Bike ownership transfer in India – step by step guide

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Bike RC transfer in India
2 November 2025

Table of contents

Long story short: Here’s a quick guide to the key documents you need for bike RC transfer in India. Get everything ready ahead of time to ensure a smooth and easy process.

Key Takeaways

  1. What does bike ownership and transfer really mean? If your name is on the Registration Certificate (RC) from the RTO, you’re officially the owner of the bike. All the rights—and responsibilities—are yours. Transferring ownership means updating the RC from the seller’s name to the buyer’s, which is a necessary step when buying or selling a used bike.
  2. What paperwork do you actually need? You’ll want the original RC, valid insurance, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, a sale agreement or transfer deed, and ID/address proof for both the buyer and seller. Don’t forget Forms 28, 29, and 30. If the owner has passed away or the bike is financed, you must provide additional documentation.
  3. Why does the No Objection Certificate (NOC) matter? The NOC, which you get from the RTO (and sometimes your bank if the bike had a loan), is essential for inter-state transfers. It confirms that there are no outstanding legal dues or objections to the bike.
  4. How does the transfer process actually work? You can handle the transfer online using the Parivahan portal, or visit the RTO in person. Either way, you’ll submit the documents, pay the fees, go through verification (maybe even a bike inspection), and then get a new RC in the buyer’s name.
  5. What’s different if you’re moving states? For a move between states, you’ll first need an NOC from your current RTO. The new state might charge a fresh road tax, and you’ll need to register the bike locally. Once that’s done, you can even apply for a refund on your old road tax if it applies.

What is Bike ownership?

In India, owning a bike means your name appears on the Registration Certificate (RC) issued by the RTO. This outlines your legal rights and responsibilities regarding the bike.

What is Bike ownership transfer?

Transferring bike ownership is the legal process of updating the RC from the seller’s name to the buyer’s. You need to do this when buying or selling a used bike.

What documents are required for bike ownership transfer?

documents required for a bike ownership transfer
Documents Required For A Bike Ownership Transfer

1. Registration Certificate (RC)

The Registration Certificate confirms that the RTO has registered the bike in the seller’s name, free from any legal issues. Submit this certificate to the Regional Transport Office during the transfer.

2. Valid Insurance Certificate

You must have a valid insurance certificate when transferring ownership. Ensure that you update it with the new owner’s details to prevent any issues.

3. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

The PUC certificate proves the bike meets emission standards. You need this certificate when you buy a used motorcycle.

4. Sale Agreement or Transfer Deed

A sale agreement or transfer deed outlines the terms of the sale and confirms that the seller is transferring ownership to the buyer.

5. Identity and Address Proof

Both the buyer and seller must present valid identification and proof of address, such as a driver’s license, Aadhaar card, passport, utility bill, or rental agreement, to verify their identities for the transfer.

6. Forms 28, 29, and 30

  1. Form 28: NOC needed when moving the bike to another state. The seller submits three copies.
  2. Form 29: Used to tell the RTO about the sale. The seller submits two copies.
  3. Form 30: Needed to complete the ownership transfer. Submit two copies to the RTO

7. Additional documents for special cases

  1. On Death of Owner: On the owner’s death, provide the death certificate, RC, Certificate of Succession, and Form 31 for bike transfer.
  2. For Financed Vehicles: For financed bikes, get a NOC from the loan provider.

8. Other necessary documents needed for a bike transfer

  1. PAN Card or Form 60/61: The seller and purchaser must verify financial transactions.
  2. Chassis & Engine Pencil Print: Authorities often require this for verification purposes.
  3. Proof of Date of Birth of Purchaser: To ascertain the age of the new owner.
  4. Passport Size Photograph: Authorities may require a recent photograph of the purchaser.
  5. Road Tax Certificate: Confirms the previous owner has paid all road taxes.

What are the crucial things to note during the transfer of bike ownership in India?

Now that you are aware of the required documents, here are some key points to keep in mind during the transfer process.

  1. No Objection Certificate (NOC): Get an NOC from the RTO, and from the bank if the bike is financed, to confirm no dues or legal problems.
  2. Insurance Transfer: Ensure the bike’s insurance policy is updated with the new owner’s details to avoid penalties.
  3. Outstanding Dues: Pay any outstanding loans or insurance claims before starting the transfer.
  4. State-Specific Rules: Check for current RTO rules, as these vary by state and can change.

