RTO Chennai

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RTO Office Chennai

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Naidu, is one of the metropolises of India. It is famous for its cultural heritage and is a popular tourist attraction. The Chennai RTO was established as per section 213 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

RTO Chennai Overview

The Chennai RTO office comes under the jurisdiction of Tamil Nadu in India and is primarily responsible for carrying out the provisions as laid down by the Motor Vehicles Act from time to time. The Chennai RTO is supported by the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department. The main objective of Chennai RTO is to promote road safety, enforce all traffic rules, issue licenses, give permits, collect taxes, control pollution, and more.

Official website of RTO Chennai: tnsta.gov.in/tnsta/homepage

List of RTO Offices in Chennai

If you're searching for the regional transport office Chennai, here’s a complete list of all RTOs in Chennai along with their RTO codes, addresses, and contact numbers.

Whether you're applying for a driving licence, vehicle registration, or car insurance renewal, this table will help you locate the nearest Chennai RTO office easily.

Each regional transport office Chennai Tamil Nadu branch serves a specific zone for faster service.

RTO Name Code Address Phone Number
Ayanavaram RTO TN-01 Regional Transport Office, Chennai (Central), No.4, Anderson Road, Ayanavaram, Chennai - 600023 044-26745959
Anna Nagar RTO TN-02 Regional Transport Office, Chennai (North-West), Plot No.3623, New Avadi Road, Anna Nagar East 044-26745959
Tondiarpet RTO TN-03 Regional Transport Office, Chennai (North-East), No.147, Balakrishna Street, Tondiarpet 044-25914849 / 25911133
Pulianthoppu RTO TN-04 Regional Transport Office, Chennai (East), Power Mills Road, Pulianthoppu 044-26670993
Kolathur RTO TN-05 Regional Transport Office, Chennai (North), No.9, Inner Ring Road, Sastri Nagar, Kolathur 044-25562700
Mandaveli RTO TN-06 Regional Transport Office, Chennai (South-East), No.4 VC Garden II Street, Mandaveli 044-24610405
Thiruvanmiyur RTO TN-07 Regional Transport Office, Chennai (South), No.38 East Coast Road, Thiruvanmiyur 044-24516464
K K Nagar RTO TN-09 Regional Transport Office, Chennai (West), No.1 Bharathidasan Colony, K.K. Nagar 044-24894466
Virugambakkam RTO TN-10 Regional Transport Office, Chennai (South-West), Kaliamman Koil Street, Sai Nagar, Virugambakkam 044-24797722
Ambattur RTO TN-13 No.10A, West Park Street, Venkatapuram, Ambattur 044-23450027
Sholinganallur RTO TN-14 No.275, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Sholinganallur 044-24503939

Functions of RTO Chennai

The Regional Transport Office Chennai plays a crucial role in enforcing the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and managing transport-related services. Each RTO Chennai office ensures smooth vehicle documentation and compliance with regulations across the city.

Key functions of the regional transport office, Chennai, Tamil Nadu include:

  • Issuing and renewing learners and permanent driving licences

  • Approving international driving permits

  • Issuing conductor’s licences and public service badges

  • Managing vehicle registration (temporary and permanent)

  • Changing address on driving licences and RCS

  • Transferring ownership of registered vehicles

  • Approving and terminating hire purchase agreements

  • Issuing and renewing fitness certificates for transport vehicles

  • Granting no-objection certificates (NOC)

  • Handling duplicate licences, RCS, and permits

  • Providing online permits for carriages, cabs, auto-rickshaws, etc.

Residents can visit their nearest Chennai RTO office for any vehicle documentation or to ensure compliance. It’s also advisable to explore car insurance online for complete vehicle protection.

Services Offered by Chennai RTO

The Regional Transport Office Chennai operates under the Tamil Nadu Transport Department and ensures the implementation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Every Chennai RTO office provides a wide range of services to vehicle owners, drivers, and commercial operators.

Whether you’re registering a new vehicle or renewing a driving licence, the RTO Chennai is the official authority to approach.

Vehicle Registration (New and Old)

The regional transport office in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, facilitates both temporary and permanent vehicle registration. Owners must register their new vehicles with the respective Chennai RTO office and obtain the registration certificate (RC) before using them on public roads.

Issuance of Driving Licences

Chennai RTO issues learner’s licences, permanent driving licences, and international driving permits. It also handles renewals and addresses changes to existing licences.

Learner’s Licence Services

Applicants can apply for a learner’s licence online or offline. This service includes eligibility verification, slot booking for tests, and document submission.

Vehicle Ownership Transfer

When buying or selling a used vehicle, the ownership transfer must be registered at the RTO Chennai. The office ensures legal documentation, ID verification, and updates to the vehicle’s RC.

Road Tax Collection

The regional transport office in Chennai is responsible for collecting road taxes from vehicle owners. Payment of these taxes is mandatory during registration or ownership transfer and may vary by vehicle type.

NOC Issuance

For transferring a vehicle from RTO Chennai to another state or jurisdiction, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required. This service ensures compliance with interstate transport laws.

