RTO Office in Punjab: List, Codes, Services, Charges & Contact Details

If you own a car or a two wheeler in Punjab, you will deal with the Regional Transport Office at some point. Registering a new vehicle, renewing your Registration Certificate, paying road tax, transferring ownership or getting a learner licence all happen through the Punjab RTO. This guide brings together every Punjab RTO code, office address, contact number, fee table and step by step process you need, all in one place. We also explain why a valid motor insurance policy is mandatory at the time of registration, and how a car insurance plan from Zurich Kotak can help you stay road legal in Punjab.

About the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Punjab

The Punjab Transport Department works under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Punjab Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The State Transport Commissioner is the head of the department, and the state is divided into administrative regions, each headed by a Regional Transport Authority. Within these regions sit individual RTO offices, each marked by a unique two letter state code, PB, followed by a number from 01 to 77 (and counting as new sub registration offices are opened).

Every RTO in Punjab handles the same set of statutory tasks: keeping the vehicle and driver database, collecting road tax, issuing the Registration Certificate (RC), issuing driving licences, conducting fitness inspections for commercial vehicles, enforcing the Motor Vehicles Act, and granting permits for goods and passenger transport. The Punjab RTO has also moved most of these services online through the Parivahan Sewa portal and the state portal at olps.punjabtransport.org, so you can complete many tasks without visiting an office.

Key Functions of the Punjab RTO

• Vehicle registration: Issuing temporary and permanent RC for new vehicles and assigning the registration number plate.

• Driving licence services: Issuing learner licences, permanent driving licences, renewals, duplicates, and international driving permits.

• Road tax collection: Calculating and collecting road tax on first registration, and on re registration when a vehicle moves to Punjab from another state.

• Permits and fitness: Granting national and state permits for commercial vehicles, conducting fitness checks and issuing fitness certificates.

• Pollution control: Verifying that every vehicle holds a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, in line with the Motor Vehicles Act.

• Ownership transfer and hypothecation: Transferring RC between buyer and seller, and adding or removing a finance lien (hypothecation).

• Enforcement: Issuing challans, recording traffic offences and coordinating with the Punjab Traffic Police.

• HSRP issuance: Approving High Security Registration Plates through authorised fitment centres.

List of Punjab RTO Codes (PB-01 to PB-77)

The table below lists every active Punjab RTO code, the location it serves, and the type of office. Use Ctrl+F to find your nearest RTO. The list is based on the latest data from the Punjab Transport Department as of 2026.

Note: SDM Office refers to a Sub Divisional Magistrate office that acts as an Additional or Sub Registering Authority for the parent district RTO. New codes are added periodically by the Punjab Transport Department.

Address and Contact Details of Major Punjab RTOs

Working hours are generally 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with a lunch break between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Saturday hours may be limited. Always confirm timings on the official Punjab Transport Department website before visiting.

For all other RTOs, look up the office on olps.punjabtransport.org or check the state helpline at 1800-30-022-022.

Vehicle Registration Process in Punjab

Every new vehicle in Punjab must be registered with the local RTO within 7 days of purchase under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The dealer first issues a temporary registration that is valid for one month. Within this period, you must apply for permanent registration. Here is the full process:

• Get the temporary registration certificate from the dealer along with Form 21 (Sale Certificate) and Form 22 (Roadworthiness Certificate).

• Buy a valid motor insurance policy. At minimum, the law requires third party liability cover. A comprehensive cover is strongly recommended because it also pays for damage to your own vehicle, theft and natural calamities.

• Book an appointment with your district RTO through the Parivahan Sewa portal or olps.punjabtransport.org.

• Fill Form 20 (application for registration) and submit it with the documents listed in the next section.

• Pay the registration fee, road tax and smart card fee through the online payment gateway or at the RTO counter.

• Take the vehicle for physical inspection on the appointed day. An RTO inspector verifies the chassis number, engine number and safety features.

• Receive the permanent registration number. The smart card RC is delivered to your registered address by Speed Post within 14 to 21 working days.

Documents Required for Vehicle Registration

• Form 20 (application for registration) duly filled and signed.

• Form 21 (Sale Certificate) issued by the dealer.

• Form 22 (Roadworthiness Certificate) issued by the manufacturer.

• Valid motor insurance certificate (cover note or policy copy).

• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.

