is found. Ask which; until a filing is made, you remain the owner.
Delivery note from the dealer
Get a signed delivery note with the dealer’s name, GST number, date and time.
How to change name in RC online?
To change the name in an RC online after a sale, the buyer applies for transfer of ownership on Vahan with Forms 29 and 30. If you only want to correct a spelling or add a new surname without a sale, use the change of particulars service instead.
RC book name change online
An RC book name change online for a correction is a different service, needing proof such as a marriage certificate or gazette notice.
RTO name transfer online: Aadhaar-based contactless filing
An RTO name transfer online with Aadhaar lets both parties verify by OTP, so the RTO can approve without seeing them, where the state allows it.
RC name change or RC transfer: which one do you need?
An RC name change corrects the owner’s name while ownership stays the same. An RC transfer moves the vehicle to a different person. Picking the wrong service wastes the fee and delays approval, so check what has actually happened before applying.
| Situation | Service to use | Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Sold or gifted to someone else | Transfer of ownership | Form 29 and Form 30 |
| Owner’s name changed after marriage | Change of particulars | Name proof |
| Spelling mistake on RC | Correction of particulars | ID proof |
| Owner has died | Transfer on death | Form 31 |
| Company renamed | Change of particulars | Company records |
RC name transfer versus RC ownership change
RC name transfer and RC ownership change are the same thing: a new owner. Both use the transfer service.
Change name on vehicle registration without selling
To change name on vehicle registration without a sale, use the particulars service with legal proof of the new name.
How to inform RTO about sale of vehicle?
To inform the RTO about the sale of a vehicle, the seller files Form 29 within 14 days for a same-state vehicle and gives a copy to the buyer. On Vahan, this is part of the transfer application. If the buyer delays, the seller can file the notice alone.
Seller filing alone
Submit Form 29 at the RTO with the buyer’s details and the delivery note, and keep the stamped acknowledgement.
Why it matters
In Prakash Chand Daga v Saveta Sharma (2018), the Supreme Court held that the owner in RTO records stays liable for an accident even within the reporting period. Reporting early limits how long you carry that risk.
What happens if the vehicle name transfer is delayed?
A delayed vehicle name transfer brings a late sum and leaves the seller exposed. Section 50 lets the RTO accept a sum of up to ₹100 in lieu of prosecution; states can scale it by delay. If the person refuses, action under section 177 follows.
| Rule | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Section 50 cap on the late sum | Up to ₹100 | Motor Vehicles Act |
| Uttar Pradesh, private car (as reported) | ₹25 per week, capped at ₹100 | UP Motor Vehicles Rules |
| Gujarat (as reported) | Flat ₹100 | Gujarat rules |
| Section 177, if the sum is refused | ₹500 first, ₹1,500 repeat | Motor Vehicles Act |
Risk to the seller
Challans and accident claims follow the name on the record until the sale is filed.
Risk to the buyer
The buyer cannot resell or borrow against the vehicle until the record changes.
How to transfer car from one state to another?
To move a car to another state, get an NOC on Form 28 from the current RTO, carry it with the RC, and register the car at the new RTO on Form 27 once it stays more than 12 months. Pay the new state’s road tax, then claim a refund from the old state.
The 30-day NOC rule
Under Section 48, the RTO decides within 30 days; if it does neither, the NOC is treated as granted. Our no objection certificate guide has details.
State transfer of car cost
The state transfer of car cost is mostly road tax in the new state, which does not credit tax already paid. A change vehicle registration state refund from the old state softens it.
How to transfer RC from one state to another?
To transfer an RC from one state to another when the car is also sold, the seller first gets the NOC, then the buyer files Forms 29 and 30 at the RTO in the new state. The seller has 45 days to send the NOC or proof of applying for it.
Transfer of registration from one state to another: the paperwork
Transfer of registration from one state to another needs Form 28 (NOC), Forms 29 and 30 if the owner changes, and Form 27 for the new mark. A recorded loan adds the lender’s consent.
BH series vehicles
Vehicles on the Bharat series, introduced in August 2021 for eligible employees who relocate, do not need re-registration when moving between states. See our BH number plate guide for eligibility.
How to change RTO of vehicle?
Within the same state, changing the RTO of a vehicle is an address change, not a transfer of ownership. Apply for change of address on Vahan with proof of the new address. The number usually stays the same; the record moves to the new office.
When the number changes
Some states issue a new number when moving between RTOs; most keep the original. Check your state’s rule on the Vahan service screen.
