1. Simple Guide: What You Need to Know About RTO Forms
Whenever you buy a vehicle, sell a car, move to another city, or finish paying off an auto loan, you need specific RTO forms. Across India, the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) provide standardized numbered forms (such as Form 20, Form 29, Form 30, and Form 35) so that the paperwork is consistent across every transport office.
Standard forms are recognized by all state transport offices. An RTO form printed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, or Delhi follows the exact same numbering.
Always write your name, address, and vehicle numbers exactly as they appear on your Aadhaar card and sales invoice to avoid rejection.
You can print these forms on standard white A4 paper. Make sure all borders, signature boxes, and margins are clear and not cut off.
2. Common RTO Forms Explained Simply
Here is a quick look at the most frequently used forms, what each is for, and how many copies you need:
Form 20: New Vehicle Registration Application
1 Copy RequiredThis is the primary form used when registering a brand-new car or two-wheeler. Your dealer usually fills this out for you. It records your personal details, vehicle engine capacity, fuel type, seating capacity, and maker name.
- Chassis Stencil: A clear pencil rubbing of the 17-digit chassis number is required in the left margin.
- Financier Sign: If you bought the vehicle on a loan, the bank officer signs this form.
Forms 29 & 30: Selling or Buying a Used Vehicle (Transfer of Ownership)
2 Copies of EachWhen you buy or sell a used vehicle, you always submit Forms 29 and 30 together.
- Form 29 (Seller Notice): The seller signs this to officially notify the RTO that they have handed over the keys and vehicle. It protects the seller if the buyer incurs fines later.
- Form 30 (Buyer Application): The buyer submits this to ask the RTO to issue the RC in their name. A chassis pencil rubbing is required on Part I.
Form 26: Duplicate RC Application (Lost, Damaged, or Stolen RC)
2 Copies RequiredUse this form if your RC Smart Card was lost, stolen, water-damaged, or torn.
- Police Lost Report: If lost or stolen, include your online police lost report number.
- Bank Approval: If the vehicle is currently on a loan, your bank must stamp and sign Part B.
Form 28: No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Moving to Another State
3 Copies (Triplicate)Needed when you permanently relocate your vehicle to another state or across different RTO jurisdictions. It certifies that your vehicle has no pending road tax dues, active police theft cases, or unpaid traffic challans.
Form 35: Removing Bank Loan from RC (Hypothecation Removal)
2 Copies RequiredOnce your car or bike loan is completely repaid, submit Form 35 to delete the bank name from your RC Smart Card. Both you and the bank branch manager must sign both copies. Submit it along with the bank loan closure letter (valid for 90 days).
3. How to Take a Clean Chassis Number Pencil Rubbing (Stencil)
Many RTO forms (such as Form 20, 26, 28, and 30) require a physical pencil rubbing of your vehicle 17-digit chassis number. This lets the RTO inspector confirm that the physical vehicle matches the registration papers.
4 Easy Steps for a Clean Pencil Rubbing:
- Locate the 17-Digit Number: On cars, look under the driver or passenger seat carpet flap, on the driver-side door frame, or on the metal wall in the engine bay. On motorbikes and scooters, check the front steering neck pipe.
- Clean the Area: Wipe away any grease, mud, or dust with a dry cloth so the stamped metal letters are clean.
- Hold the Form Over It: Place the margin of your printed form directly against the stamped metal numbers.
- Shade Gently with a Pencil: Use a soft graphite pencil (2B or 4B) held flat at an angle and shade gently across the paper. The raised metal characters will show clearly in white.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting Forms
Double-check these points before heading to the RTO counter or uploading files:
Always check if the form needs duplicate (2 copies) or triplicate (3 copies for Form 28). Submitting just one copy will result in rejection.
Sign in your normal, consistent style. If your signature is completely different from your older RTO documents, you may need an affidavit.
Bank loan closure letters and Form 35 sets are typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Submit them before they expire.
Clear all pending e-challans on the Parivahan portal before applying for transfer, duplicate RC, or NOC.
Do not use white correction pen or scribble heavily over mistakes. If you make an error, simply print a fresh form.
Your vehicle insurance and computerized Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate must both be active on the system.
5. Other Helpful RTO Forms
Form 25: 15-Year Vehicle Fitness & RC Renewal
Private petrol and diesel cars and two-wheelers need an RC renewal after 15 years. Submit Form 25 up to 60 days before your RC expires, along with road tax receipt, green tax receipt, and an inspection slot slip.
Form 31: Transferring Ownership After the Owner Passes Away
Filed by the legal heir or nominee within 3 months. Attach a death certificate, succession certificate or registered will, and no-objection affidavits from other surviving family members.
Form 33: Updating Your Address on the RC
If you shift homes permanently, notify the RTO within 30 days using Form 33. Attach valid address proof (like your updated Aadhaar card or registered rent agreement).
Form 34: Adding a New Bank Loan to Your Vehicle (Hypothecation Addition)
If you take a loan against your existing vehicle, both you and the bank officer sign Form 34 so that the bank lien is recorded on the vehicle Smart Card.