RC Transfer: How to transfer vehicle ownership in Chandigarh

Clean roads, green vistas and a general sense of orderliness come to mind when someone says ‘Chandigarh’. One of India’s 9 union territories, Chandigarh is the capital of two states: Punjab, and Haryana. The city is counted among the most well-planned and developed cities in north India. To its million-plus residents, Chandigarh offers amenities, infrastructure and lifestyles that are arguably at par with what Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru do.

And it’s this modern, urban lifestyle that the used car market is actively caters to. In fact, the used car space in Chandigarh is now bigger than ever, thanks to the affordability and lower depreciation cost it offers. While buying a used car over a new one is a wise decision, the transfer of the car’s ownership can be a time-consuming process. So, to clear up things for you, here’s the end-to-end process of RC transfer online in Chandigarh.

What Is RC Transfer and Why Is It Important?

An RC (Registration Certificate) is the legal proof of vehicle ownership issued by the RTO. When you sell or purchase a vehicle, the ownership needs to be formally transferred in government records; this is called an RC transfer.

For residents of Chandigarh, performing an RC transfer in Chandigarh ensures that the vehicle’s legal responsibility (taxes, challans, accidents, etc.) shifts from the seller to the new owner. Neglecting this step can lead to penalties or legal disputes later, as the registered owner remains accountable for any offences committed using the vehicle.

Transferring ownership promptly protects both buyer and seller. For buyers, it validates legitimate possession of the vehicle, while for sellers, it acts as legal proof of handover. The introduction of RC transfer services in Chandigarh via digital mode has made the process faster, more transparent, and less dependent on intermediaries.

When Is RC Transfer Required?

An RC transfer in Chandigarh is mandatory under the following conditions:

1. Sale of Vehicle within Chandigarh: When a car or two-wheeler is sold to another person within the city, the ownership must be updated at the Chandigarh RLA.
   
2. Transfer Due to Death of Owner: In case of the registered owner’s death, legal heirs can apply for ownership transfer by submitting relevant succession documents.
   
3. Inter-State Vehicle Purchase: If you purchase a vehicle from another state and wish to re-register it in Chandigarh, the RC transfer must be done along with an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the previous RTO.
   
4. Company Ownership Transfer: When a vehicle is transferred between companies or within corporate branches, the registration must be updated accordingly.
   

These categories ensure that government databases reflect the true, current owner of the vehicle, thereby preventing misuse or liability issues.

List of RTOs in Chandigarh

 Only one RTO is there in Chandigarh

Name	Zone	RTO Number
RTO Chandigarh	Sector 17	CH-01

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for Transfer Of Vehicle Ownership in Chandigarh

Once you purchase the used car, you need to initiate the RC transfer process at the RTO within 30 days. Here are the steps you need to follow.

Step 1 – Procurement of No Objection Certificate (NOC) From The Traffic Department: (Required if seller and buyer of used car reside in different RTO area)

If the seller and buyer belong to different RTO zones, the car needs to be de-registered from its original RTO and then be registered at the new RTO.  A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is needed for this purpose which can be obtained by submitting Form 28. However, if the car is not a registered in Chandigarh, then the NOC has to be obtained by submitting the following documents (along with form 29) to the original

• Form 28

• NOC from the financing bank if the car is under hypothecation

• Documents for proof of payment of road tax (for commercial vehicles)

• Attested RC copy

• NOC from traffic police

• Valid insurance

• Valid PUC Certificate

• Clearance from NCRB

Step 2 – Visit RTO With Required Documents

Once you obtain the NOC (if needed), you can start the RC transfer process by submitting the following documents to your local RTO.