Fitness Certificate for Vehicles

Commercial and transport vehicles must undergo fitness testing. The Chennai RTO office conducts inspections and issues certificates ensuring roadworthiness.

Permit Services

The RTO issues permits for various categories, including goods carriers, tourist vehicles, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. These permits are essential for operating vehicles commercially.

Whether you're applying for a new driving licence, calculating your vehicle insurance, or renewing your car insurance online, visiting the appropriate regional transport office in Chennai ensures legal compliance and road safety.

Fees and Charges Chennai RTO

The Chennai RTO office is responsible for collecting official fees for vehicle registration, driving licences, permits, and fitness certificates. These charges vary based on vehicle type and service requirements.

The following sections provide a breakdown of applicable fees across services at any regional transport office in Chennai listed under the TN RTO codes.

Driving Licence Charges

At any RTO Chennai, you can expect the following fees for learner’s and driving licence services:

  • Learner’s Licence: Rs. 150 per class (Test fee: Rs. 50)

  • Driving Licence issuance: Rs. 200

  • Repeat driving test (if required): Rs. 300

  • Adding a vehicle class to an existing DL: Rs. 500

  • International Driving Permit: Rs. 1000

  • Driving Licence renewal: Rs. 200 (Rs. 300 after grace period)

  • Endorsement for hazardous goods: Rs. 100

  • Driving school licence: Rs. 10,000 (Duplicate: Rs. 5,000)

  • Appeal against licence authority: Rs. 500

  • DL record change (e.g., address): Rs. 200

These charges are standard across every regional transport office in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Vehicle Registration Charges

Residents registering a vehicle at RTO Chennai should note the following standard rates:

  • Bike: Rs. 300 + 8% life-time tax + service charge Rs. 100

  • Car: Rs. 600 + 10% (cars under Rs. 10 lakh) or 15% tax + service charge Rs. 200

  • LGV: Rs. 1000 + Rs. 19200 quarterly tax + service Rs. 200

  • Auto-rickshaw: Rs. 1000 + Rs. 1400 (five-year tax) + service Rs. 200

  • Taxi/Maxicab: Rs. 1000 + tax based on value + service Rs. 200

For accurate calculations, use a vehicle insurance calculator and confirm with your Chennai RTO office directly.

Fitness Certificate Charges

Applicable RTO Chennai fees for vehicle fitness certificates are:

  • Two-Wheelers / LMV: Rs. 600 + Rs. 50 service charge

  • Autorickshaw: Rs. 600 + Rs. 25 service charge

MMV/HMV: Rs. 800 + Rs. 50 service charge

Permit Charges

If you’re applying for commercial vehicle permits, the following fees apply:

  • Temporary Permit: Rs. 150 + Rs. 50 service charge

  • Goods Permit: Rs. 1350 + Rs. 100 service charge

  • National Permit: Rs. 1000 + Rs. 200 service charge

Before applying for these services, ensure your motor insurance is valid. You can compare car insurance online, explore third-party vehicle insurance, or even choose zero-depreciation car insurance for better coverage.

Chennai RTO Vehicle Registration Charge

Below is a detailed table of the RTO Chennai registration fees for various vehicle types. These charges apply when registering a vehicle at any Chennai RTO office, officially operating under the regional transport office Chennai Tamil Nadu jurisdiction.

Class of Vehicle Chennai RTO Registration Fees (in Rs.)
Two-wheeler 300
Imported Two-wheeler 5000
Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) 600
Medium Goods and Passenger Vehicle 1000
Heavy Goods and Passenger Vehicle 1500
Imported Motor Vehicle 5000
Other Vehicles (Not Categorised Above) 3000
E-rickshaw / E-cart 1000
Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) 1000

Chennai RTO Driving Licence Fees

The following table outlines the charges for various driving licence-related services at the Chennai RTO. These fees are standard across all regional transport office Chennai branches.

Service Type Fees (in Rs.)
Learner’s Licence (per class) 150
Driving Test Fee 50
Permanent Driving Licence 200
Repeat Driving Test 300
Renewal of Driving Licence 200
DL Renewal after Grace Period 300
Duplicate Driving Licence 216
Adding Another Vehicle Class 500
International Driving Permit (IDP) 1000

Chennai RTO Fitness Certificate Fees

Fitness certificates are issued after verifying the vehicle’s roadworthiness. The table below lists the fees applicable at RTO Chennai.

Vehicle Type Fitness Certificate Fee (in Rs.)
Two-Wheeler 600 + 50 (service charge)
Light Motor Vehicle 600 + 50 (service charge)
Medium/Heavy Motor Vehicle 800 + 50 (service charge)
Autorickshaw 600 + 25 (service charge)

Chennai RTO Vehicle Permit Charges

For commercial use, vehicle owners must obtain relevant permits. Below are the applicable charges at Chennai RTO offices.

Permit Type Fee (in Rs.)
Temporary Permit 200
Local Permit (Commercial Use) 1000
Goods Permit 1450
National Permit (Goods Vehicles) 1200

Visit your nearest regional transport office Chennai for up-to-date fee details and service hours. Before initiating any RTO process, ensure your motor insurance is valid.