What are the steps for Online Bike Ownership Transfer in India?

steps for online bike ownership transfer in india
Steps For Online Bike Ownership Transfer In India

1. Gather Required Documents

Before you begin, collect the RC, insurance, PUC, ID, and address proof for both the buyer and seller, along with passport photos.

Fill out and sign Forms 29 and 30 to transfer ownership.

2. Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC)

If the bike comes from another state or has any dues, get a NOC from the RTO. This certificate confirms that you have no legal or financial issues.

3. Update Insurance Details

Add the new owner’s details to the insurance policy to maintain valid coverage.

4. Access the Parivahan Portal

Visit the Parivahan portal to initiate the online transfer. This government website provides assistance with various vehicle services, including vehicle ownership transfer.

5. Enter Vehicle Details

Log in, enter your bike’s registration and chassis numbers, and choose ‘Transfer of Ownership.’

6. Fill in Transfer Details

Select ‘Transfer of Ownership,’ fill in the buyer and seller details, and make sure everything is correct.

7. Upload Documents

Upload clear scanned copies of the RC, insurance, PUC, and ID proof.

8. Pay Applicable Fees

Check the fee and pay online using a credit or debit card or net banking. The amount depends on your RTO and state.

9. Submit application

Once you’ve paid, submit your application. After processing your documents, the RTO issues a new RC to the buyer.

10. Verification and Issuance of New RC for a Bike Ownership Transfer

The RTO will check your documents and might inspect the bike. After that, they’ll issue a new RC in the new owner’s name.

What are the steps for Offline Bike Ownership Transfer in India?

1. Gather Required Documents

Bring the RC, insurance, PUC, ID, and address proof for both the buyer and seller, as well as passport photos of the buyer. Also, bring the filled-out Forms 29 and 30.

2. Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC)

If there’s a loan or the bike comes from another state, get an NOC from the bank or RTO to confirm there are no dues or legal issues.

3. Visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO)

Both the buyer and seller should visit the seller’s RTO together. Booking an appointment can help you save time.

4. Submit the Application and Documents

Submit the filled Forms 29 and 30, along with all the required documents, to the RTO. Ensure that everything is complete to facilitate a smooth verification process.

5. Pay the Applicable Fees

Pay the transfer fees at the RTO counter. The amount depends on your RTO and the type of bike you own. Typically, the cost of a regular motorcycle ranges from ₹30 to ₹35, plus an additional ₹200 for a smart card if required.

6. Verification and Inspection

The RTO will check your documents and might inspect the bike. This makes sure all details are correct and the bike meets legal standards.

7. Obtain the New Registration Certificate (RC)

After the verification and inspection, the RTO will process the ownership transfer. Then, they’ll issue a Registration Certificate in the buyer’s name to finish the process.

What are the steps for Bike RC transfer between states in India?

1. Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a bike ownership transfer

The first step in transferring a bike’s RC is to obtain an NOC from the current Regional Transport Office (RTO). This certificate is needed to legally move the bike to another state.

2. Transfer the bike to the New State

After you get the NOC, you can move the bike to the new state.

3. Register the bike in the New State

Once the bike arrives in the new state, register it with the local RTO. You’ll need to submit the NOC and other required documents.

4. Pay the Road Tax for a bike ownership transfer

The new state may ask you to pay road tax or a lifetime tax. This step is required to finish the registration.

5. Verification and Issuance of New RC

The RTO will check your documents and inspect the bike. After that, they’ll issue a new RC.

6. Refund of Road Tax

If it applies, you can ask for a refund of the road tax you paid in the previous state. The process is similar to filing income tax returns.

What are the crucial things for a bike ownership transfer between states in India?

  1. Eligibility and State Rules: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for vehicle registration in the new state, which may include residency or employment requirements.
  2. Emission Testing: Some states require an emission test for the vehicle during the transfer process.
  3. NOC from Financiers: An NOC from the bank or financial institution may be required if the bike is financed.
  4. Timeframe and Penalties: To avoid penalties, complete the transfer within the mandated time frame. Keeping a bike in another state for more than 12 months without re-registering can result in fines and penalties.