• Original RC 
• Duly filled Form 29

• Duly filled Form 30

• Copy of valid insurance
• Copy of address proof
• Copy of valid pollution under control certificate (PUC)
• Copy of G.I.R./Pan no. or Form no. 60/Form no. 61 (for cars only)
• Bank NOC and two forms 35, if the car was under loan or hypothecation

If the transferor is a company, these documents needed for RC transfer are:

• ​Original RC  
• Two forms 29
• Two forms 30
• 2 nos. of Form no. 35 duly filled & signed by the registered owner
• A certificate from the bank for having retained full dues 
• Copy of valid insurance
• Copy of valid pollution under control certificate (PUC)
• Any two copies of address proof of buyer: voter card/ passport/telephone (BSNL/MTNL)/electricity bill/Aadhar /Govt Bank account
• NOC from the company on its letterhead
• Authorization letter

Step 3- Submission Of The Documents

Once you submit the above-mentioned documents to your local RTO, you have to pay the fee for the RC transfer. And if the NOC has been obtained (if needed), you can apply for re-registration at the local RTO.

Step 4 – Vehicle Re-Registration After Interstate Transfer: (Required if the vehicle is from a different state)

For re-registration of the car submit the following documents at the local RTO

• Original RC from another state
• Form 20

• NOC from previous RTO

• Form 27

• Form 33

• Attested copy of address proof
• Attested copy of the valid driving license of the car owner
• Attested copy of PUC Certificate
• PAN Card, Form 60, or Form 61
• Passport-size photos of the applicant
• Bank NOC if the vehicle is under a loan

Step 5 – Payment Of Road Tax

If the car was previously registered outside Chandigarh, then you will have to pay the road tax to have the car re-registered at your local RTO. The payable tax amount is calculated according to the price of the car on its invoice. After you pay the road tax for re-registration of the car, you claim the reimbursement of the road tax paid by the previous owner. This refund is calculated according to the price of the car and its age. For reimbursement, you will have to submit the following set of documents.

• Application for road tax refund
• Updated and signed Form 16, which is essentially the applicant’s salary certificate from the employer
• Copy of the new registration certificate
• Copy of the old registration certificate
• Insurance policy with new registration number
• Proof of ID
• Address proof

Documents Required for Transfer of Vehicle Ownership in Chandigarh

Before initiating the RC transfer in Chandigarh, it is crucial to prepare all necessary documents in advance to ensure a smooth and error-free process. Missing or incorrect paperwork is one of the most common reasons for delays and rejections at the Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA). Having a complete set of documents ready not only speeds up the verification process but also establishes the authenticity of the transaction between the buyer and the seller.

Here is the complete list of documents required for successful ownership transfer:

• Original RC (Registration Certificate):
  The RC serves as the vehicle’s legal identity document. The original certificate must be submitted for transfer since it contains essential details such as the registration number, chassis number, and engine number, all of which are updated after ownership changes.
  
• Form 29 and Form 30:
  These are mandatory government forms for transferring ownership. Form 29 is the “Notice of Transfer of Ownership,” and Form 30 is the “Application for Intimation and Transfer of Ownership.” Both must be duly filled out and signed by the seller and buyer to legally document the transaction.
  
• Valid Insurance Certificate:
  An active motor insurance policy is essential during RC transfer. It confirms that the vehicle is insured under the buyer’s name or in the process of being transferred, ensuring continued financial protection against any damages or liabilities.
  
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate:
  The PUC certificate verifies that the vehicle complies with the government’s emission standards. It is a legal requirement to ensure environmental responsibility and it must be valid at the time of submission.
  
• PAN Card of Buyer and Seller:
  PAN details are mandatory for transactions exceeding ₹50,000 and are also used for tax verification purposes. Submitting copies of both parties’ PAN cards ensures transparency and prevents tax-related discrepancies.
  
• Address Proof of Buyer:
  The buyer’s address proof (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or Passport) must clearly show the current residential address within Chandigarh or elsewhere in India, as this will reflect in the updated RC records.
  
• Passport-Size Photographs:
  Recent passport-sized photos of both the buyer and seller are required for identification during verification.
  
• Sale Affidavit or Delivery Note:
  This is a signed declaration confirming the sale and physical delivery of the vehicle to the new owner. It helps prevent disputes and acts as legal proof that the vehicle was handed over in good condition.
  
