Why is Form 29 required while buying a car: Requirements, How to apply

According to the statistics, over 5.2 million used cars were sold in India in the Financial Year 2023-24 alone, and this market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.78% between 2024 and 2032. While the used car market is thriving, buying a used car is not as simple as a new car is. It requires considerable paperwork, which has some mandatory requirements. One such requirement is submitting Form 29 at the Regional Transport Office (RTO). This article will help you gather all the required information as to why Form 29 is important when it comes to buying a used car. 

Table of Contents

• What is Form 29 and why is it required for buying a car?
• What are the steps to download Form 29 online?
• Parts of Form 29
  • Part A
  • Part B
  • Part C
• How to fill out Form 29?
• What are the documents needed to submit along with Form 29 to the RTO?
• Summary
• FAQs

What is Form 29 and why is it required for buying a car?

If you purchase a used car, then it is required by law to take the official ownership of the car. To do so, you will have to submit a duly filled Form 29 to the RTO where the car is registered. Along with Form 29, you will have to submit some other necessary documents such as Registration Certificate (RC), Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC), and car’s insurance policy. Form 29 asserts that all the mandatory documents for the vehicle’s ownership transfer have been submitted to the RTO. 

If Form 29 is not submitted at the RTO even after you have bought the used car, then the previous owner will continue to remain responsible for any future liabilities related to the car. Hence, it is vital to ensure that the transfer of ownership is done timely to avoid such issues in the future for both parties.

Also read: Why is Form 22 required while buying a car: Requirements, How to apply

What are the steps to download Form 29 online?

While the Form 29 is available at the RTO, you can also download it from the internet. Here are steps you can follow to download the Form 29 online.

• Step 1 : Visit the Parivahan website portal.

• Step 2 : Click on the ‘Informational Services’ from the menu bar.
• Step 3 : From the drop down menu, select ‘Downloadable Forms’.
• Step 4 : Click on ‘All Forms’ from the drop down menu next.
• Step 5 : A new page will open, scroll down and download the Form 29.

Parts of Form 29

RTO Form 29 consists of three parts in total. The first part requires details of the car’s current owner. The second part requires information of the one who has bought the car and is to become its new owner. The third part is to be filled and signed by the RTO authorities. 

Part A

• Name of registered authority
• Vehicle seller’s name
• Residential address of vehicle seller
• Date and year in which the owner sold the vehicle
• Vehicle details (vehicle number, make, chassis number, engine number, motor number etc.)

Part B

• Name of used vehicle’s buyer
• Personal details like son/daughter/wife of
• Residential address of vehicle buyer
• Name of financier if the sold vehicle is on a lease, hypothecation agreement or hire-purchase
• Financier’s signature with date (as consent for ownership transfer)
• Transferor or registered owner’s signature with the date

Part C

• Registering authority’s name under whose jurisdiction the transferor resides
• Reference number, date, and RTO name filled by registering authority for validating application
• Transferee/buyer’s name and date of ownership transfer filled by registering authority
• Registering authority’s signature with seal and date

Also read: Why is Form 20 required while buying a car: Requirements, How to apply

How to fill out Form 29?

Form 29 needs to be filled out carefully to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Follow the step-by-step guide to fill out Form 29 for transfer of ownership of a vehicle.

• Step 1: Write the name of the Registering Authority’s name under whose jurisdiction the transferee(used car buyer) resides. 
• Step 2: In the next blank, fill in the name and residence address of the car owner as specified in the identity proof.
• Step 3: Next, fill in the date on which the used car was sold/delivered to the buyer. Also mention the vehicle details like vehicle number, chassis number, make and model, motor number, or engine number.
• Step 4: Now fill in the details of the car’s buyer, like the buyer’s name, father’s name or husband’s name (for married woman). Also, fill in the residence address of the buyer as mentioned in the specified identity proof document.
• Step 5: If the used vehicle was on lease or hire-purchase agreement, then you will need to provide the financier’s details in the form. Additionally, you also need to submit necessary documents related to the lease/hire purchase agreement transfer of ownership agreement from the financier.

Note: You will have to handover the relevant documents to the new buyer upon vehicle transfer, such as the car insurance policy and the original registration certificate, and declare that the vehicle is clear of all encumbrances. 

• Step 6: Now the used car owner needs to sign the form along with the date.
• Step 7: The financier must sign the form to provide consent of freedom of the vehicle, from any lease or hire-purchase agreement.
• Step 8: Write the Registering Authority’s name under whose jurisdiction the transferor (used car seller) resides.
• Step 9: Now, the Registered Authority will validate the application from the owner of the used car. For this, they will enter the reference number, the name of the RTO office, and the date. Once it is done, the Registering Authority will declare the vehicle ownership transfer to the buyer of the used car.
• Step 10: Finally, the Registering Authority Officer will sign the document and put the official seal and the date and the transferor’s name. Finally, the RTO will then send the acknowledgement letter via registered post.

Also read: Why is an Aadhaar card required while buying a car: Requirements, How to apply

What are the documents needed to submit along with Form 29 to the RTO?

There is some vital documentation involved when you submit your Form 29 to the nearest RTO. These will include submission of the documents such as-

• Copy of car insurance policy paper
• ID proof of buyer and seller- Aadhaar card, passport, Voter’s ID Card, PAN Card, Ration Card
• Address proof of buyer and seller – Aadhaar card, Telephone bill, Passport, Ration card, Electricity bill, Voter ID card
• Original Vehicle Registration Certificate
• Pollution under Control Certificate
• Engine Chassis Pencil Print

Make sure to check with your local RTO as requirements may vary slightly by state and RTO office. It is always a good idea to verify the required documents beforehand to ensure a smooth transfer process for your used car.

Also read: Why is Form 30 required while buying a car: Requirements, How to apply

Summary

Here, we have taken an extensive look into the details of Form 29 and why it is required while buying a car. Form 29 is a documentation of proof mentioning that the owner has submitted all the documents related to the car, such as the car insurance policy paper, the original Registration certificate and the PUC, to the buyer. 

Submitting the Form 29 to RTO is absolutely vital as it eliminates any legal consequences and ensures that you obtain the rightful ownership of the vehicle that you have bought. It is available at your local RTO office or it can be downloaded online from the Parivahan portal. You can follow the instructions and the steps listed in the article above to make sure that you go through a hassle free process while obtaining, filling, and submitting the Form 29 to RTO. 

FAQs