If you’ve noticed a brand-new car on the road with a red number plate and wondered what it is, you’re not alone. A red number plate in India is granted for temporary registration. It enables a car to be lawfully driven on Indian roads until the permanent registration certificate (RC) is obtained. You’ll generally find them on newly delivered cars, particularly during transit from dealer to buyer.
This temporary plate is of high importance in vehicle logistics, interstate transportation, and even regulatory compliance. Temporary registration is necessary according to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) 1989, and each state RTO has created certain guidelines for it.
Read ahead to know how a red number plate in India works, who is eligible, and how to use them in a bid to protect car buyers from the law and unnecessary delays.
What is a Red Number Plate in India?
You’ll find red number plates on vehicles that haven’t yet been permanently registered. It signals that the vehicle is operating on a temporary registration, issued right after purchase.
As per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), a red number plate features white letters on a red background. It’s valid for a limited duration, usually up to 30 days, and is meant to give vehicle owners enough time to complete the permanent registration process with the local RTO.
Temporary registration is typically issued by the dealership or directly from the RTO, depending on whether the buyer opts for a dealer-assisted process or a direct application. It’s often used during scenarios like transporting a new vehicle from showroom to home, or transferring a car from one state to another before final registration.
Who Needs a Red Number Plate?
Red number plates are for the majority of vehicle owners, especially in the initial stages of ownership or transfer. The following are individuals/dealerships that need a red number plate in India:
- Anyone who purchases a new vehicle, a two-wheeler, a car, or a commercial van needs a temporary registration if the permanent RC is not handed over at the time. The red number plate allows you to legally drive the vehicle until the process is complete.
- Dealerships commonly use red plates in taking cars to customers or in moving cars from one stockyard to another.
- Transport aggregators and fleet operators can utilize temporary registration as well in purchasing new cars to expand their fleet.
- During interstate purchase of a vehicle, where the purchaser is from another state and the vehicle is registered in another state, a red plate enables legal transport until the new RTO formalities are addressed.
How to Apply for a Red Number Plate in India?
It is simple to obtain a red number plate if you know where to look and the documents you need to prepare. When purchasing a car from the owner or a dealer, you can do it online or offline.
A. Online Application Process
The most convenient way to apply is through the VAHAN portal or your state-specific RTO website.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit the VAHAN portal and select “Temporary Registration” under About Registration in the “Informational Services” option.
- Fill in your vehicle and owner details, and upload scanned copies of required documents such as invoice, ID proof, insurance copy, and Form 20.
- Pay the applicable fee to the Registering Authority under whose jurisdiction the vehicle is or to the dealer in the sale of New Motor Vehicles recognised by the Transport Commissioner.
- Once the application is submitted, you will receive a Temporary Registration Certificate (TRC), which can be downloaded and printed.
This document acts as legal proof while you wait for your permanent number plate.
B. Validity and Extension
A red number plate is generally valid for 30 days. If your permanent registration is delayed, you may request an extension by submitting Form 16A.
Failing to register permanently after the red plate’s expiry can result in penalties.
Documents Required for Red Number Plate in India
Even before you apply for a red number plate, you will have to have your documents ready. Whether you apply directly or through a dealership, these documents are required from you for both online and offline applications.
- Application in Form 20
- Sales certificate in Form 21
- Road worthiness certificate in Form 22
- Valid insurance certificate
- Proof of address (Ration card, Electricity bill etc.)*
- Pollution under control certificate*
- Copy of PAN card of Form 60 and Form 61 (as applicable)*
*May be required in some states.
Make sure all copies are legible and readable, especially when posting online. For offline applicants, present original documents and photocopies for verification purposes. Delays are usually experienced due to insufficient documentation, hence re-check all documents before handing in your application.
Fees for Red Number Plate in India
The price of a red number plate varies in India. It varies based on the type of vehicle, state, whether you go through a dealer or directly to the RTO. Temporary registration (for up to 1 month) ranges between Rs.1,500 and Rs.2,000 on average. The following is an approximate breakdown of fees by vehicle category:
Two-wheelers: Rs.500 to Rs.1,000
Private cars: Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,000
Commercial vehicles: Rs.2,000 to Rs.2,500
Luxury vehicles and EVs: Rs.2,000 or more, depending on the make and model
In some cases, there may be additional charges such as:
- Form charges (Rs.100 to Rs.200)
- Dealer handling fees if they are applying on your behalf
- Fast-track processing fees, especially in urban RTOs
If your application is rejected due to missing documents or errors, the fee is usually non-refundable. Always cross-check the fee structure with your local RTO to avoid confusion.