Rto transfer to another state
An RTO transfer to another state is a re-registration with an NOC and Form 27, covered in the section above.
Change vehicle registration state: tax and refunds
When you change vehicle registration state, the new state charges its own road tax and a new registration mark fee. The old state’s tax is not carried over. Claim the unused part from the old state’s taxing officer after the new number is issued.
Refund documents
A plain application, the tax receipt, a copy of the new registration and a cancelled cheque. Rules vary by state.
Transfer of vehicle registration from one state to another online
The NOC and the new registration can both be started online on Vahan in most states. A physical inspection at the new RTO is common.
How to change car number plate?
A car’s number plate changes only when it is re-registered in a new state or assigned a new number. A same-state ownership transfer keeps the old number. After a new number is assigned, fit a high security registration plate from an authorised vendor.
HSRP after transfer
Several states refuse transfer and address change services for older vehicles without HSRP. Fit it before applying if your state requires it.
VIP numbers
Retaining a fancy number after sale is a separate paid service, governed by state rules.
Title transfer after the owner dies: what is the process?
A title transfer after the owner’s death uses Form 31, not Form 29. The legal heir reports the death within 30 days and applies to transfer the vehicle within three months, with the death certificate, the RC and proof of succession.
Proof the heir needs
A death certificate, succession proof and consent letters from other heirs.
Auction purchases
A buyer at a government auction files Form 32 within 30 days of taking possession, with the auction certificate.
Which insurance transfer form does the buyer need?
The buyer applies to the insurer with the insurer’s own insurance transfer form or endorsement request. Section 157 deems the policy transferred on the date of sale, but the buyer must ask within 14 days. Own-damage cover applies only after the insurer endorses it.
Documents for the insurer
The transfer receipt, old policy, form copies and the buyer’s ID.
Insurance before transfer
A valid policy is needed to file the transfer. Check the vehicle insurance status before you begin.
RC transfer online Delhi: what to expect
RC transfer online Delhi runs on Vahan through Delhi’s faceless transport services, launched in August 2021. Office visits are needed only for driving tests and fitness checks, so a normal sale is filed with Aadhaar authentication from home.
Vehicle ownership transfer online Delhi documents
The same Form 29, Form 30, RC, insurance, PUC and address proof are needed. Older vehicles must meet Delhi’s age limits.
Delhi fees
The Vahan screen shows Delhi’s total, including state charges, before payment.
Gujarat vehicle transfer online: fees and rules
Gujarat vehicle transfer online fees are paid through Vahan, but Gujarat RTOs ask for a chassis pencil print, so the car must be present. Gujarat also charges a transfer tax on cars, set as a share of the lump-sum tax originally paid.
Gujarat transfer tax (as reported)
For a car up to 8 years old, 15% of the lump-sum tax first paid. Older than 8 years, 1% of that tax or ₹100, whichever is higher. Confirm on the Gujarat transport portal.
Gujarat late sum
A flat ₹100 compounding amount is reported for a late report, instead of prosecution.
Vehicle ownership transfer Telangana cost
The vehicle ownership transfer Telangana cost follows the Rule 81 central fee plus Telangana’s service charges. We could not confirm a current Telangana figure, so check the fee shown on the Telangana transport portal or Vahan before you pay.
Telangana process
Apply online, upload Forms 29 and 30, pay and attend any verification. TS or TG plates stay the same after a same-state sale.
HSRP in Telangana
Telangana made HSRP mandatory for vehicles made before April 2019.
How to change RC owner in Kerala?
To change the RC owner in Kerala, apply for transfer of ownership on Vahan, choosing Kerala and the RTO in the record. Upload signed Forms 29 and 30, insurance, PUC and the buyer’s address proof, pay the fee and attend verification if listed.
Kerala MVD offices
The Motor Vehicles Department runs regional and sub-regional offices; file at the one that holds the vehicle record.
Digital documents in Kerala
Kerala Police accept RCs in DigiLocker or mParivahan as equivalent to originals.
Vehicle ownership transfer online Odisha
Vehicle ownership transfer online Odisha runs through Vahan and Odisha’s visitless services, branded Mo Parivahan Seva and launched in August 2023. Many services, including transfers, can be completed without visiting the RTO where Aadhaar authentication works.
Odisha documents
The standard set applies: Forms 29 and 30, RC, insurance, PUC and address proof.
Odisha plates
Odisha uses the OD code; older OR plates remain valid.
