The documents required for new car registration in India include identity proof, permanent address proof, PAN or Form 60 where applicable, Form 20, Form 21, Form 22, valid motor insurance and, commonly, the vehicle invoice. A financed car, company-owned vehicle or purchase involving a Certificate of Deposit (CD) may require additional documents.
The standard registration file includes the buyer’s personal documents and the vehicle’s sale, compliance and insurance records. Form 20 is the registration application; the remaining documents support the application.
Document | Provided by | Purpose |
Form 20 | Buyer and dealer, as applicable | Registration application |
Form 21 | Dealer | Sale certificate |
Form 22 | Manufacturer | Roadworthiness and regulatory compliance |
Insurance certificate | Insurer | Proof of required motor insurance |
Tax invoice | Dealer | Records the vehicle purchase |
Address proof | Buyer | Establishes the permanent address |
Identity proof | Buyer | Establishes the buyer’s identity |
PAN or Form 60 | Buyer | Meets the applicable tax identification requirement |
Form 20 requires proof of permanent address. Accepted documents vary by registering authority, so confirm the list with the dealer before submitting the application. Budget separately for applicablenew car RTO charges.
The buyer supplies personal identification and address records, while the dealer coordinates the vehicle documentation and registration application. Check the details before submission to avoid corrections.
Buyer: Provide accepted identity proof, permanent address proof and PAN or Form 60, as applicable. Review Form 20 for accurate ownership and vehicle details before signing.
Dealer and manufacturer: The dealer provides Form 21 and the tax invoice, coordinates the insurance certificate and submits the registration application. The manufacturer supplies Form 22.
High-security registration plates (HSRPs) are governed by the Motor Vehicles (High Security Registration Plates) Order, 2018 and the related Central Motor Vehicles Rules amendment, effective 1 April 2019. For new vehicles, the manufacturer supplies the HSRP through the dealer, and its cost is included in the vehicle price. Confirm the arrangements with the dealer for your vehicle.
The additional paperwork depends on how the vehicle is purchased and registered. Financing requires the lender’s interest to be recorded, company ownership requires corporate documentation, and a CD purchase requires a valid, eligible certificate.
Form 34 records the lender’s hypothecation on the registration certificate (RC), under Rule 60 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
Form 34: Complete the form with the borrower’s and financier’s required signatures.
Form 20: Ensure the relevant financier details are included.
After repayment: Obtain the lender’s release documents to apply for removal of hypothecation from the RC.
Confirm with the dealer and lender who will prepare and submit Form 34.
A company registering a vehicle in its own name may be asked to provide:
Certificate of incorporation.
Board resolution or authority letter identifying the authorised signatory.
Company PAN.
Proof of the registered address.
Confirm the final requirements with the dealer because documentation can vary by company structure and registering authority.
The Central Motor Vehicles Rules, as amended in October 2021 (G.S.R. 714(E)), allow a Certificate of Deposit to be submitted with the registration application. Under Rule 81, the registration certificate fee is not levied when the vehicle is registered against a valid CD. A qualifying CD can provide a registration certificate fee waiver and may qualify the buyer for a state road tax concession. These benefits are subject to applicable eligibility conditions.
Before using a CD, verify:
Certificate status: Check the CD number and its status in the relevant V-Scrap records.
Ownership or transfer: Ensure the certificate or its Transfer Certificate of Deposit in Form 2D reflects the eligible holder.
Vehicle category: Confirm whether the applicable concession requires the new vehicle to match the category of the scrapped vehicle.
Validity: The CD is valid for two years from its date of issue under the applicable rules.
Give the dealer the CD details before the invoice is raised. This allows the dealer to check eligibility and apply any available benefit during registration. See the guide to thevehicle scrappage policy in India for further context.
For dealership-led registration, the dealer coordinates the application and submits the required records through the applicable registration system. The registering authority processes the application and assigns the registration mark.
Submit personal documents: Provide identity proof, address proof and PAN or Form 60, as applicable.
Declare special requirements: Inform the dealer about financing, company ownership or a CD before invoicing.
Review the application: Check Form 20 and the supporting vehicle documents.
Complete payments and submission: The dealer coordinates submission and payment of applicable taxes and fees.
Check the registration record: Review the RC when issued and verify the owner and vehicle details.
Keep the payment receipt and copies of relevant documents, particularly where a CD concession or vehicle financing applies.
Incorrect details and incomplete paperwork can delay registration. Check the following before the dealer submits the application.
The buyer’s details must be consistent across the application and supporting documents.
Name: Check spelling and initials against the identity and tax documents.
Address: Ensure the proof meets the registering authority’s requirements.
Vehicle details: Verify the information entered in Form 20 before signing.
A financed vehicle requires the applicable hypothecation paperwork. A CD must also meet the relevant validity and eligibility conditions to qualify for a benefit.
Financed vehicle: Confirm that Form 34 is completed and submitted as required.
CD purchase: Provide the CD number before invoicing and verify the certificate’s status and holder details.
Vehicle scrappage: Owners preparing to scrap an old vehicle can review thedocuments required for vehicle scrapping before starting that process.
For a standard new car registration, prepare your identity proof, address proof and PAN or Form 60, and check the dealer’s Forms 20, 21 and 22, insurance certificate and invoice. Financing and company ownership require additional paperwork; a CD purchase requires a valid certificate that meets the applicable conditions.
Buyers without an existing CD can check available certificates on theDigiELV CD marketplace. Verify the certificate’s validity and eligibility, along with the applicable registration and road tax benefits, before completing the purchase.
Yes. The vehicle must have the required motor insurance, including at least third-party cover. Check that the insurance certificate is included in the registration file.
Yes. Form 20 requires evidence of permanent address. The accepted documents depend on the registering authority.
Yes. Dealers commonly coordinate registration and submit the application. The buyer must provide accurate documents and complete the required signatures.
Only when the vehicle has valid registration or a legally permitted temporary registration. Confirm the applicable requirements and validity with the dealer.
Processing time varies by registering authority and application completeness. Ask the dealer for an estimate based on the relevant RTO.
Eligible CDs can be traded through the DigiELV marketplace. Before purchasing or transferring one, verify its status, holder details, validity and eligibility for the intended vehicle.