If you own a vehicle, the Registration Certificate (RC) is one of the most important documents.
It proves that the vehicle is registered in your name and you are its legal owner.
Just like following traffic rules is important, it’s also necessary to carry your RC—either as a physical copy or in digital format—while driving.
What to Do If You Lose Your RC
Sometimes, people lose their RC or forget it somewhere. If that happens, there’s no need to panic. You can easily download it online.
The government offers two options for this: the Vahan portal and the DigiLocker app.
What is RC and Why Is It Important?
RC is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and contains details like the registration number, engine and chassis number, and the owner’s name and address.
This document is required for getting bank loans, vehicle insurance, selling the car, or during traffic checks.
Now, RC is also available in digital form. Digital RCs downloaded from apps like DigiLocker and mParivahan are accepted as valid by traffic police and other authorities.
Steps to Download RC Online
1. Download RC from the Vahan Portal
Visit the Vahan portal.
Click on Online Services > Vehicle Related Services.
Select your state and log in using your registered mobile number and OTP.
Enter your vehicle registration number and chassis number.
Go to the Download Document or RC Print section (this may vary by state).
Your RC will be displayed, and you can download it as a PDF.
2. Download RC from DigiLocker
Open the DigiLocker app or website.
Log in using your mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
Select Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Go to the Registration Certificate section and enter your vehicle details.
The RC will appear only if the name on your DigiLocker account matches the name on the RC.
Important Points to Remember
Digital RCs are fully valid, but technical issues may sometimes make them temporarily inaccessible. So, it’s a good idea to also keep a physical copy with you.
Keeping your RC safe and updated is very important, as it is the main proof of your vehicle’s identity and ownership.
You can get your RC back in just a few minutes from home—no need to visit any office or pay an agent.
