Why the Transfer Matters
Until the RC is transferred, the seller is still the registered owner. Traffic fines, accident liability and police notices go to them, and the buyer can face problems with insurance claims and resale. The Supreme Court has held the person recorded as owner liable in accident cases, which is why both sides should finish the transfer promptly.
The Forms
| Form | What it is | Who signs | When needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form 29 | Notice of transfer of ownership | Seller (and buyer) | Every sale |
| Form 30 | Application for transfer of ownership | Seller and buyer | Every sale |
| Form 35 | Notice of termination of hypothecation | Lender and owner | If the RC shows a loan |
| Form 34 | Application to record a new hypothecation | Buyer and new lender | If the buyer takes a loan |
| Form 28 | No Objection Certificate | Issued by the original RTO | If the car is registered in another state |
| Form 31 | Transfer on the owner’s death | Legal heir | Inheritance cases |
Documents Checklist
- Original RC (smart card or book)
- Forms 29 and 30, signed by both parties
- Valid insurance certificate
- Valid PUC (pollution under control) certificate
- Buyer’s address proof and ID; ID of the seller
- Passport-size photographs if the RTO asks for them
- Lender’s NOC and Form 35 if there was a loan
- NOC (Form 28) for an other-state car
- Proof of fee payment (paid online at the time of application)
Step by Step in Bengaluru
- Before paying, verify the RC details on Parivahan, check for loans and pending challans, and match the chassis number to the car.
- Sign the papers on the day of sale: Forms 29 and 30, a sale agreement and a delivery note that records the date and time of handover.
- Apply online: on Parivahan, choose Vahan services for the registration number and select transfer of ownership. Fill the details, pay the fee and book an appointment if the RTO requires one.
- Submit documents at the RTO for the buyer’s address when asked. The RTO may inspect the car.
- Track the application on Parivahan using the application number.
- Receive the new RC in the buyer’s name.
Fees are set under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and shown on Parivahan when you apply; RTO processing times vary. Check the Karnataka Transport Department for current procedures.
Deadlines
| Who | What | Time limit |
|---|---|---|
| Seller | Report the transfer to the registering authority (car registered in the same state) | Within 14 days of the transfer (Section 50) |
| Seller | Same, for a car registered in another state | Within 45 days (Section 50) |
| Buyer | Report the transfer and apply for the RC in their name | Within 30 days of the transfer (Section 50) |
| Buyer | Apply to the insurer to transfer the policy | Within 14 days of the transfer (Section 157) |
If the Car Had a Loan
If the RC shows hypothecation, the lender’s interest must be removed before or along with the transfer. The seller gets the NOC and signed Form 35 from the lender after closing the loan; the RBI requires lenders to release such documents within 30 days of full repayment. If you, the buyer, are taking a loan, your lender’s hypothecation is recorded with Form 34. Our car loan guide covers this in more detail.
If the Car Is Registered in Another State
A car registered outside Karnataka needs a No Objection Certificate (Form 28) from its original RTO before it can be registered here. Karnataka’s rules on road tax and re-registration for vehicles from other states have been challenged in court, so confirm the current position with your RTO or the Transport Department before you buy an other-state car, and factor any tax into the price.
Insurance and FASTag
- Insurance: apply to the insurer to move the policy into your name within 14 days, with the transfer papers. Alternatively, start a new policy in your name. The seller keeps their no-claim bonus and can ask the insurer for an NCB certificate.
- FASTag: a FASTag is linked to the vehicle and its owner’s account. Ask the seller to close their FASTag, then get a new one issued in your name.
Keep copies of every document the seller signs, and photograph the odometer and the delivery note at handover. They settle questions about fines and dates later.
