Updated for 2026 · For Tamil Nadu / India vehicle owners. Confirm current fees and steps on the Parivahan portal.
- Seller files Form 29; buyer files Form 30 on Parivahan.
- Same-state: within 14 days; inter-state: 45 days + Form 28 NOC.
- Documents: RC, insurance, PUC, ID & address proof.
- Fee ~₹100–₹500 + GST, usually paid by the buyer.
- Delay can attract a penalty — transfer promptly.
Why you must transfer the RC (both sides)
Transferring the Registration Certificate (RC) protects both parties. For the seller, until the RC is transferred you remain the legal owner on record — meaning any challans, accidents or crimes involving the vehicle can come back to you. For the buyer, the RC in your name is what makes you the legal owner and lets you insure, sell or scrap the vehicle later. So neither side should treat it as optional or "do it later".
The forms you'll use
| Form | Who files it | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Form 29 | Seller | Notice of transfer of ownership to the RTO |
| Form 30 | Buyer | Application to record the transfer |
| Form 28 (inter-state only) | Seller | NOC from the original registering RTO |
Documents you need
- Original RC
- Valid insurance certificate
- Valid PUC (pollution) certificate
- PAN / Aadhaar of buyer and seller
- Address proof of the buyer
- Original sale invoice (where relevant), and Form 28 NOC for inter-state
How to transfer — step by step
- On parivahan.gov.in, open Vehicle Related Services and select your state and RTO.
- Log in with the vehicle number and chassis details and choose Transfer of Ownership.
- The seller files Form 29 and the buyer files Form 30.
- Upload the documents and pay the fee online.
- After verification (often Aadhaar-based and faceless), the RC is updated in the buyer's name and issued.
Timeline and penalty
| Situation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Same-state sale | Transfer within 14 days |
| Inter-state transfer | Within 45 days (with Form 28 NOC) |
Processing is usually faceless and takes about 7–30 days depending on the state and whether documents are in order. Missing the deadline can attract a penalty (up to about ₹1,000) — another reason to file promptly.
Don't forget the insurance and challans
- Transfer the insurance to the new owner too — an untransferred policy can complicate a claim.
- Clear pending challans before transfer; they can block the process.
- If there was a loan/hypothecation, get the NOC and hypothecation termination done first.
- Keep a copy of the Form 29 acknowledgement — as the seller, it's your proof you notified the RTO.
Transferring a vehicle after the owner dies
A common and stressful situation: the registered owner has passed away and the family needs the vehicle in an heir's name. This uses a different form — Form 31 (application for transfer of ownership in the case of death), submitted by the legal heir to the RTO, along with the death certificate, a legal heir certificate, the RC, insurance, and (where more than one heir exists) a no-objection from the other heirs. The RTO verifies the heirs and records the transfer. As with a sale, don't delay — the vehicle should be transferred within the prescribed period after the death.
Gift or family transfer
Transferring a vehicle as a gift within the family (say, parent to child) follows the same Form 29/30 process, but there's no sale price — you note it as a transfer without consideration. Remember two things: update the insurance into the new owner's name so a future claim isn't disputed, and if the vehicle moves to a different state permanently, you'll also need the Form 28 NOC and to re-register/pay road tax in the new state. Getting the paperwork right at the time of transfer avoids messy complications years later.
Related guides & tools
Buying a new vehicle instead? See our BH-series road tax calculator and the Tamil Nadu driving licence guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I transfer a vehicle RC?
On Parivahan — seller files Form 29, buyer files Form 30, upload documents, pay, and the RC is reissued in the buyer's name.
What are Form 29 and 30?
Form 29 is the seller's notice of transfer; Form 30 is the buyer's application. Inter-state also needs Form 28 NOC.
What's the time limit?
14 days same-state, 45 days inter-state — delay can attract a penalty.
What are the charges?
About ₹100–₹500 + GST, usually paid by the buyer.
About ComplyKraft. Built by Dinesh Kumar S in Chennai — B.Sc. Mathematics, M.Sc. IT. Plain-language guides and free tools for Tamil Nadu.
Disclaimer: Informational guide, updated 2026. RC-transfer forms, fees and timelines are set by MoRTH / the state Transport Department and can change — confirm on parivahan.gov.in.