Need duplicate RC papers?

After receiving a lot questions about how to apply for duplicate vehicle registration papers we thought let's find out the correct procedure for it.

It doesn't matter if you have lost your papers or if it is damaged, one has to file First Information Report (FIR). As the owner of the vehicle is not required to sign the FIR, anyone can lodge it for him. The original copy has to be submitted at your zonal transport authority. You have to go online on your state transport department's site and download two copies of Form 26, which is an intimation of loss or destruction of the Certificate of Registration and an application for the issue of the duplicate certificate.

FAQ on vehicle RC paper

• A common question everyone asks: Can I keep photocopies of registration certificates in the vehicle? No. Always carry the original registration certificate in your vehicle and keep photocopies at your home. The court can prosecute you for not carrying original documents. So there is no point in carrying attested photocopies.

 

The other documents required are the valid insurance policy with pollution under control certificate. As for address proof one can carry one's passport, ration card or voter id. A copy of PAN card and pollution under control certificate are also needed. Now all the documents, excluding the FIR, have to be attested by an MLA, gazetted officer or notary public as these are photocopies and not originals. After submitting all these documents, the entire process of getting the duplicate registration paper takes around 20 days, which can go to 30 days. During this time you can't drive your vehicle. Unofficially you'll be told to drive carefully so that you don't break any rules and you won't get hauled for showing your registration papers but officially it is very much illegal to drive your car. We suggest make some other transportation arrangements till you get the duplicate papers.