• Valid ID Proof of Both Buyer and Seller:
  Along with address proof, a government-issued ID (such as an Aadhaar card, a Driving Licence, or a Passport) should be provided to confirm personal identity during verification.
  
• NOC from Financer (if applicable):
  If the vehicle was purchased on loan, a No Objection Certificate from the bank or financer is mandatory. This document confirms that all dues are cleared and the lender has no objection to transferring ownership.
  

Once these documents are compiled and verified, applicants can proceed to submit them either offline at the Chandigarh RLA office or via the portal, India’s official digital platform for vehicle-related services. Submitting through the portal allows users to upload scanned copies, make online payments, and track progress—all from the comfort of their homes.

Vehicle Ownership Transfer online in Chandigarh

Process for Vehicle Ownership Transfer online in Chandigarh

Follow these steps to online transfer a vehicle’s ownership in Chandigarh

•   Obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the seller

•   Visit the official website of parivahan: https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/ 

•   Take the cursor to Online Services

•   Select ‘Vehicle related Services’

•  Select state and input the RTO number, then click ‘Proceed’

•   Select ‘Apply for Transfer of Ownership, Change of Address, Hypothecation [Addition/Continuation/Termination], Duplicate RC)’

•  Enter your vehicle details as a Vehicle Registration No. and the last five characters of chassis number

• Click on ‘VERIFY DETAILS’ button

• The generated page will show you all details of your vehicle like the name of the owner, RC number, insurance validity, etc.

•   Come down on the screen, you will see the fees of the car ownership transfer·       

• After confirming the details, make the payment·       

• The generated receipt will be required at your local RTO

Now, you will have to pay the pending tax of the vehicle, here are the steps to do it.

• Visit the website: https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice/
• Select state & RTO
• Click on ‘proceed’
• Select ‘RC related service’ and take the cursor to ‘Pay your tax’
• Pay the pending tax of the vehicle through net banking or debit card
• After making the payment, visit the RTO transfer of ownership of the vehicle

Required Document and Fees

The documents required for the online transfer of a vehicle’s RC in Chandigarh are

• NOC (No objection Certificate)
• Duly filled Form-29 and Form-30 (application for change in ownership). And a print of the chassis number with a pencil.
• Duly filled form 31 in case of transfer of ownership through inheritance.

• Duly filled form 32, in case of change of ownership due to public auction.

• Original R.C. Book, valid insurance certificate, P.U.C. Certificate, proof of identity, and address.
• Fee for RC transfer: ₹150 (two-wheelers), ₹ 300 (four-wheelers).·     
• Approx. 15% of the original tax should be paid as transfer tax, however, if the vehicle is more than 8 years old, then, 1% tax or Rs.100/- whichever is higher is required to be paid.

Timeline for RC Transfer Chandigarh

Under standard conditions, the RC transfer Chandigarh process takes around 7 to 14 working days from document submission to RC issuance. Factors such as verification delays, incomplete paperwork, or holidays can extend this slightly.

Applicants receive SMS updates on registered mobile numbers during each stage, from application acceptance to RC dispatch. Once the new RC is generated, it can be downloaded in digital form through the DigiLocker app or the Parivahan portal.

Also Read: How To Check RC Status Online

Fees for RC Transfer

Below is a summary of the typical charges applicable during the RC transfer process:

Type of Vehicle	RC Transfer Fee	Smart Card Fee	Service Charge
Two-wheeler	₹300	₹200	₹50
Four-wheeler	₹500	₹200	₹50

Always keep your digital payment receipts or challans saved, as they may be required during final verification.

Common Reasons for RC Transfer Delay

Although RC transfer in Chandigarh has become largely streamlined through online systems, delays still occur in certain cases. Understanding these common issues can help vehicle owners avoid unnecessary setbacks:

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Forms: Errors in Form 29 and Form 30, such as missing signatures, incorrect dates, or inconsistent details, are among the leading causes of delays. Both buyer and seller must ensure that the forms are accurately filled and properly signed.
   
