What is a Registration Certificate?
A Registration Certificate (RC) in Himachal Pradesh is an essential document that verifies a vehicle's registration with the Transport Department. It serves as proof of ownership and helps authorities monitor vehicles on the roads. Whether the vehicle is new or used, every motor vehicle must possess an RC to be legally driven in Himachal Pradesh.
Importance of Checking RC Status
Checking the Registration Certificate (RC) status in Himachal Pradesh is essential for several important reasons:
The RC is mandatory for legally driving a vehicle on the roads. Verifying its status ensures that your vehicle is properly registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO), which helps avoid fines or penalties for operating an unregistered vehicle.
- Track Application Progress
If you’ve recently applied for an RC, checking its status allows you to track the application’s progress and be informed about any delays or issues. It ensures you know when your RC will be ready for use.
- Prevent Unnecessary Delays
Verifying the RC status helps identify if there are any pending steps or missing documents, allowing you to take necessary action to avoid further delays in getting your RC.
When purchasing a used vehicle, checking the RC status is crucial to confirm that the ownership has been successfully transferred to your name, ensuring a smooth transaction process.
- Road Safety and Insurance
A valid RC ensures that the vehicle complies with safety and environmental standards. Additionally, most insurance policies require a valid RC, so checking its status ensures that your vehicle remains covered under insurance.
- Avoid Penalties or Legal Issues
Driving without a valid RC can lead to fines, penalties, or even the seizure of the vehicle. Checking your RC status ensures that you remain compliant with road and traffic regulations in Himachal Pradesh.
How to Check RC Status
Once you’ve applied for your Registration Certificate, you can check its status online, offline or through ACKO Drive App to stay updated. Here’s how:
- Through Parivahan Website
- Via the ACKO Mobile App
- Offline Process: Via RTO
Through Parivahan Website
The Parivahan Sewa portal simplifies the process of checking RC status for all vehicle owners. Here’s how to check it:
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa Website: Go to Parivahan Sewa.
- Navigate to "Online Services": Click on "Vehicle-Related Services."
- Select Himachal Pradesh : Choose "Himachal Pradesh" from the dropdown menu.
- Enter Vehicle Registration Number: Input your vehicle's registration number and solve the captcha.
- View RC Status: After submitting, the portal will display the status, including the registration date, validity, and more.
Via the ACKO Mobile App
ACKO offers a fast and simple way to check your vehicle’s RC status via their mobile app, which is particularly useful for insurance-related queries. Here’s how to do it:
- Download the ACKO Mobile App: Available on Android and iOS.
- Enter Vehicle Details: Use the "Check Vehicle Details" feature and input your vehicle's registration number.
- OTP Verification: Provide your mobile number to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) for verification.
- View RC Status: After OTP verification, the app will display the RC status and other relevant vehicle details.
Offline Process: Via RTO
To check your Registration Certificate (RC) status offline in Himachal Pradesh, follow these steps:
- Visit the Nearest RTO Office: Locate and visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO). Offices are located across Himachal Pradesh, such as in Solan, Shimla, and other districts.
- Provide Necessary Documents: Bring essential documents like your vehicle's registration number, the original RC, and identification proof.
- Submit the Required Forms: Fill out any necessary forms such as Form 25 for RC renewal or any other specific requests like duplicate RC. The RTO staff will guide you on the appropriate form.
- Pay the Fees: Depending on the service, fees for RC services vary. For example, for vehicle registration or renewal, it can range from ₹300-₹1,500 depending on the vehicle type.
- Receive RC Status: After completing the process and payment, the RTO will provide your updated RC status or issue a duplicate/renewed RC.
Documents Required for RC
The documents required for the application include:
- Form 20: Application for vehicle registration.
- Form 21: Sales certificate from the dealer.
- Form 22: Manufacturer's roadworthiness certificate.
- Insurance Policy: Proof of valid motor insurance.
- PUC Certificate: Pollution Under Control certificate.
- Invoice and Tax Receipt: Proof of purchase and tax payment.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): If the vehicle is being transferred from another state.
Details Present on Vehicle Registration Certificate
The Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) in Himachal Pradesh contains important details about both the vehicle and its owner. Here are the key details typically present on the RC:
- Registration Number: The unique identification number assigned to the vehicle.
- Owner’s Name: Name of the registered owner of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Class: Type of vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, commercial vehicle).
- Chassis Number: A unique number used to identify the vehicle’s chassis.
- Engine Number: A unique number specific to the vehicle’s engine.
- Make and Model: Manufacturer and model of the vehicle.
- Fuel Type: Type of fuel the vehicle uses (e.g., petrol, diesel, electric).
- Date of Registration: The date on which the vehicle was registered with the RTO.
- Registration Validity: The expiry date of the RC, after which it must be renewed.
- Seating Capacity: The number of passengers the vehicle can accommodate.
- Vehicle’s Colour: The colour of the vehicle as per registration.
- Insurance Details: Information about the vehicle’s insurance, including policy number and validity.
- Emission Norms: The pollution standards the vehicle complies with (e.g., BS4, BS6).
- Hypothecation Details: Information about any loan or financial institution linked to the vehicle (if applicable).
RC Renewal
In Himachal Pradesh, the Registration Certificate (RC) must be renewed after 15 years from the vehicle's initial registration date. The renewal process involves several steps, and failing to renew the RC on time can result in penalties.
Effective October 2021, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced new, higher fees for renewing the RC of vehicles that are 15 years or older. Under the government's vehicle scrappage policy, the cost of renewing the RC has significantly increased to encourage the phasing out of old, polluting vehicles. This policy aims to promote the use of newer, more environmentally friendly vehicles while reducing pollution caused by older ones.
Vehicle owners in Himachal Pradesh should ensure timely RC renewal to avoid penalties and ensure their vehicle remains legally operable on the state's roads.
Conclusion
In Himachal Pradesh, checking the Registration Certificate (RC) status is essential for ensuring that your vehicle is legally registered and compliant with road regulations. You can easily track the status online through the Parivahan Sewa website, via mobile apps like the ACKO Drive App, or by visiting the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in person. Regularly checking the RC status helps you stay updated on the application process, avoid any delays, and ensure smooth ownership transfer, especially when purchasing a used vehicle. Staying informed about your RC status also helps prevent legal issues or fines related to unregistered or improperly documented vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
