RTO Vehicle Info: Check Car Owner & Vehicle Details Online
Want to find out who owns a car, when it was registered, or if it has a pending challan? With online tools like mParivahan, getting accurate RTO vehicle info takes less than a minute. No more waiting at the RTO or guessing if a second-hand car is legit.
Whether you’re buying a used car or just verifying your own registration, you can easily know your vehicle details, check car owner details, and even access complete vehicle information with a few clicks using just the number plate.
What Is RTO Vehicle Info?
RTO vehicle info refers to all the official details recorded about a vehicle by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India. Every car, bike, truck, or commercial vehicle registered in India has a unique record maintained by the RTO.
This information includes:
• Owner name
• Vehicle registration number
• Chassis and engine number
• Registration date and RTO location
• Fuel type and vehicle class
• Insurance and pollution certificate status
• Loan (hypothecation) status
• Fitness and permit info (for commercial vehicles)People often search for vehicle info, car owner details, or use platforms like mParivahan to access these records especially when buying a used vehicle, verifying identity, or checking legal status.

How to Check RTO Vehicle Info Online
You can now check RTO vehicle info in seconds no RTO visit needed. All you need is the vehicle registration number (license plate). This is useful to know your vehicle details, confirm car owner details, and avoid buying vehicles with legal issues.
1.Vahan Portal (Desktop)
• Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in
• Click on “Know Your Vehicle Details”

• Enter the vehicle registration number
• Fill the captcha and hit “Search Vehicle”
• View detailed vehicle information including registration, chassis, fitness, and tax status

2. mParivahan App (Mobile)
• Download the mParivahan app (Android or iOS)
• Open the app and select “RC Details”

Enter the vehicle number (e.g., MH12AB1234)
You’ll instantly see:
– Owner name (masked)
– Registration date
– Insurance & pollution status
– Vehicle class and fuel type
3. DigiLocker (For Your Own Vehicle)
• Log in at digilocker.gov.in
• Link your Aadhaar and mobile number
• Go to Issued Documents > Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
• Download your official digital RC (Registration Certificate)

RTO Vehicle Registration: How It Works
Every vehicle in India must be registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to legally drive on public roads. This process creates your official vehicle record, which includes car owner details, insurance, and other key vehicle info.
What Happens During Registration?
• A Registration Number (license plate) is assigned
• Your vehicle details are logged into the RTO database
• An official RC (Registration Certificate) is issued
• Your info becomes part of the national RTO vehicle info system
• Records are accessible via Vahan or mParivahan
Documents Needed for New Vehicle Registration
• Sale invoice from the dealer
• Form 20 (application for registration)
• Temporary registration (if any)
• Insurance certificate
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
• Address proof
• PAN card copy
• Passport-size photos
How Long Does It Take?
• RTO registration usually takes 7–14 days
• Temporary registration is valid for 30 days
• You’ll get a smart card or digital RC once approved
Temporary vs Permanent Vehicle Registration
When you buy a new vehicle in India, it goes through two stages of registration temporary and then permanent. Both are part of the official RTO vehicle info system and help create your digital vehicle record.
Temporary Registration
• Issued by the dealer or RTO at the time of purchase
• Valid for up to 30 days
• Allows legal use of the vehicle before final registration
• Starts your vehicle information record in the RTO system
• Number looks like “TEMP/State Code/Number”
Permanent Registration
• Must be completed within 30 days of getting a temporary registration
• You’ll receive your official Registration Number (license plate)
• Your smart card RC (Registration Certificate) is generated
• Info is fully updated in the RTO vehicle info database
• Required for insurance claims, resale, and traffic validation
Summary Table
| Feature | Temporary RC | Permanent RC |
| Validity | Up to 30 days | Long-term (usually 15 yrs for private vehicles) |
| Issued By | Dealer or RTO | RTO only |
| Use Case | Before final number | Legal driving, ownership |
| Format | TEMP format | Standard license plate |
| Required For | Driving immediately | All legal vehicle use |
Duplicate RC
Lost your RC or it got damaged beyond use? No worries. You can apply for a duplicate RC online through the RTO vehicle info system. This ensures your vehicle information stays valid and accessible for traffic checks, resale, and insurance.
When You Need a Duplicate RC
• RC card is lost or stolen
• RC is damaged, torn, or unreadable
• You need to update records with a clean digital copy
Documents Required
• Application Form 26 (available online)
• FIR copy (in case of theft or loss)
• Insurance certificate
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
• Identity and address proof
• Passport-size photo
• Chassis number rubbing (for in-person verification)
• Signature and Aadhaar card (for digital processing)
How to Apply for Duplicate RC Online
- Visit parivahan.gov.in
- Select “Vehicle Related Services” and your state
- Choose “Apply for Duplicate RC”
- Enter your vehicle number and chassis number
- Upload the required documents
- Pay the fee (usually ₹300–₹500)
- Download the acknowledgment and keep the receipt safe
How You’ll Receive It
• Digital RC available in mParivahan or DigiLocker
• Physical smart card sent by post in 7–15 working days
How to Download Your RC Online
You don’t need to wait for a physical smart card to get your vehicle registration certificate (RC). It’s now available digitally through official platforms.
Steps to Download RC
• Open the DigiLocker app or visit digilocker.gov.in
• Sign in with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
• Go to “Issued Documents” > Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
• Select Registration Certificate and enter your vehicle number
• Download and save your digital RC
You can also view it anytime on the mParivahan app.
What Is a Fitness Certificate? (FC)
A Fitness Certificate proves that your vehicle is roadworthy especially important for commercial vehicles. It must be renewed regularly and is part of your vehicle information record.
FC Validity
• Private vehicles: Not mandatory after registration
• Commercial vehicles: Valid for 2 years (new) → then renewed every year
How to Apply/Renew
• Visit your local RTO or apply via vahan.parivahan.gov.in
• Upload vehicle documents, pay fee
• Take your vehicle for inspection at RTO
• Download updated fitness certificate from the portal
Road Tax: Why It Matters
Road tax is a one-time or periodic tax paid to legally use your vehicle on Indian roads. It’s part of your RTO vehicle info, and proof of payment is needed for RC issuance and transfer.
When to Pay
• During new vehicle registration
• When transferring ownership between states
• For commercial vehicle renewals
Pay it online through the Vahan portal or directly at the RTO.
RTO Helpline & Contact Information
Need help with RC status, DL issues, or vehicle details?
National Transport Helpline:
• 0120-2459169
• helpdesk[at]parivahan[dot]gov[dot]in
You can also reach out to your state RTO office for:
• Ownership transfer follow-ups
• Physical RC or DL delivery issues
• Fitness certificate inspection bookings
Most services can also be accessed through:
• sarathi parivahan.gov.in
• vahan.parivahan.gov.in
Final Words: Why RTO Vehicle Info Matters
From buying a used car to renewing your RC, accurate RTO vehicle info helps you stay legal, avoid penalties, and protect your vehicle’s value. Use platforms like mParivahan, Vahan, and DigiLocker to stay in control of your vehicle data, anytime and anywhere.
