RC Services in Tamil Nadu - Complete Guide (2026).
When you own a car in Tamil Nadu, the most critical legal document that you own is your Registration Certificate (RC), that is issued by the Tamil Nadu Transport Department.
What is RC (Registration Certificate)?
The official documentation that your vehicle is registered by the government is the RC (Registration Certificate).
It includes:
Owner Name
Vehicle Number
Engine & Chassis Number
Fuel Type
Registration Date
Details of Hypothecation (when loan)
Insurance Details
Most of the services provided by the Rc can be checked and applied using the official portal:
Parivahan Sewa
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
RC Services in Tamil nadu.
All the major RC-related services are listed below:
1 RC Status Check Online
You may use online checking of your vehicle RC through:
Vehicle Registration Number
Chassis Number (optional)
Apply via: Parivahan Portal
(A separate comprehensive guide post on this will be made separately).
2 Copies RC (Lost RC Book / Smart Card)
If your RC is:
Lost
Damaged
Stolen
Online application is available in the issuance of a duplicate RC.
Documents Required:
FIR copy (if lost)
ID proof
Address proof
Form 26
3 RC Address Change
In case you had changed house in Tamil Nadu, change your RC address.
Required Documents:
New Address Proof
Original RC
Form 33
Insurance Copy
4 RC Transfer of Ownership
Lots of ownership has to be transferred when purchasing or selling a vehicle.
Types:
Normal Sale Transfer
Transfer on Death
Transfer through Auction
Required Documents:
Form 29 & 30
Insurance Copy
Pollution Certificate
Buyer ID Proof
5 Hypothecation Addition / Termination.
In case you have bought a car on a loan:
Insert Hypothecation at time of registration.
Wipe out Hypothecation upon closing of loan.
Required:
Bank NOC
Form 35
Original RC
6 Re-Registration of Vehicle (Other State to TN)
In case importation of vehicle to Tamil Nadu:
Obtain NOC from previous RTO
Pay road tax in TN
New TN registration number application.
7 Fancy Number Booking
VIP numbers can be booked online via:
Parivahan Fancy Number
8 RC Renewal (Categories of Vehicles)
The commercial vehicles need periodic fitness renewal and RC renewal.
RC Smart Card Download (Digital duplicate)
A digital RC may be downloaded at:
Parivahan Portal
DigiLocker
DigiLocker
Application form of RC Services Online in Tamil Nadu.
Step-by-Step Process:
Visit Parivahan Portal
Select "Online Services"
Select Vehicle Related Services.
Select Tamil Nadu
Enter Registration Number
Choose Service
Upload Documents
Pay Fees Online
Appointment of Book (where necessary)
RC Service charges in Tamil Nadu (Estimates)
Service Approx Fee
Duplicate RC RS 300 - RS 500
Address Change RS 200 - RS 400
Transfer of Ownership RS 300 - RS 600
Hypothecation Termination RS 200 - RS 300
Precise charges could differ depending on the kind of vehicle.
Significant Files of the majority of RC Services.
Original RC
Insurance Copy
Pollution Certificate (PUC)
ID Proof
Address Proof
Passport Size Photo
Tamil Nadu RTO Offices
Regional offices of the Tamil Nadu Transport Department take all the RC services.
TN01 Chennai Central
TN09 Madurai
TN72 Tirunelveli
TN74 Nagercoil
and all other TN RTO codes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does Tamil Nadu have an option to update RC online?
Yes, majority of the services are provided via Parivahan portal online.
Q2: What are the number of days taken by RC transfer?
Usually 7-21 working days.
Q3: Is DigiLocker RC valid?
Yes, DigiLocker digital RC is a legal entity in India.
Important Note
Never use any other methods except official government portals to prevent fraud.
Detailed step-by-step instruction can be found on individual services posts on this site.
