RTO Mangalore (KA-19): Services, Vehicle Registration, and Fees

Registering a new vehicle or applying for a driving licence in Mangaluru (officially renamed from Mangalore) involves a few straightforward steps once you know where to go and what to bring. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Mangaluru, operating under the code KA-19, is responsible for all motor vehicle and transport services in the city under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This guide covers the RTO's contact details, complete fee structure, step-by-step guides for vehicle registration and driving licence applications, and the documents you need for each service.

Mangalore RTO (KA-19): Contact Details and Office Timings

All transport services in Mangaluru fall under the KA-19 RTO, established under Section 213(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Use the table below for contact details and office information.

Note: Contact details are subject to change. Verify the latest information at transport.karnataka.gov.in before visiting.

Functions of Mangalore RTO

The KA-19 RTO performs the following key functions under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988:

1.  Vehicle Registration: All new vehicles must be registered within 7 days of taking delivery. The RTO issues Registration Certificates (RC), unique number plates, and processes ownership transfers.

2.  Driving Licence Services: Issuing Learner's Licences (LL) and permanent Driving Licences (DL), along with renewals, address changes, and duplicate licence requests.

3.  Road Tax Collection: Collecting motor vehicle tax on behalf of the Karnataka state government for all vehicles registered under KA-19.

4.  Vehicle Fitness Certification: Conducting roadworthiness inspections and issuing Fitness Certificates (FC) for commercial vehicles.

5.  Pollution Control: Mandating valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates from authorised emission testing centres for all vehicles. The RTO enforces compliance with pollution norms.

6.  Permit Issuance: Granting local, state, and national permits for goods carriages, contract carriages (taxis), public buses (stage carriages), and special-purpose vehicles.

7.  Traffic Law Enforcement: Collaborating with the traffic police to enforce the Motor Vehicles Act, issue challans for violations, and promote road safety across Mangaluru.

Key Services and Charges at Mangalore RTO

The fees below are prescribed under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and are subject to revision. Verify current rates at parivahan.gov.in or transport.karnataka.gov.in before making any payments.

Driving Licence Services

Note: The grace period for driving licence renewal is 5 years from the expiry date. Renewals after the grace period attract ₹300 plus ₹1,000 for each additional year of delay.

Vehicle Registration Charges

Important: Before registering your vehicle, ensure you hold a valid car insurance or bike insurance policy. Insurance is a legal requirement for all vehicles on Indian roads under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Fitness Certificate Charges

Permit Charges

How to Register a Vehicle at Mangalore RTO

All new vehicles must be registered within 7 days of taking delivery under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The temporary RC issued by your dealer is valid until permanent registration is processed. Your permanent RC will be valid for 15 years. Follow these steps:

1. Collect Your Documents — Arrange all required documents listed below before your RTO visit.

2. Fill In Form 20 — Complete Form 20 (Application for Registration of a Motor Vehicle), available on the Parivahan portal (parivahan.gov.in) or at the KA-19 RTO office.

3. Visit the KA-19 RTO Office — Bring your vehicle and all documents to the RTO at Hampankatta, Nehru Maidan Road, Mangaluru.

4. Submit Documents for Verification — An RTO officer will verify your documents and may inspect the vehicle to confirm roadworthiness and check for a valid PUC certificate.

5. Pay Registration Fee and Road Tax — Pay the applicable fees online at parivahan.gov.in or at the RTO counter.

6. Receive Your Registration Certificate — You will get a temporary receipt immediately. Your permanent smart-card RC is posted to your registered address within 30 days.

Documents required for vehicle registration:

• Form 20 (application), Form 21 (sale certificate from dealer), Form 22 (roadworthiness certificate)

• Valid motor insurance certificate — mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

• PUC certificate from an authorised emission testing centre

• Temporary registration certificate (if issued by the dealer)

• Identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport)

• Address proof (recent utility bill or bank statement)

• Age proof (birth certificate, school certificate, or PAN card)

How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Mangaluru

Driving licence services in Karnataka are processed through the Sarathi portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in). There are two stages: obtaining a Learner's Licence (LL) first, then applying for a Permanent Driving Licence (PDL) after a mandatory practice period.

Minimum age: 16 years for non-geared two-wheelers below 50cc; 18 years for all other vehicles.