• Proof of identity: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID or driving licence.

• Proof of Punjab address: Aadhaar card, utility bill, rent agreement or passport.

• Passport size photographs (two recent).

• Purchase invoice with GST details.

• Temporary registration certificate (TRC).

• Form 34 with bank signature, only if the vehicle is purchased on a loan.

• NOC from the previous state RTO, only if the vehicle is being re registered from another state.

Vehicle Registration Charges in Punjab

Registration fees in Punjab follow the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Smart card RC fee and a service charge are added separately. Late registration attracts a penalty of Rs. 300 per month for two wheelers and Rs. 500 per month for other vehicles.

Road Tax in Punjab: Rates and Calculation

Punjab levies a one time road tax (also called Motor Vehicle Tax) at the time of first registration for private vehicles. The rate is a percentage of the ex showroom price of the vehicle. Commercial vehicles pay an annual or quarterly tax based on seating capacity and load.

Road Tax for Private (Non Transport) Vehicles

Tip: Always confirm the latest road tax slab on olps.punjabtransport.org before making payment. The Punjab government revises EV concessions and luxury car slabs from time to time.

Driving Licence Services at Punjab RTO

The Punjab RTO issues learner licences, permanent driving licences, renewals and international driving permits. Most steps are now online through sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.

Learner Licence

• Apply on the Sarathi portal and fill Form 2.

• Upload identity proof, address proof and date of birth proof.

• Pay the fee of Rs. 200 (per class of vehicle) plus Rs. 50 test fee.

• Book a slot and take the online learner test at the RTO.

• Learner licence is valid for 6 months.

Permanent Driving Licence

• Apply at least 30 days after getting the learner licence and within 180 days.

• Fill Form 4 on Sarathi and pay the fee of Rs. 200 plus a smart card fee of Rs. 200.

• Book a driving test slot at your RTO.

• Bring your own vehicle of the same class on the test day.

• Pass the driving test. The smart card licence is delivered within 21 working days.

Vehicle Ownership Transfer in Punjab

When you buy a used car or sell yours, the RC must be transferred to the new owner within 14 days for intra state sales and within 45 days when the vehicle moves to another state.

• Buyer and seller must fill Form 29 (notice of transfer of ownership) and Form 30 (report of transfer of ownership).

• Attach the original RC, valid insurance certificate, valid PUC, address proof of the buyer, and a copy of the sale agreement.

• If the vehicle is under a loan, attach NOC from the financier.

• Submit at the RTO that issued the original registration.

• Pay the transfer fee (Rs. 300 for two wheelers, Rs. 500 for cars, higher for commercial vehicles).

• New RC is issued in the buyer's name within 30 working days.

How to Renew the Registration Certificate

Private vehicle RCs are valid for 15 years from the date of first registration. Commercial vehicles need a fitness certificate every 2 years. The RC can be renewed up to 60 days before expiry to avoid a penalty.

• Apply through the Parivahan portal or visit your RTO with Form 25.

• Attach original RC, valid insurance, PUC certificate, address proof and a recent photograph.

• Take the vehicle for inspection; the RTO inspector issues a fitness opinion.

• Pay the renewal fee and any pending road tax.

• Renewed RC is valid for 5 years for private vehicles after the first 15 year term.

High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) in Punjab

All vehicles in Punjab must carry High Security Registration Plates. New vehicles get them fitted by the dealer. Older vehicles can book HSRP online.

• Visit bookmyhsrp.com and select Punjab from the state list.

• Enter the vehicle registration number, chassis number and contact details.

• Pick a fitment centre near you and choose a date and time.

• Pay the fee online (approximately Rs. 600 for two wheelers and Rs. 1,100 for cars, including fitment).

• Carry the original RC, valid PUC and the payment receipt on the appointment day.

How to Check Vehicle Registration Status in Punjab

• Open vahan.parivahan.gov.in on your phone or computer.

• Click on 'Know Your Vehicle Details'.

• Enter the registration number (for example, PB10AB1234) and the captcha.

• Verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

• View owner name, registration date, vehicle class, fuel type, RC validity, insurance validity and PUC status.

You can also download the mParivahan app from Google Play or the App Store for the same check on mobile.

Other Punjab RTO Online Services

• New vehicle registration application (Form 20).

• RC renewal and duplicate RC.

