According to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, all vehicles must be registered with the respective RTO, and it is mandatory to have the registered number must be displayed on the front and back of the motor vehicle.Form 20, often referred to as ‘Form 20 RTO’ or ‘Form 20 Parivahan’ holds significant importance when it comes to vehicle registration. Even when buying a used car, the car must be re-registered in your name, especially when buying from another state. Form 20 is mandatory as it helps the owner to get a permanent registration number. In this article, we will simplify the nuances that come with filling the Form 20, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fill out Form 20 for vehicle registration.
How to get Form 20?
It is considered illegal to drive an unregistered vehicle in India, and that is why it is mandatory to register any new vehicles that you have purchased or re-register a used vehicle that you have bought from another state. You can get Form 20 by visiting your nearest RTO or downloading the vehicle registration application form. Then you can fill out the form and submit it along with all the relevant documents at the nearest RTO.
How to download Form 20 online?
Following are the steps involved in downloading Form 20 online:
- Visit the Parivahan website.
- Click on ‘Informational Services’ in the menu
- Go to ‘Downloadable Forms’
- Click on ‘All Forms’
- Scroll down to ‘Form 20’ in the vehicle-related category
- A new page will open. Download Form 20.
When is Form 20 issued?
Form 20 is issued or required when a new vehicle is registered under a RTO and for re-registering a used car that has been purchased from another state. Along with the relevant documents, submitting Form 20 is mandatory to get a permanent registration number.
Parts of Form 20
Form 20 has four sections:
- Section 1: Required for all vehicles
- Section 2: Required for all transport vehicles
- Section 3: Includes an inspection certificate
- Section4: For official certification
How to fill out Form 20?
Now that you know that Form 20 is all about and have the document downloaded, here is a guide on how you can fill it out. There are individual sections for you to add the necessary details about yourself, your place of residence, the manufacturer or the dealership where you purchased your vehicle, the technical details regarding your vehicle, details of the insurance policy, and the amount you paid for the application of registration.
The general rule of thumb is to keep the details simple and concise. You will need to fill out all the details in the designated section of the form. You can do that yourself, or have a friend or relative help you out.
The following shows the step-by-step process involved in filling up RTO form 20.
- Under point 1,2 and 3, mention your name, father’s name and age.
- Point 4 & 5 – mention your present address or permanent address with the duration of stay at the present address
- Point 6 – write your PAN number if your vehicle costs above Rs. 4 lakhs
- Point 7 & 8 – place of birth and the year of migration to India if born outside the country
- Point 10 – date and address of the automobile dealer from where the vehicle was purchased
- Point 11 – In case of an imported vehicle or an army vehicle, enclose the design approval by the State Transport Authority. In that case, mention the number and date of approval.
- Point 12 – class of the vehicle
- Point 13 – mention if it’s a new, ex-army or an electric vehicle.
- Point 14 to 26 – write about the technical details of the automobile, such as 0 body type of the vehicle, brand name, date of manufacturing, number of cylinders, horsepower, cubic capacity, wheelbase, chassis number, engine number, seating capacity, fuel and unladen weight.
- Point 27 – in case of a pre-owned vehicle, mention the previous registration number
- Point 28 – body colour of the vehicle, the paint scheme on the wings and front end
- Point 29 to 32 – In case of registering a truck or tempo, additional technical information must be mentioned here, such as specification about tyres, gross vehicle weight, axle weight, dimensions of rigid frame motor vehicles
- Point 33 to 36 – Mention the body type, unladen weight, description of tyres and maximum axle weight for each component if you want to register an additional semi-trailer
- Point 37 to 38 – Write the details about the vehicle insurance policy, the tenure, name of the company, and exemption (if any)
- Point 39 – Mention the fee amount paid for the application of registration of the vehicle
- Now sign or insert your thumb impression and mention the date below this point
- After the signature and date, mention the details for the use of the vehicle, whether it is under a hire-purchase agreement, or if it is subject to hypothecation or under lease agreement.