Car RC transfer fees in Punjab and car transfer charges in MP
Car RC transfer fees in Punjab and car transfer charges in MP start from the Rule 81 central fee, with each state’s service charges on top. We could not verify current state amounts, so check the Vahan fee screen before paying.
Bike transfer charges in MP
Bike transfer charges in MP follow the same pattern: central two-wheeler fee plus state charges.
Punjab and MP filing
Both states use Vahan; choose the state and RTO in the record.
Looking for TS DL status or a Telangana driving licence search?
Telangana driving licence search, TS DL status, TS licence status and learning licence renewal in Telangana are licence topics, not vehicle transfers. They are handled on the licence side. Our online licence check guide explains how to check a licence.
Learning licence renewal in Telangana and TS licence status
Learner’s licence rules on expiry and reapplication are set by the licence service; check the Telangana transport portal for the current rule.
Why these searches land here
People transferring a vehicle often check their licence at the same time.
Is an RC transfer service or agent worth it?
An RC transfer service or agent can help when the RTO is far away or the record is complicated. The government fee is the same, but agents add their own charge. Ask for the official receipt.
Vehicle registration transfer: what the RTO actually changes
A vehicle registration transfer changes only the owner’s name and address in the record.
Agent warning signs
Never hand over blank signed forms, and avoid agents who refuse to share the Vahan receipt.
Vahan transfer of ownership: common errors and fixes
Vahan transfer of ownership applications usually fail because of an outdated mobile number, pending challans, an active loan, expired insurance or a signature mismatch. Fix the cause and reapply.
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| OTP not received | Old mobile number | Update the mobile number |
| Service blocked | Pending challan | Pay the challan |
| Loan entry | Hypothecation active | Close the loan |
| Insurance error | Policy expired | Renew the policy |
| Rejected file | Signature mismatch | Re-sign the forms |
Is vahan transfer available in every state?
Vahan transfer is available in most states; where a state runs its own portal, its transport site links to the service.
Rc change checklist
Check the RC change after approval and download a new copy. More services are in our vehicle information hub.
Official links
Vahan citizen servicesvahan.parivahan.gov.in ↗Parivahan Sewaparivahan.gov.in ↗Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (India Code)indiacode.nic.in ↗Ministry of Road Transport and Highwaysmorth.nic.in ↗Form 29 and 30 questions
Is Form 29 and 30 the same for cars and bikes?
Yes. The same central forms apply to every vehicle class. Only the fee and some state checks, such as chassis prints, change with the type of vehicle.
Who should file the transfer, the seller or the buyer?
Both have duties. The seller reports the sale within 14 days for a same-state vehicle, and the buyer files the RC, fee and forms within 30 days. On Vahan one application usually covers both.
Can I transfer vehicle ownership fully online?
In many states, yes, using Aadhaar authentication for the contactless service. Some RTOs still ask for originals, a chassis print or an inspection, so check your state's Vahan screen.
How much does an RC transfer cost?
The central fee for a private car is reported as ₹300, plus ₹200 for a smart card RC. States add service charges or transfer tax, so the Vahan payment screen shows the exact total.
What happens if the buyer never transfers the vehicle?
The seller remains the owner on record and can be held liable for accidents and challans. Report the sale yourself with Form 29 and keep proof of delivery.
Is there a late fee for a delayed transfer?
Yes. Section 50 lets the RTO take a sum of up to ₹100 instead of prosecution, and states can scale it by delay. Refusing to pay invites action under section 177.
Do I need an NOC to transfer a vehicle?
Not for a sale within the same state. An NOC on Form 28 is needed when the vehicle moves to another state, and a lender NOC is needed if a loan is still recorded.
Does the insurance move to the buyer automatically?
Section 157 deems the policy transferred on the date of sale, but the buyer must ask the insurer within 14 days to record the change. Own-damage cover needs the endorsement.
Can the transfer happen with a pending challan?
Usually not. Vahan blocks many services until pending challans are paid.
How do I know the transfer is complete?
Track the application number on Vahan. Once approved, the record shows the buyer as owner.
What if the owner has died?
The legal heir applies on Form 31 within three months after reporting the death. Form 29 is not used because the owner cannot sign.
Does the number plate change after a transfer?
Not for a same-state sale. A new number is assigned only on re-registration in another state.
Parivahan Sewa (parivahansewa-in.com) is an independent information website and is not affiliated with MoRTH, Parivahan or any state transport department. Confirm fees and rules on the official portal before you pay or apply.