Step-by-Step: Applying for a Learner's Licence (LL)

1. Visit the Sarathi Portal — Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in on your phone or computer.

2. Select State and RTO — Choose 'Karnataka' as the state and 'Mangaluru' (KA-19) as the RTO.

3. Fill Out the LL Application — Enter your personal details and select the vehicle category (e.g., LMV for private cars, MCWG for geared bikes).

4. Upload Necessary Documents — Provide identity proof, address proof, age proof, and a recent passport-size photograph.

5. Book a Theory Test Appointment — Schedule a slot for the computer-based theory test at the KA-19 RTO.

6. Pay the Fee — Pay ₹150 (LL issuance) plus ₹50 (theory test) online.

7. Attend the Theory Test — Appear at the RTO on the scheduled date. On passing, your LL will be available to download from the Sarathi portal.

Step-by-Step: Applying for a Permanent Driving Licence (PDL)

You may apply between 30 and 180 days of your LL issue date. Missing the 180-day window means reapplying for a new LL from scratch.

1. Log In to the Sarathi Portal — Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and log in with your LL details.

2. Apply for a Permanent DL — Select 'Apply for DL' and complete the application.

3. Upload Necessary Documents — Provide your valid LL, identity proof, address proof, and age proof.

4. Book a Driving Test Appointment — Schedule a practical skills test slot at the KA-19 RTO.

5. Pay the Application Fee — Pay ₹200 online.

6. Attend the Driving Test — Visit the RTO with original documents. An examiner assesses your ability to handle the vehicle and follow traffic rules.

7. Receive Your Driving Licence — On passing, your PDL is sent by post to your registered address within 7 to 14 working days.

Essential Guidelines for Visiting Mangalore RTO

• Register your new vehicle within 7 days of taking delivery. Driving without a valid RC is a punishable offence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

• Most services — including LL applications, DL renewals, and tax payments — can be done online at parivahan.gov.in or sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, saving multiple office visits.

• Apply for your PDL between 30 and 180 days of receiving your LL. Missing this window means reapplying for a fresh LL.

• For ownership transfer of a used vehicle, submit Form 29 and Form 30 at the KA-19 RTO within 14 days of the sale.

• Always carry a valid insurance certificate and PUC certificate when visiting the RTO for registration or fitness inspections. Both are mandatory documents.

Conclusion

The KA-19 Regional Transport Office in Mangaluru handles all vehicle registration, driving licence, and transport permit services for residents of the city. With most services now available online through the Parivahan and Sarathi portals, you can complete applications, pay fees, and book test slots without making multiple trips to the RTO. Always confirm the latest fee amounts and office timings at transport.karnataka.gov.in before visiting, as these are subject to change with amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.

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FAQs

Q1: What Is the RTO Code for Mangalore?

The RTO code for Mangaluru (Mangalore) is KA-19. 'KA' stands for Karnataka and '19' is the district-specific code for Mangaluru.

Q2: What Are the Operating Hours of Mangalore RTO?

The KA-19 RTO is open Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The office is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Verify the latest timings at transport.karnataka.gov.in before planning a visit.

Q3: What Documents Are Required to Register a Vehicle at Mangalore RTO?

You need Form 20, Form 21 (sale certificate from the dealer), Form 22 (roadworthiness certificate), a valid insurance certificate, a PUC certificate, identity proof, address proof, and age proof.

Q4: How Long Does It Take to Get a Driving Licence in Mangaluru?

After passing the LL theory test, you may apply for a PDL from day 30. Once you pass the driving test, your licence is dispatched by post and typically arrives within 7 to 14 working days.

Q5: Can I Apply for a Driving Licence Online in Mangalore?

Yes. You can apply and book your test slot online at sarathi.parivahan.gov.in . However, you must visit the KA-19 RTO in person for biometric verification and to take the actual test.

Q6: What Is the Fee for a Learner's Licence in Mangalore?

The Learner's Licence issuance fee is ₹150. The theory test carries an additional fee of ₹50 per attempt.

Q7: What Is the Grace Period for Driving Licence Renewal?

The grace period for DL renewal is 5 years from the expiry date. Renewals done after the grace period attract ₹300, plus ₹1,000 for each additional year of delay beyond the grace period.

Q8: Is Motor Insurance Mandatory for Vehicle Registration in Mangalore?

Yes. A valid insurance certificate is a mandatory document for vehicle registration under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. At minimum, a third-party liability policy is required for all motor vehicles on Indian roads. A comprehensive policy also covers your own vehicle against damage, theft, and other risks.

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