Documents are an important aspect of any vehicle. These are readily handed over to us when we are buying a new vehicle, however, such might not be the case when buying a used one. The seller might forget, or deliberately keep them away from you. Whatever the reason, you should always know which documents to avail and check while buying a used car.
Let us study in detail about the documents to be checked when buying a used car.
Important Documents
Registration Certificate: The first and the most important document to be checked while buying a used car. This document is like an identity proof of the car and the owner, if the information given on the RC matches with the info on the car, then it is a genuine one. Be very vigilant and keep an eye out for a duplicate RC, always ask for an original and walk away if that can’t be procured. Also, keep an eye out for ownership details like if the owner is the first or the second owner, an authentic RC will have all these details mentioned on it.
Car Purchase Document: An invoice of the car purchased. This is another important document that you should keep an eye on, as it will have all the details related to the car and you will be able to spot any differences. Plus, this also serves as proof that the car belongs to the seller.
Insurance: Vehicle insurance is a mandatory statutory requirement for all vehicles. Another reason why you should ask for the insurance from the seller is because it tells you whether the seller has made any claims or not, thus also informing you if the vehicle was involved in an accident or not.
Service Book: Also called the blue book, a service book is a historical record of the services a car has availed. This gives you an idea if the vehicle was properly maintained or not, the meter readings on each service also tell if the vehicle’s odometer was tampered with. Always go through the blue book thoroughly before coming to any conclusions about the vehicle.
Road Tax Receipt: This one time tax is paid upfront during the time of purchase of a vehicle. However, be sure to check the receipt, because if it is not, then all the accumulated penalty falls on the new owner.
No Objection Certificate: Majority of the vehicles nowadays are bought on loans issued by banks. So, it would be a good idea to check the no objection certificate issued by the bank which mentions that the car is free from all loans and the financier does not have any claim on the vehicle. If you are buying a vehicle that hasn’t completed the loan tenure then you are liable to pay the loan amount.
Additional Documents
Pollution Certificate: A very important and mandatory document, the pollution under control certificate is a measurement of your car’s emission levels. A car’s emission level also tells you about the condition of the engine as well. This can be procured separately from a PUC center as well.
Dual Fuel Certificate: If the car runs on two fuels i.e., petrol and CNG the registration certificate should mention that, plus the seller should also provide an NOC issued by the RTO for the same. Also, ask the seller to provide you with the receipt of the kit retrofitted.
Clearance Certificate: In case the car is being transferred in-state i.e., same-city transfer, a CC (Clearance Certificate) is required. If it is an out-of-state transfer/other region transfer, a NOC is required. Please note that if the car has a loan on it, it will not be issued a CC/NOC till the loan is cleared.
RTO Forms 28, 29 30, 32 and 35: These forms are a crucial part of ownership transfer, their functions are as follows:
Form 28: Mandatory when car ownership is transferred between states, also known as No Objection Certificate, is issued by seller RTO. Click here
Form 29: Car ownership transfer notice. Click here
Form 30: Car ownership transfer intimation application. Click here
Forms 32 & 35: Required when the seller has taken a loan to purchase the car. Click here | Form 35 click here
FAQs
Does retro fitting a CNG kit on a car require a new Registration Certificate?
That is correct. Installation of a CNG or an LPG kit on a car requires it to be registered again as a new fuel type has been included. Make sure the RC mentions the same when you come across such a car.
When is an NOC required?
In car ownership transfer NOCs are required at two instances: (1) By the seller RTO if the name transfer is interstate (2) By the bank if it was purchased on loan, to certify that all payments are up to date.
How do I know if the car has been properly cared for?
The service book acts as a record of all the times a car has been serviced, giving you an idea if the vehicle was properly maintained or not.
Can insurance also be transferred?
Yes. If the vehicle is transferred in your name, then the insurance can also be transferred in your name. But if you want to buy new insurance you can do the same.
Should I buy a used car without an invoice?
We would recommend not to, as an invoice is proof that the seller is the owner and has all the details related to the car. On the car’s invoice the following details should be mentioned:
- VIN No.
- Engine No.
- Production date
- Financier’s details – If the vehicle is financed
- Dealer’s details
- Description of the car
- Other accessories – If opted for
Make sure all the above details match on the RC and other car documents.
Important Links
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