Secure Your Car With The Super Car Insurance Plan!
Believe it or Not! Save upto* 75% on TATA AIG Car Insurance
Secure Your Car With The Super Car Insurance Plan!
Believe it or Not! Save upto* 75% on TATA AIG Car Insurance
Renewal of Registration For Vehicle or Re-Registration of Vehicle Renew Car Registration After 15 Years
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 26/06/2025
As per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, you must have a valid Certificate of Registration (R.C.) to make your vehicle eligible to run on public roads. It is as important as getting your driving license. The RTO (Regional Transport Office) gives the registration certificate confirming that your automobile can be driven on the roads. Hence, whenever you purchase a new car, you are first required to register the vehicle.
One thing that comes to your mind is — Can car registration be renewed after 15 years? The answer is yes.
The R.C. of a vehicle has a validity of 15 years from the issuance date. When your car's registration expires or is about to expire, you must renew the same. The renewal must be ideally done 60 days before the expiry of 15 years. After the first 15 years, you can renew your car’s registration for five years, depending on its condition. But do not drive your car with a lapsed registration, as it may draw penalties and get you in legal trouble.
Owning and driving your car gives a sense of accomplishment. Undoubtedly, you take utmost care to protect it from any damage and buy a car insurance for the same. However, renewing your policy also remains crucial to protecting it. Car insurance renewal is the process wherein you pay a premium to ensure that the policy remains in force and provides its benefits.
With Tata AIG, you can opt for car insurance renewal online. Thus paying the premium and tracking your policy is easy with just a few clicks. Moreover, our online procedures enable you for a hassle-free, paperless, and swift renewal of your car insurance policy.
Preparing for Car Registration Renewal
Before you proceed with the application for R.C. renewal, keep the following documents handy for a hassle-free application.
- Duly filled application Form 25
- Registration Certificate or R.C. Book
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
- Fitness certificate
- Proof of the payment tax (if applicable)
- Car insurance policy certificate
- Copy of PAN card or Form 60 & Form 61 (as applicable)
- Chassis & Engine pencil print
- Signature Identification of the owner
It must be noted that the list of documents required from one state to another may vary. Also, you must ensure that the documents furnished must be updated and correct.
Read more: How to Apply for a Vehicle RC Renewal
How to Renew Car Registration After 15 Years?
Once you have all the required documents, the next step is to apply for renewal of vehicle registration after 15 years. You can opt for an online procedure or an offline one.
Online Process for Car Registration After 15 Years
Step 1: Visit the official Parivahan Sewa website and click "Online Services" from the menu tab.
Step 2: Select the option "Vehicle Related Services."
Step 3: Choose your residential state. Some states do not offer online renewal of car registration after 15 years.
Step 4: Click on your nearest RTO and then on "Proceed."
Step 5: Select "R.C. related Services" and then Opt for "Renewal of Registration."
Step 6: Enter details of your vehicle like the registration number etc.
Step 7: Click on "Verify Details" to complete the process.
Step 8: Pay the pending road tax online (if any)
Step 9: Book an R.C. renewal at a selected RTO for your car inspection after successful payment.
Offline Process for Vehicle Registration Renewal After 15 years
Alternatively, you can also get your car renewal through traditional offline methods. To complete the renewal process, you must personally visit the RTO where your car was first registered. Follow the below steps.
Step 1: Duly fill the Form 25
Step 2: Submit the form and other required documents at the RTO.
Step 3: Pay the pending taxes at the RTO counter, if applicable.
Step 4: The car must be put in for an inspection before the registering authority.
Step 5: Make the re-registration fee at the relevant counter and collect the receipt.
Step 6: RTO will issue the renewed R.C. through the post, or you can get it hand-delivered.
Re-Registration of Vehicle for Inter-State Transfer
When moving permanently to another state, RC transfer becomes a legal necessity as per the Motor Vehicles Act.
Begin the inter-state vehicle registration process by obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original RTO.
Transport your vehicle to the new state and submit the NOC along with a valid car insurance online policy and a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate to the local RTO.
Fill and submit Form 20 (application for registration) and Form 27 (application for new registration mark).
Pay the applicable road tax, and don’t forget to keep receipts for claiming refunds if eligible.
Once your vehicle passes the inspection and chassis number is verified, the new registration certificate (RC) will be issued.
Ensure that your comprehensive car insurance or third party car insurance online is updated with the new state address.
Remember, failure to complete the re-registration of a vehicle after 15 years online fees or transfer process within 12 months can result in fines or vehicle seizure.
How to Check R.C. Renewal Status Online?
You can now check your renewal application status online.
Step 1: Visit the official Parivaha Sewa portal. Then go to "Online Services" and select "Vehicle Related Services."
Step 2: Select your residential state.
Step 3: Select your nearest RTO or the RTO where you applied for renewal and click "Proceed."
Step 4: Select "Know Your Application Status" from the status list.
Step 5: Mention the renewal application or registration number and click "Submit."
Step 6: Add the application number you received after paying renewal fees. Click "View Report" to know your vehicle's R.C. renewal status.
Importance of Insurance For Your Car
Owning a car is no longer a matter of status. It has gradually turned into a necessity rather than a luxury. However, one cannot deny that it is an expensive investment, and any damage to the car may cost you dearly. As per the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, having at least a third-party liability motor insurance policy is mandatory in India to make your vehicle eligible to drive on the roads. Let us look at some of the reasons why insurance for a car is a must.
Provides financial security: In case of an accident or theft, your insurance for the car will take care of the financial responsibilities arising due to damages to the vehicle or the treatment of the injured party.
Fulfills the mandatory requirement: As mentioned above, third-party insurance is mandatory. If you are found driving the vehicle without this insurance, you might face legal repercussions.
Covers for damages due to natural disasters: Car insurance policy also provides cover against damages due to natural disasters like floods, cyclones, earthquakes, etc.
Get personal accident cover: When you buy a comprehensive car insurance policy, it provides protection against major or minor injury caused due to an accident. Tata AIG offers Personal Accident Cover of ₹15 lakhs. If the owner-driver dies in the accident, the amount is paid to a beneficiary selected.
Access to an extensive network of garages: Tata AIG has over 7500 network garages across the country. This ensures you have cashless services in these areas and conveniently avail of repair services.
Get cover in case of demise: The third-party liabilities car insurance also covers the death of a third-party person.
Read more: New Car Registration Process
Wrapping Up
A Registration Certificate (R.C.) is a document that proves that your car is registered with the Government of India. This essential document must be renewed well before expiry to avoid any inconvenience. Similarly, ensure you have adequate motor insurance to protect yourself from financial challenges from an unfortunate accident.
FAQS
- What is the cost to renew car registration after 15 years?
The re-registration of the vehicle after 15 years online fees typically ranges between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 15,000, depending on the state. The actual RC renewal fee is much lower; higher costs may include green tax, fitness certificate, and late fees. It’s best to verify the current rates with your local RTO’s online portal.
- What can I do if my car is more than 15 years old?
If your vehicle is over 15 years old, you can apply for re-registration along with a fitness certificate. In cities like Delhi-NCR, where restrictions apply, consider transferring the registration to another state or scrapping the vehicle if it is no longer fit for road use.
- Can a 20 year old car be registered in India?
Yes, but it must pass a fitness test and comply with pollution norms. Some states, such as Delhi, prohibit the registration of petrol or diesel cars older than 15 years. In Delhi-NCR, petrol cars >15 years and diesel cars >10 years are banned, regardless of fitness. If allowed, ensure the third-party car insurance is renewed before applying.
- Can we drive a car after 15 years?
You can drive a car after 15 years if it passes a fitness test and you pay the re-registration of the vehicle after 15 years online. However, driving is prohibited in regions with strict emission regulations, even if the car is fit, such as Delhi-NCR.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.

