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I am trying to find my RC but unable to locate it. Is it possible to get a duplicate?

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The registration certificate or RC is an important part of the bike ownership experience. However, it is only human to lose a piece of paper in the daily hustle of life. Nevertheless, even if you lose this important document, you can obtain a duplicate RC from the RTO office. Now, if you are thinking of how to apply for duplicate RC, let us tell you that the process is quite simple, whether you take the online or offline route.

What is an RC book?

The Registration Certificate is the official document stating that your bike is registered with the local Regional Transport Office. The territorial boundary in which you can use the vehicle, chassis number and engine, cubic capacity, and the fuel used are mentioned on the RC certificate.

Documents required for vehicle registration:

• ID proof
• Original invoice of the vehicle
• Insurance copy of your vehicle
• Temporary registration issued by the dealer
• Registration fee receipt
• Copy of your PAN card
• Form 20, Form 21, Form 22 and Form 22-A

What to do if the RC book is lost?

If you have lost your RC book, you should immediately file an FIR at the nearest police station. First, inform the officer about the specifics of your vehicle, including the chassis number, registration number, and any other relevant information. Then you must apply for a duplicate one with the RTO where the bike was first registered.

How to get duplicate RC offline?

After filing an FIR, you need to visit the RTO office where the vehicle was originally registered. Then follow a few steps-

1. If you have purchased your bike with a loan, you need NOC from the lender.

2. Obtain an affidavit detailing your bike's information and the reason why you need a duplicate RC.

3. Fill and submit the prescribed application form, i.e. Form 26, along with the RC extract (you need to get the RC extract from the RTO centre). You are also required to submit other relevant documents to the RTO officer.

4. The authorized officer will verify and sign the file. Then you have to visit the assistant RTO and pay the required service fee, and in return, you will get the receipt.

5. Get the receipt signed by the traffic superintendent and take the acknowledgement slip. The slip will display the date on which you will get the duplicate RC.

How to get a duplicate RC book for a bike online?

1. Visit the ParivahanSewa website and fill out the application form along with the necessary details. You are required to fill in the details of the FIR filed and the bike insurance policy.

2. Submit the online application form and pay the required service fee.

3. A receipt will be generated after successful payment. You need to submit the receipt to the RTO office.

How to differentiate between a fake and original RC?

1. You can spot the difference by the colour and the font used in the certificate. Fake certificates have a lighter colour and variable font. Even the stamp colour in a fake certificate is different from the original one.

2. If your agent provides a laminated RC, double-check it. The government does not use Kodak papers for making RC.

3. The size of the original and fake RC also differs. Fake RCs are usually larger. Apart from this, lines on the edges also indicate the authenticity of your RC.

Difference between RC renewal and obtaining a duplicate one if you have lost your RC:

According to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, the RC expires after 15 years from its original issuance, after which it requires renewal. On the other hand, a duplicate RC is issued when the original RC is misplaced or burnt.

Here are the steps to follow for the RC re-registration or renewal process:

1. You must apply with the Registering Authority to renew the registration certificate within 60 days from the expiry date. The Registering Authority should be one that has jurisdiction over your vehicle.

2. Pay the due taxes on the vehicle, if applicable.

3. Pay the required renewal fee.

Documents required for submission while converting your RC book to RC smart card:

• Original RC Book
• Proof of Identification
• Proof of Address
• Insurance and PUC documents
• Imprint of the chassis
• Smart card insurance application

Documents needed while applying for a duplicate RC

• Form 26 – application form
• RC card lost challan copy (from the police station)
• No Objection Certificate from the lender if the bike is purchased with a loan
• Copy of bike insurance
• Emission test paper copy
• Copy of driving license
• Age and address proofs
• Passport-size photographs
• Two-wheeler purchase papers

 

Key Takeaway

The registration certificate or RC is a mandatory document, like your driver's licence, PUC, etc. Therefore, you should ideally not hit the roads with your vehicle if you have lost or misplaced your RC. However, if you have misplaced your RC or it has expired, getting a copy or renewing the same is an easy procedure, as detailed above.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

This blog has been written by:

Mukesh Kumar | Motor Insurance Expert | 36+ years of experience in insurance industry

A veteran in the insurance industry, Mukesh Kumar has the expertise of handling various functions like Business Development, Underwriting, Claims, Human Resources, Quality Management and Marketing. With rich knowledge of the industry, he loves to share his views on topics of insurance sector and takes special interest in educating people on advantages of having insurance

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Few Other Articles:

• No Objection Certificate – What is it and how do you get it

• How to find the vin chassis number and engine number of your bike

• Digilocker and MParivahan – Carry your vehicle documents digitally

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