A Duplicate Registration Certificate (RC) is an official replacement document issued when the original RC is lost, stolen, damaged, or mutilated. The RC is a crucial vehicle document that serves as proof of ownership and registration. Applying for a duplicate RC is a straightforward process that can be completed both online and offline.
This comprehensive guide covers the complete application process, required documents, fees, status tracking, and digital download options for your duplicate RC.
Table of Contents
When is Duplicate RC Required?
Scenarios Requiring Duplicate RC
- Lost RC: When the original RC book is lost or misplaced
- Stolen RC: When the RC is stolen along with vehicle or separately
- Damaged RC: When the RC is torn, mutilated, or illegible
- Change of Details: When vehicle details need correction
- Name Change: After marriage or legal name change
- Address Change: When moving to a new address
- Vehicle Modification: After significant vehicle modifications
Important Legal Requirements
- File an FIR immediately if RC is stolen
- Apply for duplicate RC within 30 days of loss/theft
- Driving without RC can lead to fines up to ₹5,000
- Keep digital copy of RC as backup
- Notify your insurance company about lost RC
- Carry acknowledgement slip until you receive duplicate RC
Required Documents for Duplicate RC
Essential Documents Checklist
- Form 26: Application for duplicate Registration Certificate
- FIR Copy: In case of theft or loss (not required for damaged RC)
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport
- Address Proof: Aadhaar card, utility bills, or rental agreement
- Vehicle Insurance: Copy of valid insurance certificate
- PUC Certificate: Valid Pollution Under Control certificate
- Old RC Copy: If available (for damaged RC cases)
- Passport Photos: 2 recent photographs of vehicle owner
- Chassis Imprint: Rubbing of chassis number
- Application Fee: Payment receipt for duplicate RC charges
Special Cases - Additional Documents
- Company-owned Vehicles: Company registration certificate and authorization letter
- Financed Vehicles: NOC from financier
- Inherited Vehicles: Death certificate and succession certificate
- Transferred Vehicles: Sale deed and transfer documents
Online Duplicate RC Application Process
Visit Parivahan Portal
Navigate to the official Parivahan website for vehicle-related services.
Open Parivahan Portal Vahan ServicesSelect Your State
Choose your state from the dropdown menu to access state-specific services.
Navigate to Duplicate RC Services
Click on "Vehicle Related Services" and select "Duplicate Registration Certificate".
Fill Online Application
Complete the online application form with vehicle and owner details accurately.
Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of all required documents in specified format and size.
Pay Fees Online
Pay the duplicate RC fees using available online payment methods.
Schedule RTO Visit (If Required)
Some states may require a visit for document verification.
Receive Application Number
Get application number for tracking your duplicate RC status.
Receive Duplicate RC
After processing, receive duplicate RC via post or download digitally.
Apply for Duplicate RC Online
Application Submitted Successfully!
Your duplicate RC application has been submitted successfully. Please note your application details:
Application Number:
Submission Date:
You will receive further instructions on your registered mobile number and email. Keep your application number safe for status tracking.
Application Failed
We couldn't process your duplicate RC application at this time. Please check your details and try again, or contact customer support.
Offline Duplicate RC Application Process
File FIR (If Stolen)
If RC is stolen, file an FIR at your local police station and obtain a copy.
Visit Local RTO
Go to the RTO where the vehicle is registered with all required documents.
Collect Application Form
Obtain Form 26 (application for duplicate RC) from the RTO counter.
Download Form 26Fill Form Accurately
Complete the form with accurate vehicle and owner details.
Submit Documents
Submit all required documents along with the filled form at the RTO counter.
Pay Fees
Pay the applicable fees at the RTO counter via cash or card.
Vehicle Inspection (If Required)
Some RTOs may require physical inspection to verify chassis number.
Receive Acknowledgement
Collect acknowledgement slip with application number for tracking.
Collect Duplicate RC
After processing, collect the duplicate RC from RTO or receive via post.
Things to Remember for Offline Application
- Carry all original documents for verification
- Visit during RTO working hours (typically 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM)
- Be prepared for possible waiting times
- Keep photocopies of all submitted documents
- Note down your application number for future reference
- Carry your vehicle for inspection if required
Check Duplicate RC Application Status
Check Your Application Status
Application Status: Approved
Your duplicate RC application has been approved. Your duplicate RC is ready for download.
Application Number:
Status Date:
Download Digital RCApplication Not Found
We couldn't find an application with the provided details. Please check your application number and vehicle registration number, or try again later.
