New bike registration through RTO & VAHAN portal

Owning a bike is a milestone for many, offering both convenience and freedom. However, before you can hit the road, registering your new bike is a legal requirement in India. The process involves the regional transport office (RTO) and the VAHAN portal, ensuring compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This guide provides an informative walkthrough of the bike registration process through both platforms.

Why register your new bike?

Bike registration serves multiple purposes:

1. Legal compliance: Riding an unregistered vehicle is illegal and can attract hefty fines.

2. Identification: Registration provides a unique number plate for identification.

3. Ownership proof: The registration certificate (RC) acts as proof of ownership.

4. Insurance validation: A registered bike is necessary to validate insurance claims.

Prerequisites for bike registration

Before beginning the registration process, ensure you have the following documents:

● Sales invoice from the dealer

● Roadworthiness certificate issued by the dealer

● Insurance certificate

● Pollution under control (PUC) certificate

● Proof of address (e.g., Aadhaar card, utility bill)

● ID proof (e.g., PAN card, voter ID)

● Form 20 (application for vehicle registration)

● Temporary registration number (if applicable)

RTO process for bike registration

The RTO plays a critical role in registering your new bike. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Temporary registration

● Most dealers provide a temporary registration number, valid for 30 days.

● It allows you to use the bike temporarily until permanent registration is complete.

Visit the RTO

● Head to the RTO office in your jurisdiction with the necessary documents.

● Submit the filled Form 20 and other required forms, such as Form 21 (sales certificate) and Form 22 (roadworthiness certificate).

Fee payment

● Pay the registration fee and road tax as prescribed by your state government.

● Keep the receipts for future reference.

Vehicle inspection

● The RTO will inspect the bike to verify its engine and chassis number.

● Ensure that the bike meets safety and emission standards.

Issuance of registration certificate

● Upon successful verification, the RTO will issue a permanent registration number and the RC.

Bike registration through the VAHAN portal

The VAHAN portal, developed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, simplifies the registration process. Here’s how you can register your bike online:

Visit the VAHAN portal

● Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in.

Create an account

● Register yourself on the portal by providing basic details such as your name, email, and mobile number.

Fill the application form

● Select “Vehicle Registration” from the services menu.

● Fill out the online application (Form 20) with accurate details of your bike and personal information.

Upload documents

● Upload scanned copies of all necessary documents, including the sales invoice, bike Insurance, and PUC certificate.

Payment of fees

● Pay the registration fee and applicable road tax online using net banking, UPI, or credit/debit cards.

Schedule an appointment

● Book an appointment for physical verification at your nearest RTO office.

Vehicle inspection

● Present your bike at the RTO for inspection on the scheduled date.

Download the RC

● After successful verification and approval, the digital RC can be downloaded from the VAHAN portal.

Benefits of using the VAHAN portal

● Convenience: Register your bike from the comfort of your home.

● Transparency: Track the application status online.

● Accessibility: Avoid long queues at the RTO.

Conclusion

Registering your new bike through the RTO or VAHAN portal ensures a hassle-free and legal riding experience. By following the steps outlined above, you can complete the process efficiently. Embrace the convenience of online registration through the VAHAN portal and enjoy your journey with peace of mind, knowing that you are fully compliant with the law.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long does it take to register a new bike?

The process typically takes 7–10 working days, depending on RTO workload.

2. Can I ride my bike without registration?

You can ride with a temporary registration number for up to 30 days.

3. Is bike registration transferable?

Yes, the RC can be transferred to a new owner during resale.

4. What happens if I don’t register my bike?

Failing to register your bike can result in fines and penalties.