• Transfer of ownership and hypothecation addition or termination.

• Address change on RC.

• National and state permit applications and renewals.

• Fitness certificate renewal for commercial vehicles.

• Online road tax payment.

• E challan payment and challan status.

• Learner licence test booking.

• International driving permit application.

Traffic Violations and Fines in Punjab (As Per Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019)

Why Car Insurance Is Mandatory in Punjab

Under Section 146 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, every vehicle plying on a Punjab road must hold a valid third party liability insurance policy. The Punjab RTO will not issue a permanent RC, a fitness certificate, an HSRP or a transfer of ownership without a valid policy. Driving without insurance attracts a fine of Rs. 2,000 for the first offence and Rs. 4,000 for repeat offences, and the vehicle can be impounded.

Types of Car Insurance Available in Punjab

• Third Party Car Insurance: Covers legal liability for injury, death or property damage caused to a third party. This is the minimum required by law.

• Standalone Own Damage Cover: Pays for repairs to your own car after accidents, theft, fire or natural calamities.

• Comprehensive Car Insurance: Combines third party liability and own damage cover in one policy. Strongly recommended for new and high value cars.

• Pay As You Drive: A usage based plan where the own damage premium depends on the kilometres you drive.

• Add ons: Zero depreciation, engine protect, return to invoice, roadside assistance, consumables cover and tyre protection. Choose add ons based on your driving conditions.

Why Choose Zurich Kotak Car Insurance in Punjab

• Backed by Zurich Insurance Group (global) and Kotak Mahindra Bank (India).

• Cashless network of garages across Punjab, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Bathinda and Mohali.

• Quick claim settlement and 24x7 customer support on 1800 2120.

• Customisable add ons and flexible premium options.

• Easy online buy and renew journey at zurichkotak.com.

Ready to insure or renew your car in Punjab? Get an instant quote at zurichkotak.com or call 1800 2120 (toll free).

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Frequently Asked Questions about Punjab RTO

How many RTO offices are there in Punjab?

Punjab has 13 main district level RTOs and over 60 sub registering authorities (SDM offices) that share the workload. Together, the active Punjab RTO codes run from PB-01 (Chandigarh) to PB-77 (Guru Har Sahai), and new codes are added as more sub offices open.

What does the PB number on a Punjab number plate mean?

PB is the state code for Punjab. The two digit number that follows identifies the specific RTO where the vehicle was registered. For example, PB-10 means Ludhiana RTO, PB-65 means Mohali, and PB-08 means Jalandhar.

How long does it take to register a new car in Punjab?

Once you submit all documents and pay the fees, the RTO completes the inspection on the same day. The smart card RC is printed centrally and delivered to your registered address by Speed Post within 14 to 21 working days.

Can I pay Punjab road tax online?

Yes. Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal, select 'Online Services' and 'Pay Vehicle Tax'. Enter your vehicle registration number, verify with OTP, review the calculated road tax and pay through net banking, UPI, debit card or credit card. You can download the receipt right after payment.

Is third party insurance enough to register a car in Punjab?

Legally yes. A third party policy is enough for the RTO to register the vehicle. But third party cover only pays for damage caused to others. It does not pay for damage to your own car, theft or natural calamities. A comprehensive car insurance policy from Zurich Kotak protects your own vehicle as well.

What happens if I do not renew my RC within 15 years?

Driving a vehicle with an expired RC is treated as driving without registration and attracts a fine of Rs. 5,000 under the amended Motor Vehicles Act. Renew your RC at least 60 days before the 15 year expiry date.

How do I transfer my Punjab car to another state?

Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Punjab RTO that issued the original RC. Take the NOC, RC, insurance, PUC and address proof of the new state to the destination RTO. Pay re registration fees and any difference in road tax. The new state RTO will issue a fresh registration number.

Where can I find my nearest Punjab RTO online?

Visit olps.punjabtransport.org and use the RTO directory, or call the Punjab Transport helpline at 1800-30-022-022. You can also use mParivahan or vahan.parivahan.gov.in to find offices.

Does Zurich Kotak offer car insurance in every district of Punjab?

Yes. Zurich Kotak car insurance is available across Punjab, with cashless garage tie ups in major cities including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Bathinda, Mohali and many more. You can buy or renew online at zurichkotak.com or by calling 1800 2120.

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