While some dealers include this cost in the vehicle’s on-road price, others may charge it separately. Make sure to ask in advance so there are no surprises later.
Difference Between Red and Other Number Plates
India’s number plate system is colour-coded for a reason, each plate signals a specific purpose, and red plates stand out because they’re temporary. But many first-time buyers often confuse them with other plate types.
Here’s a quick comparison to clear the air:
| Plate Color | Purpose | Font Color | Examples |
| White | Private use | Black | Regular personal vehicles |
| Yellow | Commercial use | Black | Taxis, trucks, delivery vans |
| Black | Rental/luxury use | Yellow | Self-drive cars, high-end rentals |
| Red | Temporary registration | White | New vehicle delivery |
| Green | Electric vehicle | White/Yellow | EV cars, e-scooters |
| Blue | Government vehicle | White | Foreign diplomats, UN vehicles |
This comparison helps new buyers know exactly what kind of plate to expect, and when. Red may be temporary, but it has its own place in the vehicle ownership timeline.
Penalties for Misuse of Red Number Plate in India
Treating a red number plate lightly may land you in legal trouble. There may be a fine of over Rs.5,000 if you are caught driving with an expired red plate. And if it seems to be deliberate, the RTO will be harder on you.
Use of a red plate for commercial purposes, i.e., carriage of people or goods, leads to confiscation of the vehicle and cancellation of any existing registration. More serious, however, forgery of a red number plate or driving after the TR has been rejected may lead to criminal prosecution.
Late submission of permanent registration application after the temporary plate has expired may also result in additional penalties and extended RC processing.
Red Number Plates for Interstate Vehicle Purchase
Are you planning to buy a car in one state and plan to register it somewhere else? A red number plate in India is your legal connection for that journey.
The temporary registration allows you to shift the vehicle from the seller’s state to your state without violating road rules. There, you need to apply for permanent registration at your local RTO within the validity period of the red plate.
In the majority of cases, the original RTO can provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) as a part of the process. The transfers of such nature are for 7 to 30 days depending on the state.
Tips for Smooth Red Number Plate Process
To prevent delays and fines, advance planning is advised when applying for a red number plate.
- Obtain temporary registration immediately upon the purchase of cars.
- Select dealers who are authorised and have experience with TR processing.
- Always keep a printed or digital copy of the TR certificate with you while driving.
- Mark reminders for the 30-day validity period so that you will not miss the permanent registration deadline.
- Double-check your vehicle type, commercial vehicles will have other forms and charges.
These simple steps can help you save money, time, and unnecessary trouble with the RTO.
Conclusion
A red number plate is your car’s initial go ahead to be on the road before permanent registration comes into effect. Whether you are buying a new car, relocating to a different state, or introducing a vehicle into your business, this plate is a significant element to ensure your journey is a legal one.
Paperwork delays or abuse of the plate can lead to fines and unwanted trouble. Familiarity with regulations, timely action, and being prepared with paperwork makes your car transition from showroom to street in a smooth fashion, without triggering any alarm signals.
FAQs About Red Number Plate in India
Q. How long is an Indian red number plate valid for?
A red number plate typically comes with a validity of 30 days from its date of issuance. A varying validity period between 7 to 30 days based upon usage and the vehicle category applies in some states.
Q. Can I travel interstate on a red number plate?
Yes, but only if the red plate is issued specifically for interstate transfer of vehicles. You may also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the originating RTO.
Q. New car delivery – do you need a red number plate?
Yes, except a permanent registration number is included in the vehicle. Most showrooms deliver with a temporary red plate.
Q. How much will temporary registration cost?
Fees vary from Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,000 depending on the type of vehicle and the state in which it is being registered.
Q. Can I renew a red plate if I miss the deadline?
Renewal of temporary registration is done by submitting Form 16A in the local RTO. Driving a vehicle with an expired TR will result in a fine.
Q. What if I lose the temporary registration slip?
You can download a duplicate from the VAHAN website or request a duplicate from the issuing RTO.