What is the process to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO in India?

The No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India is a mandatory document required primarily during the inter-state transfer of a vehicle’s registration or in cases such as selling, gifting, or scrapping a vehicle. It certifies that the vehicle has no outstanding dues or legal objections, allowing smooth transfer or other formalities.

Process to Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO in India

1. Application Submission

  1. The vehicle owner must fill out Form 28 (application for NOC) available at the local RTO or online via the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways portal (parivahan.gov.in).
  2. Submit the completed application in person at the RTO or through authorised agents where applicable.

Documents Required

  1. Original RC (Registration Certificate) of the vehicle
  2. Valid insurance certificate
  3. Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
  4. Proof of address and identity of the applicant (Aadhaar, voter ID, passport)
  5. Challan receipt if applicable (to prove no pending traffic violations)
  6. Copies of the seller’s and buyer’s ID and address (in case of sale)
  7. Form 28 duly filled and signed

Verification and Clearance

  1. The RTO verifies the vehicle documents and ensures that there are no outstanding dues, such as road tax, challans, or fines, associated with the vehicle.
  2. A physical inspection of the vehicle may be conducted if necessary.

Payment of Fees

Pay the prescribed fee for the issuance of the NOC, which varies by state but generally ranges from ₹50 to ₹500.

Issuance of NOC

  1. Once all documents are verified and dues are cleared, the RTO issues the NOC
  2. The certificate confirms that there are no objections to the vehicle with respect to the transfer or use in another state.

Validity

The NOC is typically valid for a specific period (usually six months), during which the vehicle registration must be transferred to another RTO (inter-state transfer).

Follow-Up

Suppose the vehicle is being transferred to another state. In that case, the NOC must be submitted to the new state RTO along with an application for new registration.

Some states offer partial or complete online processing of this procedure, which simplifies the application and reduces the need for physical visits.

1. Why is it necessary to transfer bike RC when moving states?

Transferring your bike’s RC is legally mandatory if you plan to reside in a new state for over a year. This ensures that your vehicle is under the jurisdiction of the new state’s Regional Transport Office (RTO), avoiding legal issues and fines.

2. How do I register my bike in the new state?

After obtaining the NOC, you must register your bike in the new state by visiting the local RTO. This involves submitting the required documents, paying the road tax, and undergoing a vehicle inspection. Once these steps are completed, a new RC will be issued.

3. Can I get a refund on the road tax paid in the previous state?

Yes, you can apply for a refund of the road tax paid in the previous state. This is similar to filing for income tax returns and requires submitting the necessary documents to the existing RTO.

4. What should I do if my bike is financed?

If your bike is financed, you must obtain an NOC from the bank or financial institution that provided the loan. This NOC must be submitted along with other documents to the RTO.

5. How do you cancel a bike RC transfer application in India?

The process for cancelling a bike RC transfer application may vary by state. Generally, you can visit the Parivahan Sewa website, select your state, choose “Others,” and click “Cancel Application” to initiate the cancellation process.

6. Can we transfer RC from one district to another?

Transferring RC from one district to another within the same state typically follows a procedure similar to transferring between states. This involves submitting necessary forms and documents to the registering authorities within specified timeframes. Contact the local RTO office for detailed information and specific requirements.

7. Can we transfer the bike RC without NOC in India?

Transferring RC without an NOC is generally not permissible, as the NOC is a crucial document for the transfer process. Obtaining the NOC from the current RTO before initiating the transfer to another state is advisable.

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Conclusion

Transferring bike ownership in India is crucial for a legal and seamless transfer of ownership. By following the steps—like making a sale agreement, getting an NOC, and submitting the proper documents to the RTO—both the seller and buyer can protect their interests and meet legal requirements.

If you have any questions, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com or leave a comment below. We’re always happy to help. You can also connect with Bikeleague India on social media.

Hiran Narayanan

CTO & Founder at Bikeleague India

Hiran Narayanan is a front-end developer and an SEO specialist by profession in his own company, Squarebraket Innovations. At Bikeleague India, he is the CTO & Web developer, Motorcycle technical content writer, and SEO specialist with over 10+ years of experience in the field of motorcycling in India.

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