- There is a certificate of inspection and office endorsement after the description of the vehicle type. The Inspecting Authority will affix his signature and mention the date with the registration number in this space.
- If the vehicle is subject to any of the above mentioned agreement, the signature of the Financer with whom any such agreement has been entered into is to be obtained
- At the end signature of the Financier and the vehicle registered owner has to be entered.
What documents should be submitted along with Form 20 to the RTO?
When you’re handing in Form 20 to the RTO, you need some additional documents! Each document has a role in the vehicle registration process, so it’s like a team effort to get your car on the road legally.
- Car Insurance Certificate: Identity & Address Proof:
- Birth Proof:
- PAN Card:
- Dealer’s Invoice:
- Temporary Registration Certificate:
- Customs Clearance Certificate:
- Fitness Certificate:
What are the documents needed for registering a new vehicle?
Following are the documents required for registering a new car:
- A completed Form 20
- Form 21
- Form 22
- Attested copy of the valid insurance policy
- Identity proof of the car owner
- Proof of address of the owner
- PAN card, Form 60, or Form 61, whichever is applicable
- In the case of an imported car, a customs clearance certificate has to be enclosed
- Challan receipt
- Affidavit on a non-judicial stamp paper worth Rs. 3
- Chassis pencil print
- Form 34, signed by the concerned bank and the owner, in case the vehicle is under a loan
- In certain situations, the fitness certificate of the motor vehicle might be required
What are the documents required for vehicle re-registration when transferred between states?
When you’re transferring your vehicle to a new state, a bunch of paperwork comes into play.
- 1. Form 20
- 2. Form 27: This form is for getting a new registration mark when you move your vehicle to a different state. Think of it as a companion to Form 20, helping with the transfer
- 3. Original State Registration Certificate: This will act as proof of where your vehicle was first registered
- 4. Duplicate Form 28 (NOC): This ensures that you are good to move your vehicle to a new state
- 5. Address Proof: Something that proves where you live, attested by you
- 6. Car Insurance Proof: To keep your vehicle covered
- 7. PUC Certificate: Proof that your vehicle is environmentally friendly
- 8. Fitness Certificate: If it’s a commercial vehicle, it needs to be in top shape
- 9. PAN Card, Form 60, or Form 61: Form 60 is for individuals conducting financial transactions without a PAN number, while Form 61 is for those with only agricultural income and no other sources of income who wish to engage in these transactions. It will depend on what is applicable to you.
Summary
In this blog, we have emphasized the significance of having the correct documents by your side, such as car insurance and ID proof, to ensure a hassle-free registration process. Form 20 is the key to a smooth vehicle registration journey in India, serving as your entry into legal driving, whether you are buying a new car or acquiring a used one. It also serves as your go-to when you are transferring your car to a new state.
Do not forget the various sections involved with Form 20; each of them playing a vital role in the bigger picture. For moving these vehicles between states, make sure you have a specific checklist to follow. With the help of Form 20 and armed with the right documents, you are ready to hit the road legally.
FAQ about Form 20 for buying a car
Why is Form 20 important?
In order to get a new vehicle registered under the owner’s name or a used car to be re-registered because it has been bought from another state. Submitting Form 20 is mandatory to get a permanent registration number. Form 20 is important to establish the ownership and get a permanent registered number.
What happens if you do not register your car in 30 days in India?
If you happen to fail to register your new car within 30 days from the date of issuance of the temporary registration number, you will have to pay a hefty penalty of about Rs.4500 and your vehicle may also be impounded.
Q. Who needs Form 20?
Anyone who will purchase a new vehicle, transfer ownership of a used vehicle to a new owner, or re-registering a vehicle in a different state requires the Form 20.
Q. How do I submit Form 20?
Download Form 20 online or visit the nearest RTO to get the application form. Once the form is filled out and all the necessary documents are attached with the main form, you can submit it at the nearest RTO.
Q. Can a 20 year old car be registered in India?
As per Government norms, all vehicles plying on the Indian roads must be re-registered if they are older than 15 years. This is done to ensure it’s safe to be used.