2. Missing Insurance or PUC Documents: Submitting outdated or invalid insurance certificates and pollution under control (PUC) certificates can halt the transfer process. Always verify the validity of these documents before initiating the transfer.
   
3. Discrepancies in ID Proofs or Signatures: Any mismatch between submitted ID proofs (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.) and the names on the RC or forms can trigger rejections. Ensuring consistency across all documents is crucial.
   
4. Pending Fines or Tax Dues: Outstanding traffic challans, road tax, or other dues associated with the vehicle can prevent completion of the RC transfer. Clearing all dues beforehand avoids administrative hurdles.
   
5. Unverified or Missing NOC for Interstate Transfers: When a vehicle is being transferred from another state, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the previous RTO is mandatory. Any delay in obtaining or verifying this NOC can significantly extend the transfer timeline.
   

By proactively addressing these factors, double-checking forms, validating documents, and clearing dues, vehicle owners can minimise delays and ensure a smooth ownership transfer.

Benefits of Doing RC Transfer Online

Transitioning to RC transfer online in Chandigarh has revolutionized the way vehicle ownership is managed, offering a range of advantages for both buyers and sellers:

1. Convenience and Accessibility: The entire process can now be completed from the comfort of your home. There’s no need to take time off work or wait in long queues at the RLA office. Applications, document uploads, and fee submissions can all be done digitally.
   
2. Transparent Process Tracking: Online systems allow users to monitor every stage of their application. From submission to verification and final approval, vehicle owners can see real-time updates, reducing uncertainty and building confidence in the process.
   
3. Time Efficiency and Faster Approvals: Automation and digital verification significantly reduce processing times. Unlike manual handling, where errors or missing documents could take weeks to resolve, online submissions accelerate approvals and minimise administrative delays.
   
4. Paperless Verification and Reduced Errors: Digital uploads ensure that all records are stored electronically, reducing the risk of document loss, misplacement, or duplication. This also helps RLA officials verify information quickly and accurately.
   
5. Secure Online Payments: Application fees and associated charges can be submitted online, ensuring instant acknowledgement and secure transactions. This eliminates the need to handle cash or visit the RLA for fee payment.
   
6. Enhanced Accountability: With digital trails and e-verification, both vehicle buyers and sellers can hold the process accountable. Notifications and alerts for pending actions ensure that all parties remain informed throughout the transfer.
   

By leveraging these benefits, Chandigarh has become one of the most efficient territories in India for vehicle documentation management, making ownership transfers faster, safer, and more convenient than ever before.

Key Tips for Smooth RC Transfer Chandigarh Process

Completing an RC transfer in Chandigarh is straightforward if certain precautions are followed. Here are key tips to ensure a secure and efficient process:

1. Verify Vehicle Details: Double-check the spelling of names, chassis number, engine number, and other key details to avoid rejection or delays.
   
2. Consistency in Buyer’s Documentation: Ensure the buyer’s ID and address proof match exactly with the application to prevent processing issues.
   
3. Clear Pending Dues: All e-challans, taxes, and financial obligations related to the vehicle should be cleared before initiating the transfer.
   
4. Maintain Copies of Documents: Keep soft copies of all uploaded forms and proofs for your records, which can help in case of verification requests.
   
5. Use Official Platforms: Complete the online RC transfer through trusted digital portals only to avoid fraudulent services.
   

Following these steps helps buyers and sellers complete the RC transfer efficiently, securely, and with minimal delays.

Summary

The digital transformation of vehicle services in Chandigarh has significantly improved user convenience. Through the RC transfer Chandigarh system, citizens can complete ownership updates without physically visiting the RLA, ensuring both transparency and accountability.

The process supports uploads, e-payments, and live tracking, making it a model of e-governance. Moreover, the integration of vehicle ownership transfer online through the Parivahan system has allowed Chandigarh to reduce turnaround times and paperwork dramatically.

For residents or vehicle buyers planning an ownership change, initiating the RC transfer via digital mode ensures compliance with transport laws while maintaining ease of access and traceability.

FAQs about RC transfer in Chandigarh