You can compare car insurance online, explore plans like third party motor insurance or comprehensive car insurance, and use the vehicle insurance calculator to estimate your premium accurately.

How to Register a Vehicle at Chennai RTO

You can register your vehicle or renew your registration at Chennai RTO by visiting the official website or visiting the nearest RTO office. You would need to fill the applicable RTO Form and submit the required documents and pay the registration fee.

Here is how you can register a vehicle at Chennai RTO:

Download and fill the RTO Form 20 from the official website of Chennai RTO

Submit all documents required. These will include Sale certificate Form 21, Form 22 –certificate of roadworthiness in Form 22, Central Motor Vehicle Rules, address proof, temporary registration certificate, etc.
Once the documents are submitted, the RTO Chennai will inspect the vehicle, and then as per the results, the

RTO Chennai will issue a unique vehicle registration number.

The Registration Certificate or the RC Card will be mailed to your registered address.

How to Renew a Registration Certificate in Chennai

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, it is compulsory for all vehicles driving in Chennai a valid registration certificate. For private vehicles, a registration certificate is valid for 15 years. For commercial vehicles, the RC is valid for 3 years.

You will need to provide these documents to renew a registration certificate in Chennai:

  • Application Form 25
  • Pollution certificate for the vehicle
  • Original registration certificate of the vehicle
  • Valid vehicle insurance
  • Vehicle fitness certificate
  • Payment proof of road tax
  • Applicable renewal fee

Upon submission of the documents, the RTO office in Chennai inspects the vehicle and renews the registration certificate for your vehicle.

Documents Required to Register a Vehicle in RTO Chennai

To register a vehicle in Chennai, you have to submit the following documents:

  • RTO Form 20 for registering your vehicle
  • Form 21 sale certificate by the dealer listing the purchase
  • Form 22 roadworthiness certificate from the vehicle manufacturer
  • Form 22-A if the vehicle is fabricated
  • Original invoice of the vehicle
  • Temporary vehicle registration
  • Vehicle insurance documents
  • Address proof
  • Customs bills for imported vehicle registration
  • Road tax receipt in case the vehicle is purchased from another state

Different Types of Number Plates Issued in RTO Office Chennai

The RTO Chennai office issues various types of number plates, each indicating the nature of the vehicle and its authorised usage. Below is a guide to the commonly issued plates by the regional transport office, Chennai, Tamil Nadu:

White Number Plate: Allocated to privately owned, non-commercial vehicles. These plates feature black text on a white background and are widely seen across Chennai roads.

Yellow Number Plate: Used for commercial vehicles such as taxis, buses, and goods carriers. They display black text on a yellow background. A commercial driving permit is mandatory for the driver.

Green Number Plate: Reserved for electric vehicles, including e-cars, bikes, and e-rickshaws. These plates carry yellow or white text on a green background based on the vehicle’s use.

Black Number Plate: Typically found on self-drive rental vehicles or transport offered by hospitality businesses. They feature yellow text on a black background. A commercial driving licence is not always required.

Red Number Plate: Temporarily issued for brand-new vehicles that are yet to receive permanent registration. These show white text on a red background and are valid for a limited duration.

Blue Number Plate: Designated for vehicles used by foreign consulates, diplomats, and international bodies. These plates include white text on a blue background and may contain identifiers such as UN or CC.

Upward-Pointing Arrow Plate: Issued to defence vehicles under the Ministry of Defence. The arrow symbol is prominently displayed.

Red Plate with National Emblem: Specifically reserved for the President of India and state Governors. These number plates carry the Emblem of India on a red background.

For any number plate issuance or updates, visit your nearest Chennai RTO office. Ensure your car insurance or vehicle insurance renewal is up to date before proceeding.

Motor Insurance in Chennai

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, all vehicles – commercial or private – driving in India should have a valid registration, vehicle permit and also, a motor insurance policy. Vehicles driving in India without vehicle insurance will be charged a penalty. You can easily get online insurance for vehicle at affordable premiums that fit your budget. A sound insurance plan will financially secure you in case of an unfortunate event like an accident, etc.

You can get online insurance for a vehicle by following these steps:

  • Research extensively online to find the top-most reliable insurance providers.
  • Study their vehicle insurance plans and choose one that best matches your needs as per premiums, features, sum insured, etc.
  • Pay the premium for the plan, and your vehicle insurance is active.

When assessing different insurers online, be sure to select a company that is trustworthy and has a good market reputation along with strong years of service, claim settlement ratio, positive customer feedback, affordable premiums, and more.

For your four-wheeler insurance, trust Tata AIG four-wheeler insurance to provide you with an affordable and comprehensive vehicle insurance plan that is ideal for you. With TATA AIG, you can be assured of your financial security with competitive features at highly pocket-friendly premiums. You also get a reliable brand name trust, easy and quick claim settlement, cashless claims and 24x7 customer support.

Disclaimer / TnC

Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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