Last updated: September 2026 – RTO codes and functions checked against independent RTO records.
Delhi has 13 zonal Regional Transport Offices covering the city, each handling registration, licensing and enforcement for its own area. This guide has the complete Delhi RTO code list, what a DL number tells you, what each zone covers, how to check vehicle and licence details online, and how registration works.
Understanding a Delhi Vehicle Number
A Delhi registration number follows the format DL-XX-YY-NNNN: DL is the state code, XX is the two-digit RTO code for the zone (see the table below), and YY-NNNN is the running series and number assigned to the vehicle. Because Delhi is a compact city with a huge number of vehicles, it’s split into 13 zones rather than one central office, each roughly matching a district or group of neighbourhoods, so the code on a plate gives a rough sense of where in the city it was first registered.
Delhi RTO Code List
| Code | Office / Zone | Area |
|---|---|---|
| DL-01 | Mall Road | North Delhi |
| DL-02 | Tilak Marg / IP Estate | New Delhi / Central Delhi |
| DL-03 | Sheikh Sarai | South Delhi |
| DL-04 | Janakpuri | West Delhi |
| DL-05 | Loni Road | North East Delhi |
| DL-06 | Sarai Kale Khan | Central Delhi (commercial vehicle permits and tax) |
| DL-07 | Mayur Vihar | East Delhi (ownership transfers, NOCs) |
| DL-08 | Wazirpur | North West Delhi |
| DL-09 | Janakpuri / Palam | South West Delhi |
| DL-10 | Raja Garden | West Delhi |
| DL-11 | Rohini | North West Delhi |
| DL-12 | Vasant Vihar | South West Delhi |
| DL-13 | Surajmal Vihar, Shahdara | East Delhi |
A note on DL-14 to DL-18: you may see these codes referenced online, sometimes linked to Sonipat, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad. These are neighbouring NCR towns in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, not Delhi, and vehicles there are registered under those states’ own codes (HR or UP), not Delhi’s. Where DL-14 to DL-18 appear, they typically relate to enforcement or interstate coordination for NCR traffic rather than actual Delhi vehicle registration offices. If you see one of these codes and aren’t sure what it refers to, confirm it on the Vahan portal rather than assuming it’s a Delhi RTO.
Functions of RTO Offices in Delhi
Checking Vehicle and Licence Details Online
Rather than relying only on a static code list, you can check the full, current record for any Delhi vehicle or licence directly through the official portals:
Vehicle Registration in Delhi
To register a new vehicle, visit the RTO for your zone with proof of identity, address proof, the sale certificate, insurance and PUC. After inspection and payment of registration fees and road tax, a permanent registration number is issued and a smart card RC is posted to your address. A private vehicle’s RC is valid for 15 years, after which it can be renewed; see RC renewal through Parivahan. If you’ve moved to Delhi with a vehicle registered elsewhere, you generally need to complete a change of address; check the Vahan portal for current rules, since Delhi periodically updates its policy on out-of-state and older vehicles. If your RC is lost or damaged, apply for a duplicate RC at the same office.
Buying a Used Vehicle in Delhi
Before buying a second-hand vehicle, match its RTO code against the office shown on the seller’s RC, confirm the registration status is active, and check for pending e-challans, since unpaid fines stay linked to the vehicle rather than the seller. Delhi also enforces an age limit on older diesel and petrol vehicles under National Green Tribunal orders, so check a vehicle’s age and fuel type carefully before buying: as a general rule, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years are not permitted to run on Delhi roads and can be impounded, though owners can sometimes apply for an NOC to re-register the vehicle outside Delhi instead of losing it outright. Once satisfied on all these points, complete an ownership transfer so the RC is updated in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gurgaon, Noida and Faridabad part of the Delhi RTO system?
No. These are separate cities in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh with their own RTO codes (HR and UP), even though they’re part of the National Capital Region. Vehicles there are not registered under Delhi’s DL codes.
Which RTO should I visit for vehicle registration in Delhi?
The RTO with jurisdiction over your residential address, based on the zone table above.
How do I check my vehicle’s details using its number?
Use “Know Your Vehicle Details” on the Vahan portal (parivahan.gov.in) and enter the registration number to see the RTO, vehicle class and registration status.
Does Delhi have an age limit on older vehicles?
Yes. Delhi enforces restrictions on older diesel and petrol vehicles under National Green Tribunal and Supreme Court directions. These rules are updated periodically, so check the current position on the Delhi Transport Department’s website before buying or continuing to use an old vehicle.
Can I transfer my vehicle’s registration between zones within Delhi?
Yes. If you move to a different part of the city, you can apply for a change of address and, where required, a new registration mark, through the Vahan portal or your new zonal RTO.
Related RTO lists: UP, Haryana, Rajasthan, or the full RTO list in India.