RC Book – Registration Certificate Guide
The RC Book, or Registration Certificate Book, is an essential document for every vehicle owner in India. Whether it's a car, bike, or any other vehicle, this document serves as proof of a vehicle's registration with the respective Regional Transport Office (RTO).
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What is an RC Book?
The RC Book stands for Registration Certificate Book. It is a legal document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) upon registering a vehicle. The RC Book contains important details about the vehicle, including the owner's name, registration number, vehicle make, model, engine number, chassis number, and fuel type.
An RC Book serves as the official proof of ownership and is a mandatory document required for various vehicle-related services such as insurance, road tax, and legal disputes. Whether you own a car, bike, or two-wheeler, possessing an RC Book is crucial to avoid legal issues.
RC Book Full Form
RC Book stands for Registration Certificate Book. This document contains the details related to the vehicle's ownership and serves as proof that the vehicle is registered under the law. It also acts as a reference for any changes made to the vehicle, such as transfer of ownership or change in address.
RC Book Details
The RC Book typically contains the following details:
- Owner's Name
The name of the person or entity owning the vehicle.
- Vehicle Registration Number
The unique alphanumeric number assigned to the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type
Type of vehicle, whether it is a two-wheeler, car, or commercial vehicle.
- Make and Model
Information about the manufacturer and the vehicle model.
- Engine and Chassis Numbers
The unique identification numbers of the vehicle's engine and chassis.
- Registration Date
The date when the vehicle was registered with the RTO.
- Insurance and PUC Details
Information about the insurance policy and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
- Vehicle Class and Fuel Type
The category of the vehicle and the type of fuel used.
All this information is recorded in the RC Book and should be kept safe, as it's necessary for proving ownership and legality.
How to Download RC Book Online?
Thanks to digitization, obtaining your RC Book has become easier than ever before. Now, you can download it online via the official portals provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to download your RC Book online:
1. RC Book Online Download Through VAHAN Portal
The official VAHAN Portal (vahan.parivahan.gov.in) provides a service to download the RC Book online. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in
- Click on "Know Your Vehicle Details" or select the appropriate option.
- Enter your vehicle registration number.
- Click Search and download the RC as PDF
- Complete the captcha verification process.
- Click "Search" to view the vehicle details.
- You can then choose to download a PDF version of your RC Book.
2. RC Book Download on mParivahan App
Another way to download your RC Book is through the official mParivahan mobile app. Available for both Android and iOS, the app provides a convenient way to access your RC Book details. Here's how:
- Download and install the mParivahan app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the app and click on "RC Dashboard".
- Enter your vehicle registration number.
- View the RC Book image or RC Book details and download it.
3. State-Specific Portals for RC Book Download
Certain states in India have their own portals where you can access the RC Book online. For example, you can visit the respective transport department websites like:
- RC Book Maharashtra: transport.maharashtra.gov.in
- RC Book Tamil Nadu: tamilnadutransport.gov.in
- RC Book Gujarat: cot.gujarat.gov.in
- RC Book Uttar Pradesh: uptransport.upsdc.gov.in
You can use these state-specific portals to download the RC Book PDF.
RC Book Download PDF
When you download the RC Book, it is typically provided as a PDF file. This RC Book PDF contains all the necessary information about your vehicle, which you can print and keep with you, or store for future reference.
If you lose your RC Book, you can still access the PDF and use it as proof of ownership until you receive a duplicate copy.
Lost RC Book? How to Get a Duplicate
Losing your RC Book is a serious concern as it is an important legal document. If you have lost your RC Book, you must apply for a duplicate RC Book from your respective RTO. Here's how:
Steps to Get a Duplicate RC Book:
- Visit your local RTO and file an application for a duplicate RC Book.
- Provide necessary documents, including a copy of your vehicle insurance, FIR (if applicable), and identity proof.
- Pay the required fee for issuing a duplicate RC Book.
- Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a duplicate RC Book.
RC Book Renewal
Every vehicle’s RC Book is valid for a specific period (usually 15 years for personal vehicles). After this period, you must renew the RC Book to continue its validity. The renewal process involves the following steps:
- Visit the RTO where your vehicle is registered.
- Submit the necessary documents, including your vehicle's fitness certificate, proof of insurance, and PUC.
- Pay the renewal fee.
- Once the process is complete, you will receive a renewed RC Book.
Loan Against Vehicle Using RC Book
You can use your RC Book as collateral if you are applying for a loan against your vehicle. Financial institutions often require the RC Book as part of their documentation process. This helps the lender verify that the vehicle is legally owned by you and not involved in any legal disputes.
RC Book Status Tracking
The RC Book image is a scanned copy of the physical RC Book. If you are downloading the RC Book online, you will likely get a scanned image of the document as part of the download. Ensure that you keep this image stored in a safe location as it is legally recognized.
Digital RC Book Image
The RC Book image is a scanned copy of the physical RC Book. If you are downloading the RC Book online, you will likely get a scanned image of the document as part of the download. Ensure that you keep this image stored in a safe location as it is legally recognized.
Apply for Duplicate RC Book Online
In case you have lost your RC Book and want to apply for a duplicate RC Book online, many states now allow you to complete the application process through their respective portals. This saves time and effort as you don’t have to visit the RTO in person.