Last updated: September 2026 – RTO codes checked against independent RTO records.
Tamil Nadu has over 100 Regional Transport Offices, with Chennai alone split into more than 10 zones to handle the city’s vehicle volume. This guide has the main TN RTO code list, what a Tamil Nadu vehicle number tells you, how to check vehicle and licence details online, and how registration works.
What Tamil Nadu RTOs Do
Understanding a Tamil Nadu Vehicle Number
A Tamil Nadu registration number follows the format TN-XX-YY-NNNN: TN is the state code, XX is the two-digit RTO code shown in the table below, and YY-NNNN is the series and number assigned to the vehicle. As in other large states, big cities like Chennai and Coimbatore are split across multiple codes by zone (Central, North, South, East, West) rather than sharing one office.
Tamil Nadu RTO Code List
| RTO | Code | RTO | Code | RTO | Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambattur | TN-13 | Coimbatore Central | TN-66 | Namakkal South | TN-88 |
| Arani | TN-97 | Coimbatore North | TN-38 | Ooty | TN-43 |
| Ariyalur | TN-61 | Coimbatore South | TN-37 | Palani | TN-94 |
| Attur | TN-77 | Coimbatore West | TN-99 | Perambalur | TN-46 |
| Chengalpattu | TN-19 | Cuddalore | TN-31 | Perundurai | TN-56 |
| Chennai Central | TN-01 | Dharapuram | TN-78 | Pollachi | TN-41 |
| Chennai East | TN-04 | Dharmapuri | TN-29 | Poonamallee | TN-12 |
| Chennai North | TN-05 | Dindigul | TN-57 | Pudukottai | TN-55 |
| Chennai North East | TN-03 | Erode East | TN-33 | Ramanathapuram | TN-65 |
| Chennai North West | TN-02 | Erode West | TN-86 | Ranipet | TN-73 |
| Chennai South | TN-07 | Gobichettipalayam | TN-36 | Redhills | TN-18 |
| Chennai South East | TN-06 | Hosur | TN-70 | Salem | TN-27 |
| Chennai South West | TN-10 | Kancheepuram | TN-21 | Salem East | TN-54 |
| Chennai West | TN-09 | Karur | TN-47 | Salem South | TN-90 |
| Chidambaram | TN-91 | Kovilpatti | TN-96 | Salem West | TN-30 |
Tamil Nadu has well over 100 RTOs and sub-offices in total, covering every district and most major towns. If your area isn’t listed above, check the Vahan portal or your vehicle’s RC for the exact code.
Checking Vehicle and Licence Details Online
Vehicle Registration in Tamil Nadu
To register a new vehicle, visit the RTO with jurisdiction over your address and submit Form 20 (available in English and Tamil) along 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 your RC is lost or damaged, apply for a duplicate RC at the same office.
Buying a Used Vehicle in Tamil Nadu
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, apply for an ownership transfer (and an NOC if moving it out of state) so the RC is updated in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Chennai have so many different RTO codes?
Chennai’s vehicle numbers grew large enough that a single office couldn’t keep up, so the city was split into zones (Central, North, South, East, West and further sub-divisions), each with its own code.
Can I apply for a driving licence at any RTO in Tamil Nadu?
You generally apply at the RTO with jurisdiction over your current address, regardless of which code appears on a different vehicle you may already own.
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.
What documents are needed to register a vehicle in Tamil Nadu?
Form 20, proof of identity, address proof, the sale certificate, an insurance certificate, and a PUC certificate, among others required by your RTO.
Related RTO lists: Rajasthan, Kerala, Karnataka, or the full RTO list in India.