RC Renewal After 15 Years: Renew Your Registration Certificate Online (Vahan)
The registration certificate of a private vehicle is valid for 15 years. After that it has to be renewed, and a fitness certificate is part of the process. Here is when to apply, how to start a renewal on the official Vahan portal and what to expect.
Quick answer
A non-transport vehicle RC is valid for 15 years and is then renewed for 5 years at a time. The application is made not more than 60 days before expiry, and renewal needs a fitness certificate. On vahan.parivahan.gov.in, choose Registering Authority, select your state and RTO, open RC Related Services, pick Renewal of Registration, enter your registration number and the last 5 characters of the chassis number, and click Verify Details. The fees are in the fee table below, and the fitness inspection details depend on your state.
When does a private vehicle RC need renewal?
These are the rules for non-transport vehicles, such as private cars and two-wheelers.
15 years from the date of issue
Under Section 41 of the Motor Vehicles Act, the registration certificate of a non-transport vehicle is valid for 15 years from the date it was issued, and it can be renewed.
Renewed for 5 years at a time
A renewal extends the certificate of registration by 5 years. After that it has to be renewed again in the same way.
Apply within 60 days before expiry
Under Rule 52 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, the renewal application is made not more than 60 days before the RC expires, in Form 25 with the prescribed fee.
A fitness certificate is part of it
The registering authority refers the vehicle for a fitness check before it renews the certificate. Your RC is renewed only once the vehicle is found fit.
Before you start
The exact list is set by your state, so follow the portal if it asks for more or less.
Registration number and chassis digits
Your vehicle registration number and the last 5 characters of the chassis number. Both are printed on your RC.
Your current RC
Keep the original RC handy. Some RTOs may ask to see it at the fitness inspection.
Valid insurance and PUC
Keep your insurance certificate and a valid PUC certificate ready. Your RTO may ask for them.
Mobile number and online payment
A working mobile number for messages from the portal, and an online payment method for the fee.
Step-by-step: start an RC renewal on Vahan
Steps 1 to 4 follow the portal screens. Later screens can differ from state to state.
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Open the Vahan service portal
Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice. On the screen titled Choose option to avail Services, pick Registering Authority.
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Select your state and RTO
Choose your state and the RTO where the vehicle is registered, tick the box to accept the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, and click Proceed.
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Open RC Related Services
In the menu on the left, click RC Related Services and choose Renewal of Registration from the tiles.
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Enter your registration number and chassis digits
On the Renewal of Registration Of Vehicle page, type your Vehicle Registration No. and the last 5 characters of the chassis number, then click Verify Details. Use Reset to start over.
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Complete the application and the fitness step
After your details are verified, follow the screens to fill in the application and upload any documents the portal asks for. Because a fitness certificate is part of the renewal, you may be asked to book or attend a fitness inspection. The screens and the process can differ by state, so do what the portal shows for your RTO.
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Pay the fee and keep your receipt
Pay the fee the portal shows, and save the application number and the payment receipt. Keep them until your renewed RC is in your hands.
What to expect at the fitness inspection
A fitness check confirms the vehicle is roadworthy before the RC is renewed.
- The vehicle has to be presented. The registering authority refers it to the competent authority for a fitness certificate, so plan to take the vehicle to the place your RTO tells you.
- Bring the documents. Carry your RC, insurance and PUC certificates, plus the application number from the portal.
- Get basic problems fixed first. Check lights, brakes, tyres, horn, indicators and number plates before you go, so the inspection is not wasted.
Where the inspection is held, how it is booked and how long it takes are decided by your state and RTO, so follow their instructions.
RC renewal fees
The central fee amounts for a private (non-transport) vehicle.
| Vehicle | 15 to 20 years old | Older than 20 years |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | Rs 1,000 | Rs 2,000 |
| Light motor vehicle (car) | Rs 5,000 | Rs 10,000 |
- Late fee. If you renew after the RC has expired, an additional Rs 300 for every month or part of a month applies to a motorcycle, and Rs 500 for other non-transport vehicles.
- Fitness test. The fitness inspection is charged separately, and the amount varies by testing station and state.
- Other charges. States and portals can add charges such as smart card or service fees.
The amounts for vehicles older than 20 years were raised by a notification dated 21 August 2025. Fees get revised from time to time, so the portal shows the exact amount before you pay.
What changes after renewal and what stays the same
| After renewal | |
|---|---|
| Registration number | Stays the same |
| Validity | Extended by 5 years |
| Owner and vehicle details | Stay the same unless you change them separately |
| Next renewal | Again after the 5 year period, in the same way |
Renewing the RC is separate from changing your address or transferring ownership. Those need their own applications.
After you apply
- Keep the receipt and application number. You will need them to follow up.
- Track your application. Use the application status option on the Vahan portal with your application number.
- Check the renewed RC. Make sure the registration number, your name and the new validity date are printed correctly, and report a mistake to the RTO at once.
- Keep your insurance and PUC valid. Renewing the RC does not renew them.
Related guides: duplicate RC, transfer of ownership and downloading your RC.
What if your RC has already expired?
Do not wait. An expired RC can cause problems later.
If the 15 years are over and you have not renewed, apply as soon as you can. An expired RC can cause trouble at a vehicle check, when you claim insurance or when you try to sell or transfer the vehicle. A late renewal carries an additional fee for every month or part of a month, as shown in the fee table above.
Some cities also have their own rules about running old petrol or diesel vehicles. Renewing the RC does not remove those limits, so check the rules for the place where you use the vehicle.
Mistakes to avoid
- Applying too early. The application is made not more than 60 days before the RC expires, so check the expiry date first.
- Forgetting the fitness step. The renewal is not complete until the vehicle is found fit.
- Wrong chassis digits. Enter the last 5 characters exactly as printed on your RC.
- Paying an agent or a lookalike website. Use only the official Vahan portal on parivahan.gov.in, and pay only on the portal’s own payment page.
Common questions
How long is a private vehicle RC valid?
A non-transport vehicle RC is valid for 15 years from the date it was issued, as per Section 41 of the Motor Vehicles Act. It can then be renewed.
For how long is the RC renewed?
Each renewal is for 5 years.
When can I apply for renewal?
Under Rule 52, the application is made not more than 60 days before the RC expires. Check the expiry date on your RC, or enter the registration date in our validity checker.
Is a fitness test compulsory?
Yes. The registering authority refers the vehicle to the competent authority and renews the RC only after a fitness certificate is obtained.
Does the registration number change after renewal?
No. The same registration number continues. Only the validity is extended.
How much does renewal cost?
Under the central rules, the renewal fee is Rs 1,000 for a motorcycle and Rs 5,000 for a car aged 15 to 20 years, and Rs 2,000 and Rs 10,000 beyond 20 years. The fitness test is charged separately, and states can add charges. The portal shows the exact amount before you pay.
Does this guide cover commercial vehicles?
No. This guide is about non-transport (private) vehicles. Transport vehicles have their own fitness certificate cycle, so ask your RTO.
Disclaimer: MyRTOBuddy is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any government body. This is general information and not legal advice. Steps, documents, timelines and fees can change and differ by state, so confirm them on the official portal or with your RTO.
Ready to renew your RC?
This takes you straight to the official Vahan portal. myrtobuddy.com is not affiliated with it.