The Regional Transport Office (RTO) is the government authority responsible for managing motor vehicle registration, issuing driving licences, collecting road tax, and enforcing transport regulations in Arunachal Pradesh. The state has 26 RTO offices spread across its districts, each assigned a unique AR code used on vehicle number plates.
Under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 and its amendment in 2019, the Arunachal Pradesh RTO operates under the state Transport Department to provide efficient transport services to citizens and commercial operators alike. Whether you are registering a new vehicle, applying for a driving licence, or looking to transfer ownership of a used car, this guide covers all the steps and documents you need.
Functions of the RTO in Arunachal Pradesh
The RTO offices across Arunachal Pradesh carry out the following responsibilities:
New vehicle registration and issuance of number plates
Collection of road tax for private and commercial vehicles
Issuance of learner's and permanent driving licences
Issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for inter-state vehicle transfers
Transfer of vehicle ownership between buyer and seller
Conducting vehicle fitness tests and issuing fitness certificates for commercial vehicles
Issuance of commercial driving licences and permits
Renewal of registration certificates and driving licences
Enforcement of traffic rules and transport regulations
Issuance of international driving permits for travel abroad
ARTO and RTO Offices in Arunachal Pradesh with AR Codes
The table below lists all 26 RTO offices in Arunachal Pradesh, their AR codes, district headquarters, and the services they offer. These codes appear on your vehicle's number plate, for example AR-01 for Itanagar.
RTO Name | RTO Code | District HQ | Key Services |
|---|---|---|---|
RTO Itanagar | AR-01 | Itanagar | DL, Registration, NOC, Road Tax |
RTO Yupia | AR-02 | Papum Pare | DL, Registration, Fitness Certificate |
RTO Tawang | AR-03 | Tawang | DL, Registration, Road Tax |
RTO Bomdila (West Kameng) | AR-04 | Bomdila | DL, Registration, Permit |
RTO Seppa (East Kameng) | AR-05 | Seppa | DL, Registration, Road Tax |
RTO Ziro (Lower Subansiri) | AR-06 | Ziro | DL, Registration, NOC |
RTO Daporijo (Upper Subansiri) | AR-07 | Daporijo | DL, Registration, Fitness |
RTO Aalo (West Siang) | AR-08 | Aalo | DL, Registration, Road Tax |
RTO Pasighat (East Siang) | AR-09 | Pasighat | DL, Registration, Permit |
RTO Anini (Dibang Valley) | AR-10 | Anini | DL, Registration, Road Tax |
RTO Tezu (Lohit) | AR-11 | Tezu | DL, Registration, NOC |
RTO Changlang | AR-12 | Changlang | DL, Registration, Road Tax |
RTO Khonsa (Tirap) | AR-13 | Khonsa | DL, Registration, Fitness |
RTO Yingkiong (Upper Siang) | AR-14 | Yingkiong | DL, Registration, Road Tax |
RTO Kurung Kumey | AR-15 | Koloriang | DL, Registration, Permit |
RTO Roing (Lower Dibang Valley) | AR-16 | Roing | DL, Registration, NOC |
RTO Hawai (Anjaw) | AR-17 | Hawai | DL, Registration, Road Tax |
RTO Longding | AR-18 | Longding | DL, Registration, Fitness |
RTO Kra-Daadi | AR-19 | Palin | DL, Registration, Road Tax |
RTO Namsai | AR-20 | Namsai | DL, Registration, NOC, Permit |
RTO Siang | AR-21 | Boleng | DL, Registration, Road Tax |
RTO Lower Siang | AR-22 | Likabali | DL, Registration, Fitness |
RTO Kamle | AR-23 | Raga | DL, Registration, Road Tax |
RTO Pakke-Kesang | AR-24 | Pakke-Kesang | DL, Registration, Permit |
RTO Leparada | AR-25 | Basar | DL, Registration, Road Tax |
RTO Shi-Yomi | AR-26 | Tato | DL, Registration, Road Tax |
Note: AR-21 (Siang), AR-22 (Lower Siang), AR-24 (Pakke-Kesang), AR-25 (Leparada), and AR-26 (Shi-Yomi) are newly formed districts. Verify operational status of these offices directly with the Arunachal Pradesh Transport Department before visiting.
How to Register a Vehicle at the RTO in Arunachal Pradesh
Vehicle registration is mandatory before you drive any motor vehicle on public roads. Follow these steps to register your new vehicle:
Visit the nearest RTO office in your district with all required documents.
Submit Form 20 (application for registration) along with the vehicle invoice, insurance certificate, and PUC certificate.
The RTO inspector will verify the vehicle's chassis number, engine number, and emission standards compliance.
Pay the applicable registration fees and road tax at the RTO counter or through the Parivahan portal ( parivahan.gov.in ).
Once verified, you will receive a temporary registration number. The permanent Registration Certificate (RC) is issued within 30 days.
Documents Required for Vehicle Registration
Document Category | Documents Required |
|---|---|
New Vehicle Registration | Form 20, vehicle invoice, insurance certificate, PUC certificate, proof of identity (Aadhaar, passport), proof of address, passport-size photographs |
Driving Licence (Learner's) | Form 1 (medical certificate), Form 2, age proof, address proof, passport-size photographs, applicable fee |
Permanent Driving Licence | Learner's licence, Form 4, age proof, address proof, photographs |
Transfer of Ownership | Form 29 (seller), Form 30 (buyer), original RC, insurance certificate, PUC, valid ID of both parties |
NOC for Inter-State Transfer | Original RC, insurance certificate, Form 28, PUC certificate, valid ID |
Fitness Certificate (Commercial) | Original RC, insurance certificate, PUC, previous fitness certificate, vehicle inspection report |
Road Tax in Arunachal Pradesh
Road tax is a one-time payment collected at the time of vehicle registration, calculated as a percentage of the vehicle's invoice value. The rates below are approximate and subject to revision by the state government. Always confirm the current rate with the RTO office before making payment.
