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Regional Transport Office (RTO)

The Motor Vehicles Department has been established under section 213(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This is a central act applicable throughout the country. Motor vehicle department is responsible for enforcing various provisions of this act. This department is headed by the Transport Commissioner.

Every state and city have their own RTO (Regional Transport Office). Every R.T.O is responsible to carry out the functions and activities that are laid out in Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Functions of the Regional Transport Office (R.T.O)

  • Enforce the provisions of the various acts of Motor Vehicles, the central motor vehicles rules and the state motor vehicles rules as laid down by the government from time to time.
  • Ensure co-ordinated development of road transport through management of permit .
  • Charge and collect tax as per the provisions of the vehicles act .

Activities performed by RTO

  • Registration of vehicles
  • Motor vehicle tax collection
  • Issue of licenses for public transit and freight traffic
  • Conduct driving test and issue Learner's and Permanent driver's license and renewing the same
  • Maintain database of registered vehicles
  • Vehicle transfer and registration of mortgage transactions
  • Maintaining a proper check on the validity of Insurance on motor vehicles
  • Mechanical inspection of accidental vehicles
  • Grant certificate of fitness to transport vehicles
  • Issue badges to the drivers of public services vehicles like Auto rickshaws and Taxis
  • Issue International driving permits

RTO State Codes of India

RTO Code of Union Territories

RTO LocationsRTO Code
Andaman and Nicobar Islands AN
ChandigarhCH
Dadra and nagar Haveli DN
Daman and Diu DD
Lakshadweep LD
National Capital Territory of DelhiDL
Puducherry PY

Vehicle Registration at Regional Transport Office

Owning a motor vehicle is a dream for most people living in India. If an individual wishes to drive the vehicle in the country, he has to go through the vehicle registration process that is mandatory as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Documents required for vehicle registration process at Regional Transport Office:

  • Form 20 i.e. application form for registration of the vehicle
  • Age and address proof documents
  • Passport size photographs
  • Form 21 i.e. sales certificate of the vehicle
  • Form 22 i.e. roadworthiness certificate
  • PUC certificate
  • Insurance of the vehicle to be registered
  • For registration of an imported vehicle, customs clearance certificate is required
  • Sales tax certificate, if the vehicle has been bought from one state and has to be registered in the other.
  • No Objection Certificate from RTO and dealer has to be submitted if the vehicle is bought in one state and registered in another state.
  • Temporary registration number
  • Invoice of the vehicle
  • Design approval has to be obtained from Transport Minister for registration of semi-trailer and trailer vehicles
  • Form 34, in case of loan hypothecation
  • Applicable application fees has to be paid

The vehicle owner will have to visit the RTO with the above documents. The documents need to be submitted and the applicable application fee has to be paid. On verification of the documents and inspection of the vehicle, the vehicle number is issued to the vehicle owner. After 7 days, a registration certificate is issued that acts as a proof stating the registration of the vehicle.

Re-Registration of a Motor Vehicle in New State

Re-registration of a motor vehicle can be done if the motor vehicle is moved to a different state. The documents required for re-registration of the vehicle are pretty much the same in addition to which NOC has to be obtained from the vehicle financer and the original registering certificate has to be submitted. On submitting the documents and paying the application fee, the vehicle is re-registered within a span of 15 days.

Transfer of Vehicle Ownership at Regional Transport Office

Transfer of vehicle ownership can be done by

  • Application for transfer of vehicle ownership which has to be made in Form 29 and 30
  • If the vehicle is registered in another state, NOC has to be obtained from the RTO where the vehicle was first registered.
  • NOC has to be obtained from the financer if the vehicle is purchased through finance
  • PUC certificate
  • Vehicle insurance certificate
  • Applicable application fees and road taxes
  • Registration certificate of the vehicle
  • Affidavit stating the sale and purchase of the vehicle
  • Age and address proof documents along with passport size photographs

FAQs on Regional Transport Office (RTO)

Is RTO closed on Saturday?

RTOs are closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month.

What is RTO exam?

To become an RTO officer, an individual is required to sit for an entrance examination, referred to as the RTO exam. This exam is held in all the states and conducted based on their own rules.

How can I become Regional Transport Officer?

The eligibility criteria to become an RTO officer depends on the post one is seeking:

  • To become an RTO clerk:
  • An individual should be an Indian citizen.
  • He or she must be within the age group of 18 to 37 years.
  • He or she must have completed graduation from a recognized institute with an educational qualification diploma or equivalent.
  • To become an RTO assistant engineer:
  • An individual should be an Indian citizen.
  • He or she must be within the age group of 21 to 35 years.
  • He or she must hold a Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering from a recognized university.
  • To become an RTO judicial servant:
  • An individual should be an Indian citizen.
  • He or she must be within the age group of 21 to 35 years.
  • He or she must hold a Bachelor's Degree in Law from a recognized university.

What is the work of an RTO officer?

The Regional Transport Office is the organization of the Indian government responsible for registration of vehicles and the issue of drivers' licences. In addition to this, the RTO officer checks for motor insurance and grants certificate of fitness to transport vehicles.

What is the full form of DTO?

DTO stands for District Transport Officer.

What is the full form of RC book?

RC in RC book stands for Registration Certificate.

What is the full form of RTO?

RTO stands for Regional Transport Office.

What is PSV number?

The Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge is issued to drivers of public transport vehicles. PSV badges are issued by zonal transport offices as well as regional transport offices.

What is Form 20 in RTO?

Form 20 is the Form of Application for Registration of Motor Vehicle.

What is Form 28 in RTO?

Form 28 is the Application and Grant Of No Objection Certificate.

What is Form 21 in transport department?

Form 21 is the Sale Certificate, issued by manufacturer/dealer or officer of Defence Department.

Can I pay road tax without NOC?

Yes; but you have to obtain an NOC from your current RTO office within a period of one year and get the vehicle registered in the new state within the period of one year.

Can I pay vehicle tax online?

Yes, vehicle tax can be paid online on the respective state government’s transport website.

What is Form 22 in RTO?

Form 22 is the Initial Certificate of Compliance with Pollution Standards, Safety Standards of Components and Road-Worthiness.

Does RTO office work on second Saturday?

No, RTOs are closed on second Saturdays.