Last updated: September 2026 – checked against the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and the current Vahan renewal service.
A vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC) doesn’t last forever. For private vehicles it has to be renewed once it reaches the end of its validity, and the renewal involves an application, a fitness inspection and a fee. This guide explains when renewal is due, how to apply through the Vahan portal, the documents and fees involved, and what happens if you let the RC lapse.
When Does an RC Need Renewal?
The expiry date is printed on your RC and shown when you check your RC status online. You can apply for renewal within 60 days before the RC expires, which is the best time to do it.
Documents Required for RC Renewal
A driving licence isn’t required for RC renewal, since the RC belongs to the vehicle’s owner, who may not be the one who drives it.
How To Renew Your RC Online
Track progress with your application number on Vahan’s Know Your Application Status; see our application status guide.
Renewal Fees, Green Tax and Late Fees
Renewal fees for vehicles older than 15 years were raised substantially under the fee schedule notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2021, to discourage keeping very old, more polluting vehicles on the road. The exact amount depends on the vehicle class, and there are separate charges for the fitness test. On top of this, older vehicles pay a green tax at renewal in many states, and applying after the RC has expired attracts a late fee for each month of delay. The Vahan portal shows the full amount before you pay.
What Happens at the Fitness Inspection
The inspection checks that the vehicle is still safe and roadworthy after 15 years of use. Inspectors typically look at the brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, lights and indicators, horn, wipers and mirrors, and check emissions against the limits for the vehicle’s category. They also match the chassis and engine numbers against the RC. At an Automated Testing Station, many of these checks are carried out by machines, which makes the result more consistent but leaves less room for a borderline vehicle to pass. It’s worth getting a full service before the test, and fixing obvious problems like worn tyres, a cracked windscreen or a non-working light beforehand.
Should You Renew or Replace an Old Vehicle?
For a well-maintained vehicle you use regularly, renewing is often worthwhile. But add up the renewal fee, green tax, fitness test and any repairs needed to pass, and compare that with the vehicle’s value. If it needs expensive work, or you live in a city that restricts older vehicles, scrapping it through a registered facility and using the scrappage certificate towards a new vehicle can work out better.
If Your RC Has Already Expired
Driving a vehicle with an expired RC is treated like driving an unregistered vehicle, which can mean a fine and the vehicle being detained. Apply for renewal as soon as possible, paying the late fee. Some cities also restrict older vehicles regardless of RC renewal: in Delhi-NCR, for example, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years aren’t permitted to run. In that case, the options are to re-register the vehicle in another state with an NOC, or to scrap it through a registered facility, which may give you a certificate that reduces tax on a new vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a renewed RC valid?
Five years for a private vehicle, after which it can be renewed again, subject to another fitness check.
Can I renew my RC fully online?
The application and payment are online, but the vehicle has to be physically inspected for fitness before the renewal is approved.
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
If you applied before the RC expired, carry the application receipt along with your other documents. Once the RC has actually expired, avoid driving until the renewal is approved.
Can I renew my RC in a different state?
Renewal is handled by the RTO where the vehicle is registered. If you’ve moved permanently, you’d normally re-register the vehicle in your new state instead.
What if my vehicle fails the fitness test?
You’ll be told what needs fixing. Get the repairs done and book a retest; the renewal is approved once the vehicle passes.
Related guides: Vehicle RC Status, Vahan Fitness Certificate, Vehicle Scrapping.