Online Status Check
Check your duplicate RC status through the Parivahan website using your application number.
Check Status OnlineSMS Service
Send SMS with your application number to designated number for status update.
Send to: 7738299899
RTO Office Visit
Visit your local RTO with your application receipt to check the status in person.
Duplicate RC Status Meanings
- Application Received: Your application has been successfully submitted
- Under Verification: Documents and details are being verified
- Approved: Application approved, RC being processed
- Printed: Duplicate RC has been printed
- Dispatched: RC has been dispatched for delivery
- Ready for Download: Digital RC is available for download
- Rejected: Application rejected (check reason for rejection)
Download Digital RC
Download Your Digital Registration Certificate
You can now download your digital RC through various official platforms. Digital RC is legally valid and accepted nationwide.
Download via mParivahan App
Install mParivahan app, register with your mobile number, and access your digital RC in the documents section.
Download via DigiLocker
Create DigiLocker account, link with Aadhaar, and fetch your RC from available documents.
Download via Parivahan Portal
Visit Parivahan website, enter vehicle details, and download digital RC after verification.
Benefits of Digital RC
- Legally valid across India
- Cannot be lost or stolen
- Easy to share digitally when required
- Environmentally friendly
- Instant access through mobile phone
- Accepted by traffic police and authorities
Duplicate RC Fee Structure
Standard Duplicate RC Fees (State-wise)
| Vehicle Type | Duplicate RC Fee | Smart Card Fee | Service Charge | Total Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Wheeler | ₹200 | ₹200 | ₹50 | ₹450 |
| Four-Wheeler (Car) | ₹300 | ₹200 | ₹50 | ₹550 |
| Three-Wheeler | ₹250 | ₹200 | ₹50 | ₹500 |
| Commercial Vehicle | ₹500 | ₹200 | ₹50 | ₹750 |
| Late Application | Regular fee + ₹100 | ₹200 | ₹50 | Varies |
Important Fee-Related Information
- Fees may vary between different states and union territories
- Additional charges may apply for late applications (after 30 days)
- Online payments may include gateway charges (1-2% of transaction amount)
- Keep the payment receipt until you receive your duplicate RC
- Some states offer discounts for senior citizens or differently-abled persons
- Digital RC download is usually free of charge
Duplicate RC Processing Timeline
Standard Processing Duration
Application Submission & Verification
Application received, document verification, and initial processing. Status typically shows as "Application Received" or "Under Verification".
Processing & Approval
Application processing, background checks, and approval by RTO officials. Most duplicate RC applications complete during this period.
RC Printing & Dispatch
Duplicate RC printing, quality checks, and dispatch to registered address. Digital RC becomes available for download.
Official RTO Processing Standards
- Online Application: 7-10 working days from application date
- Offline Application: 15-20 working days from application date
- Digital RC Download: Available within 3-5 days of approval
- Physical RC Delivery: 10-15 working days after approval
- Complex Cases: Additional 5-7 working days for verification
Frequently Asked Questions
General Duplicate RC Questions
FIR is mandatory only if the RC is stolen. For lost or damaged RC, FIR is not required but you may need to submit an affidavit explaining the circumstances.
Yes, you can drive your vehicle while waiting for duplicate RC. Carry the acknowledgement slip and digital RC (if available) as temporary proof.
Duplicate RC has the same validity as the original RC. It remains valid until the vehicle's registration period expires or until any changes require a new RC.
Yes, you can apply for duplicate RC even with pending challans. However, it's recommended to clear all pending dues to avoid complications.
Digital RC & Download Questions
Yes, digital RC available through mParivahan app or DigiLocker is legally valid across India as per Ministry of Road Transport guidelines.
Digital RC is accepted for most purposes including traffic checks, insurance claims, and vehicle verification. Some financial institutions may require physical RC for loan processing.
Digital RC has a QR code that can be scanned to verify authenticity. Authorities can also verify it through the Parivahan portal using vehicle details.
If you're unable to download digital RC, contact the RTO where you applied or check the Parivahan portal for technical support options.
Parivahan Helpline
If you face any problem in driving license, document update, vehicle details check and pay your vehicle challan, you can contact using below details –
| Problem | Email ID | Contact Number | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Registration, Fitness, Tax, Permit, Dealer | helpdesk-vahan[at]gov[dot]in | +91-120-4925505 | 06:00 AM - 12:00 Midnight |
| Learner License, Driving License | helpdesk-sarathi[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |
| mParivahan Services | helpdesk-mparivahan[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |
| eChallan Services | helpdesk-echallan[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |