Importance of Bike Registration Certificate (RC)

A registration certificate for a bike is one of the most vital legal documents that a bike rider needs to have while riding a bike. It proves the registration of your vehicle with the Government of India. Section 39 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, mandates every bike owner to have a registration certificate to drive the bike legally on public roads. One needs to possess the document, just like a driver’s licence. The RC comes in the form of a book or a smart card. It is valid for 15 years from the date of issue. Once it expires, you can get it renewed for five years. A temporary RC is valid for one month. It cannot be renewed after expiry.

A bike registration card carries the following information:

• Registration number
• Engine number
• Registration date
• Type of vehicle
• Vehicle colour
• Chassis number
• Model number
• Seating capacity

The RTO provides a unique identification number during the registration process. This number is visible on the vehicle registration number plate.

You must register the bike and avail of the RC within seven days after you receive the bike.

In India, government authorities offer two types of registration certificates for two-wheelers and bikes. They include

• Temporary registration certificate for two-wheelers

When you purchase a new bike, the dealer gives you a temporary registration number. The validity of this provisional registration certificate is one month. It is mandatory to get a permanent registration certificate within this one month to be able to legally drive the bike on Indian roads.

• Permanent registration certificate

This is the permanent form of registration certificate for a bike. It is granted by the authorised RTO and must be displayed on your bike’s number plate. You can buy a bike insurance policy or two-wheeler insurance policy only after you have an RC.

It is mandatory by law to have a driver’s licence before you drive a vehicle on Indian roads. Similarly, it is vital to carry the RC and bike insurance policy. Read on to learn how important it is to have a bike smart card.

1. It is not legal in India to drive a two-wheeler on public roads without an RC.
2. If you do not possess a bike registration certificate, you are likely to get fined. On committing the offence for the first time, the fine is Rs. 5,000. It increases to a penalty of up to Rs. 10,000 for subsequent offences.
3. The traffic police can also seize your vehicle if you do not have the RC.
4. Lastly, to buy insurance for a 2-wheeler, you need the RC of your bike. You can compare two-wheeler insurance policies online to buy an insurance policy suitable for your bike. With the help of a free online bike insurance premium calculator, you can estimate the premium before purchasing the policy.

As most government procedures go digital, the process to get your vehicle registered is not left behind. You can register your bike online without any hassles. The process is swift and easy. Visit the Vahan portal to apply for the registration certificate for a bike. The online platform also lets you apply for a fitness certificate, ownership transfer, or renewal of RC.

If you have lost your RC, you can apply for a duplicate registration certificate online.

To apply for the bike registration certificate offline, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Visit the nearest RTO. The inspecting authority may choose to inspect your bike.
2. Fill out Form 20. You will have to provide information related to your address, place of birth, PAN Card number, vehicle type, month and year of manufacture, chassis number, engine details (cubic capacity, number of cylinders, horsepower, etc.), seating capacity, colour, and unladen weight.
3. The authorities will need an imprint of the chassis number.
4. You will also need to submit certain documents. These include:
   a. Duly filled form 20
   b. Owner’s PAN Card
   c. Form 21
   d. Manufacturer and dealer invoice
   e. Form 22 and 22A
   f. Address proof (attested copy)
   g. Bike insurance (attested copy)
   h. Form 34 (if you are financing the purchase of the bike)
5. Pay the registration fees and collect the receipt.
   Your RC will be generated and sent to you within a few days. Many motor dealers can also arrange the RC for you, which means you save a trip to the RTO. However, this is only possible for auto dealers who have a state RTO trade certificate.

If you are purchasing a used bike, you need to request a two-wheeler ownership transfer. When the ownership is transferred to your name, you retain all possession rights. It is vital to transfer the bike ownership to the subsequent heir at the time of the owner’s death. The procedure is legal and should be initiated as per specific procedures laid down by the government authorities. The owner’s family needs to submit the required documents for the transfer of ownership and the registration certificate. The process is relatively simpler and can also be completed online.

Buying a dream bike comes with a feeling of joy, and getting it registered in your name brings a sense of fulfilment. An RC or registration certificate is a vital legal document that contains essential information about your vehicle. It is also mandatory by law. You must remember to carry the RC with you whenever you drive on the Indian roads to avoid penalties and legal allegations. The penalty amount is high, and there are also chances of vehicle seizure. The RTO can issue the bike registration certificate to you in the form of a booklet or a smart card.