Vehicle Category | Engine / Weight | Road Tax Rate (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
Two-wheeler (petrol) | Up to 50 cc | 2% of vehicle cost |
Two-wheeler (petrol) | 51 cc - 350 cc | 4% of vehicle cost |
Two-wheeler (petrol) | Above 350 cc | 6% of vehicle cost |
Light motor vehicle (petrol/diesel) | Up to 1,000 cc | 5% of vehicle cost |
Light motor vehicle (petrol/diesel) | 1,001 cc to 1,500 cc | 7% of vehicle cost |
Light motor vehicle (petrol/diesel) | Above 1,500 cc | 9% of vehicle cost |
Commercial vehicle | As per GVW | Quarterly / annual flat rate |
Electric vehicles | All categories | Concessional rate (check latest notification) |
Road tax for electric vehicles may be reduced or waived under the state EV policy. Contact your nearest RTO or visit the Arunachal Pradesh Transport Department website for the latest notifications.
Transfer of Vehicle Ownership at the Arunachal Pradesh RTO
When buying or selling a used vehicle in Arunachal Pradesh, the ownership must be transferred at the RTO within 30 days of the sale. The steps are as follows:
The seller submits Form 29 and the buyer submits Form 30 at the nearest RTO office.
If the vehicle had a loan, an NOC from the financier is required before transfer.
Both buyer and seller must carry valid identity proof and address proof.
The original Registration Certificate (RC), valid insurance, and PUC certificate are required.
The RTO may conduct a physical inspection of the vehicle.
On approval, the RTO issues a new RC in the buyer's name, typically within 7 to 14 working days.
Types of Driving Licences Issued by the RTO in Arunachal Pradesh
You must apply for a driving licence that matches the category of vehicle you intend to drive. The table below lists all licence types available at Arunachal Pradesh RTO offices.
Licence Type | Applicable Vehicles | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MCWOG (Motorcycle without gear) | Scooters, mopeds, gearless two-wheelers | Age 16+ (with guardian consent); 18+ independently |
MCW (Motorcycle with gear) | Motorcycles with engine above 50 cc | Age 18+ |
LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) | Cars, jeeps, vans for personal use | Age 18+, valid learner's licence |
LMV-TR (Light Motor Vehicle Transport) | Taxis, light commercial vehicles | Age 20+, 1 year LMV licence |
HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle) | Trucks, buses, heavy commercial vehicles | Age 20+, valid LMV licence |
HPMV (Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle) | State buses, tourist coaches | Age 20+, valid HMV licence |
Trailer licence | Vehicles towing heavy trailers | Existing HMV licence mandatory |
International Driving Permit (IDP) | Driving in foreign countries | Valid Indian DL, age 18+ |
How to apply for a driving licence:
Apply for a learner's licence at your nearest RTO by submitting Form 1 (medical certificate), Form 2, age proof, address proof, and photographs.
Pass the learner's licence written test conducted at the RTO.
After 30 days and within 180 days of receiving the learner's licence, apply for the permanent driving licence by submitting Form 4.
Pass the practical driving test at the RTO in front of the motor vehicle inspector.
You can also apply online via the Sarathi portal at sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and visit the RTO only for the test and biometric verification.
Protect Your Vehicle with Zurich Kotak Insurance
Once your vehicle is registered with the RTO in Arunachal Pradesh, third-party motor insurance is mandatory by law under the Motor Vehicles Act. You can explore bike insurance and car insurance plans from Zurich Kotak that comply with IRDAI regulations and cover you against third-party liabilities, own damage , and natural calamities common in the northeastern states.
Conclusion
Getting your vehicle registered, obtaining a driving licence, or transferring ownership at the Arunachal Pradesh RTO is a straightforward process when you have the right documents and know which office to visit. Use the AR code table above to find your nearest RTO, verify the forms required for your specific transaction, and complete your application either at the office or through the Parivahan online portal.
For vehicle insurance queries, our team at Zurich Kotak is available to help you find the right coverage for your AR-registered vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions About RTO Arunachal Pradesh
Q. What is the AR code for Itanagar?
The AR code for Itanagar (Itanagar Capital Region) is AR-01.
Q. What does the AR code on a number plate mean?
AR is the state code for Arunachal Pradesh. The two-digit number after AR identifies the specific RTO district. For example, AR-20 indicates the vehicle is registered in Namsai district.
Q. Which district is AR-23?
AR-23 is the RTO code for Kamle district, with its headquarters at Raga.
Q. Can I check vehicle registration details online for Arunachal Pradesh?
Yes. Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in and enter the vehicle registration number to check registration status, owner details, and insurance validity for any AR-registered vehicle.
Q. How do I pay road tax for a vehicle in Arunachal Pradesh?
Road tax can be paid at the time of vehicle registration at your nearest RTO office, or online through the Parivahan portal at parivahan.gov.in.
Q. What is the process for getting an NOC from the Arunachal Pradesh RTO?
Submit Form 28 along with your original RC, valid insurance, PUC certificate, and identity proof at the RTO office in the district where your vehicle is registered. The NOC is usually issued within 7 to 14 working days, provided there are no pending challans or dues.
Q. How does my vehicle's RTO registration affect my insurance premium?
The RTO code of your vehicle's registration location is used by insurance companies as one of the factors in calculating your premium. Vehicles registered in districts with higher traffic density or accident rates may attract slightly higher premiums. When insuring your vehicle with Zurich Kotak, the registration details from your RC are used to calculate the most accurate premium for your location.
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