Vehicle owners in Uttar Pradesh will no longer receive the traditional paper Registration Certificate (RC).
From August 1, the state has permanently switched to Smart Card RCs, making vehicle documents more secure and convenient.
The new RC looks like an ATM or credit card and comes with an electronic chip and a QR code.
While new vehicle buyers will receive the Smart RC automatically, existing vehicle owners can also replace their old paper RC by applying online through the Vahan Portal.
What Is Special About the New Smart RC?
The new Smart RC is designed to be more durable and secure than the old paper version.
Earlier, paper RCs could easily tear or get damaged by water.
The new card-sized RC can be safely carried in a wallet and is much more durable.
It also contains a microchip that stores important vehicle and owner details in encrypted form.
In addition, a QR code on the card allows authorities to quickly verify the vehicle’s information whenever required.
How Will the Smart RC Work?
The electronic chip stores important details such as the vehicle’s engine number, chassis number, fuel type, and the owner’s name and address.
Because the information is stored securely, it becomes much harder to tamper with or create fake RC documents.
The QR code will also make vehicle checks faster.
Instead of manually entering the registration number, traffic police can simply scan the QR code to instantly access details like insurance status, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and road tax payment.
How to Apply for a Smart RC Online
Existing vehicle owners can easily upgrade their old paper RC by following these steps:
Visit the Vahan Portal using your mobile phone or computer.
Select Uttar Pradesh as your state.
Choose your RTO or enter your vehicle registration number.
Go to RC Related Services and select Issue of Smart Card or Duplicate RC.
Enter your vehicle registration number and chassis number to verify the details.
Complete the OTP verification sent to your registered mobile number.
Pay the required processing fee online using UPI, net banking, or a debit/credit card.
Download and save the payment receipt and application form for future reference.
When Will You Receive the Smart RC?
After the RTO verifies your application and documents, the new Smart RC will be printed and sent to your registered home address through Speed Post.
The new system is expected to make vehicle documents more secure, reduce the risk of fraud, and simplify document verification for both vehicle owners and traffic authorities.
