Last updated: September 2026 – RTO codes checked against independent RTO records.
Karnataka’s Regional Transport Offices handle vehicle registration, driving licences, permits and road tax across the state, with Bengaluru alone served by more than a dozen RTOs given how large the city has grown. This guide has the complete Karnataka RTO code list, what a KA number tells you, how to check vehicle and licence details online, and how registration works.
RTO in Karnataka
Karnataka’s RTOs operate under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Their core responsibilities include:
Understanding a Karnataka Vehicle Number
A Karnataka registration number follows the format KA-XX-YY-NNNN: KA is the state code, XX is the two-digit RTO code (see the table below), and YY-NNNN is the series and number assigned to the vehicle. Bengaluru is split across many codes rather than one, since the city’s vehicle numbers grew large enough to need separate RTOs for different zones (Koramangala, West, East, North, South, and further sub-offices for outer areas).
Karnataka RTO Code List
| Code | RTO | Code | RTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| KA-01 | Bengaluru Central (Koramangala) | KA-25 | Dharwad |
| KA-02 | Bengaluru West | KA-26 | Gadag |
| KA-03 | Bengaluru East | KA-27 | Haveri |
| KA-04 | Bengaluru North | KA-28 | Bijapur |
| KA-05 | Bengaluru South | KA-29 | Bagalkot |
| KA-06 | Tumkur | KA-30 | Karwar |
| KA-07 | Kolar | KA-31 | Sirsi |
| KA-08 | Kolar Gold Fields | KA-32 | Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) |
| KA-09 | Mysuru | KA-33 | Yadgir |
| KA-10 | Chamarajanagar | KA-34 | Bellary (Ballari) |
| KA-11 | Mandya | KA-35 | Hospet |
| KA-12 | Madikeri | KA-36 | Raichur |
| KA-13 | Hassan | KA-37 | Koppal |
| KA-14 | Shimoga | KA-38 | Bidar |
| KA-15 | Sagar | KA-39 | Bhalki |
| KA-16 | Chitradurga | KA-40 | Chikkaballapur |
| KA-17 | Davanagere | KA-41 | Jnanabharathi (Bengaluru) |
| KA-18 | Chikmagalur | KA-42 | Ramanagar |
| KA-19 | Mangalore (Dakshina Kannada) | KA-51 | Electronic City (Bengaluru) |
| KA-20 | Udupi | KA-52 | Nelamangala |
| KA-21 | Puttur | KA-53 | K.R. Puram (Bengaluru) |
| KA-22 | Belgaum | KA-55 | Mysuru East |
| KA-23 | Chikkodi | KA-56 | Basavakalyana |
| KA-24 | Bailhongal | KA-57 | Bengaluru STU / Shantinagar |
Karnataka has continued adding RTOs beyond this list (Hubli, Yelahanka, RT Nagar, Marathahalli, Surathkal and others use codes above KA-58), reflecting rapid growth in and around Bengaluru and the coastal districts. If your code isn’t listed above, confirm it on the Vahan portal or your vehicle’s RC.
Checking Vehicle and Licence Details Online
Vehicle Registration in Karnataka
To register a new vehicle, visit the RTO with jurisdiction over your address with proof of identity, address proof, the sale certificate, insurance and PUC. After inspection and payment of 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 your RC is lost or damaged, apply for a duplicate RC at the same office.
Buying a Used Vehicle in Karnataka
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 previous owner. Once satisfied, complete an ownership transfer so the RC is updated in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Bengaluru have so many different RTO codes?
Bengaluru’s vehicle numbers grew large enough that a single office couldn’t keep up, so the city was split into zones (Central, West, East, North, South and several outer sub-offices), each with its own code.
Can I find driving licence information through the RTO code list?
The code list mainly identifies vehicle registration offices. For driving licence status and services, use Sarathi Parivahan directly.
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.
Can I transfer my vehicle’s registration to a different RTO within Karnataka?
Yes. If you move to a different district, you can apply for a change of address and, where required, a new registration mark, through the Vahan portal or your new RTO.
Related guides: Yeshwanthpur RTO Office (KA-04), Kerala RTO list, Rajasthan RTO list, Tamil Nadu RTO list, or the full RTO list in India.