In India, car registration must be renewed after 15 years to remain legally valid under the Motor Vehicles Act. The RC renewal process can be completed online or offline via the Parivahan Sewa portal and requires Form 25, vehicle fitness inspection, and applicable fees. Timely renewal ensures legal compliance, roadworthiness, and helps avoid penalties or scrappage under current vehicle regulations.
In India, car registration is legally mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. But is your car’s registration nearing its 15-year mark? Then it may be time for a renewal. The Registration Certificate (RC) for your vehicle is a crucial document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and is considered just as important as your driving licence. In India, when your car’s 15-year RC validity nears expiry, you must renew its Registration Certificate (RC) via the Parivahan Sewa portal.
According to MoRTH’s Parivahan site, you should apply using Form 25 not more than 60 days before the expiry date, pay your pending road tax (if any), and submit the appropriate fee as per Rule 81. Under Rule 52 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, the RTO will issue a fitness certificate only after a vehicle inspection, and once granted, the renewed RC is valid for another 5 years. This process ensures your car remains legally registered and roadworthy as per government regulations.
The guide below takes you through the process required for car registration renewal after 15 years, including the various steps and documents required for the process.
Renewal Process for Cars Older Than 15 Years
Upon purchasing a new car, the car registration remains valid for 15 years from the date of issuance, after which it needs to be renewed every 5 years. You need to apply for renewal ideally 60 days in advance of expiry, submit the documents required, and also take your car to the RTO for inspection to check if the vehicle is fit to drive on public roads.
Impact of the Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2021
Under the Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2021, older vehicles that fail the fitness test or are deemed unsafe or highly polluting are recommended for scrappage. As a result:
Cars older than 15 years must pass a mandatory fitness test at an authorised testing station.
If the vehicle fails the fitness test or is found to be non-compliant, it may not be eligible for renewal and could be directed for scrapping.
Fitness tests now involve stricter checks for emissions, safety systems, noise levels, and structural integrity.
Owners opting to scrap their old vehicle can receive scrappage incentives, such as rebates on new vehicle purchase, waiver on registration fees, and potential road tax concessions.
This updated policy ensures that only safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant vehicles continue to operate on Indian roads.
Steps to Renew Your Registration Certificate (RC) After Expiry
There are two methods for re-registration of a vehicle after 15 years, which are both online and offline. Choose one as per your convenience.
Offline Process for Vehicle Registration Renewal After 15 Years
- Get Form 25 and fill it out completely.
- Submit the form along with all required documents to the RTO staff.
- If there are any unpaid taxes, pay them at the RTO counter.
- Pay the mandatory Fitness Test fee, as the vehicle must pass a fitness inspection.
- In many states, a Green Tax is also applicable; this varies based on fuel type and vehicle category.
- Your car will then undergo a fitness inspection by RTO officials.
- Pay the RC renewal fee and take the receipt. Renewal charges differ by state and depend on the vehicle’s fuel type and age.
- The renewed Registration Certificate (RC) will be sent to you by post, or you can collect it at the RTO.
Online Process for Car Registration After 15 Years
- Go to the official Parivahan Sewa website and click on "Online Services”.
- Click "Vehicle Related Services”.
- Pick your state from the list and note that some states don’t allow online renewal for cars over 15 years old.
- Select your nearest RTO office and click "Proceed”.
- Choose "R.C. Related Services" and pick "Renewal of Registration”.
- Enter your car’s details, like its registration number.
- Click "Verify Details" to finish this part.
- If you have any road tax due, pay it online.
- Book an appointment at your selected RTO so your car can be inspected for renewal.
Documents you need for the Car RC renewal after 15 years
Here is the list of documents you need by your side while applying for car registration renewal after 15 years:
Filled application form (Form 25)
Your car’s registration certificate or RC book
Pollution Under Control certificate (PUC)
Fitness certificate for the car (issued by RTO after vehicle inspection)
Proof you have paid any tax (if needed)
Car insurance certificate
PAN card copy or Form 60 or Form 61 (whichever applies)
A pencil print of the car’s chassis and engine number
Owner’s signature for identification
How to Book the Fitness Inspection Online?
Many users are confused about this step. Here is the exact path:
Steps to Book RTO Inspection
- On Parivahan, after payment, go to Appointment → Book Appointment.
- Select Purpose: Fitness/RC Renewal Inspection.
- Choose the date & time.
- Bring your vehicle to the RTO with all documents.
Note: In some states (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka), fitness inspection booking is available only at the Automated Testing Stations (ATS).
How Long Does RC Renewal Take?
RC renewal usually takes 7–15 days.
Same day: Fitness test at RTO/ATS
3–7 days: RTO approval & digital update
7–15 days: RC smart card delivered by post
Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or if the vehicle fails the fitness test.
Why Renewing Your RC on Time is Important?
Here are the main reasons why re-registration of a vehicle after 15 years online or offline is important:
To ensure your car’s resale value is maintained
To keep your car legally compliant on Indian roads
To avoid any heavy penalties or fines imposed on you
To maintain your legal ownership and right to drive
However, it is also important to note that if your car has considerable wear and tear after 15 years, you can decide to upgrade to a second-hand car as well.
Checklist to Look at Before RTO Vehicle Fitness Test
Book your inspection slot early, as appointments fill up fast.
Fix minor issues like faulty lights or worn-out tyres before the fitness test.
Carry your PUC and insurance, as both are mandatory for inspection.
If your application is rejected, address the issue and reapply within 7 days.
Bottom Line
In all, it is important to do your car registration renewal after 15 years, before the expiry date runs out. You can do this through either online or offline means, and be sure to have the necessary documentation needed while filling out the application, and also pay the RC renewal fees.
Just as you need a valid RC to maintain legal compliance on Indian roads, the right car insurance plan is also equally important. Visit Coverfox and select from a wide range of policies, giving you an assured financial safety net against unforeseen events on the road!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to renew my car registration after 15 years?
It is essential to re-register your vehicle, that is, your car, after 15 years, as the validity of a registration certificate issued by the RTO is typically expected to last for this period.
When can I renew my car registration certificate?
Be sure to apply for car registration renewal 60 days before the expiry date of your registration.
Do I need to show my car at the RTO for renewal?
Yes, you need to. The RTO authorities will inspect your car and check to see if it's fit to drive on Indian roads.
What to do if RC is long expired?
If your vehicle’s RC has expired, you must apply for renewal either through the Parivahan Sewa portal or by visiting your nearest RTO. Make sure you have all the required documents mentioned above and schedule a fitness inspection for your vehicle to complete the process.
What happens if I don’t renew my car registration after 15 years?
If you don’t renew your car registration after 15 years, your vehicle becomes illegal to drive, you may face heavy fines, risk seizure, and your car insurance claims may get rejected.
What is the penalty for driving without or with expired RC ?
Failing to renew your vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC) on time and driving without it, is an offence under Section 192 of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, with fines ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 for the first offence and up to ₹10,000 or imprisonment of up to 1 year for subsequent offences, along with additional late renewal penalties.
Disclaimer: This information is based on MoRTH, Parivahan, and state RTO guidelines. Rules, fees, and processes may change, so always check the latest details on official government websites before renewing your RC. RC renewal rules, fees, and penalties (including those under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019) may vary by state and can change over time. Please check the latest updates on the Parivahan Sewa portal or your state RTO website before proceeding.
