If you have lost your car’s Registration Certificate (RC), there is no need to worry or rush to the RTO. Now, the government allows car owners to download RC copies online using two easy platforms — the Vahan portal and the Digilocker app. Whether you misplace the physical document or want to keep a digital copy, both options work legally and are accepted by traffic authorities.
Let’s understand how you can easily download your car RC from the comfort of your home.
What is RC and Why You Must Keep It Handy?
The Registration Certificate (RC) is an official document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It proves that your vehicle is legally registered and belongs to you. It includes important details like:
- Vehicle registration number
- Engine number and chassis number
- Owner’s name and address
- Vehicle type and manufacturing year
The RC is not only important while driving, but it’s also required for:
- Selling your car
- Taking a car loan
- Getting car insurance
- Clearing traffic police checks
Today, digital RC is accepted across India under the Motor Vehicles Act. This means you don’t always need to carry the physical RC. You can view the digital version through government-approved apps, such as Digilocker or mParivahan.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Download RC Online Using the Vahan Portal
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has provided the Vahan portal for online vehicle-related services. Follow these steps to download your RC:
- Visit the official website: https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in
- Click on Online Services > Vehicle-Related Services.
- Select your state and proceed.
- Log in using your registered mobile number and OTP.
- Enter your vehicle registration number and the last 5 digits of the chassis number.
- Choose the RC Download or RC Print option (names may differ by state).
- Your RC will appear on the screen. You can download and save it in PDF format.
Make sure the vehicle details entered match your registered data to avoid any errors.
How to Download Car RC from the Digilocker App?
Digilocker is a government app that allows you to store and access your official documents digitally. Follow these steps to get your RC:
- Open the Digilocker app or visit https://www.digilocker.gov.in.
- Log in using your mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
- Go to ‘Search Documents’ and select ‘Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’.
- Click on ‘Registration of Vehicles’.
- Enter the required details like vehicle registration number and chassis number.
- If the names on the RC and Digilocker profile match, your RC will appear instantly.
- Save it to your account and access anytime, even offline.
Traffic police across India accept digital RC from Digilocker and mParivahan apps. However, make sure to always have access to your mobile device in case of checking.
Important Things to Keep in Mind About Digital RC
- Digital RC is 100% valid: You don’t need to carry a physical copy if you have it on Digilocker or mParivahan.
- Always match the name: RC will show up in Digilocker only if your name matches your Aadhaar details.
- Backup access: In case of technical errors, keeping one photocopy of the physical RC is still a good idea.
- No need for agents: The entire process is free, and you don’t need any middleman to recover your RC online.
Digital platforms like Vahan and Digilocker make it easy to handle vehicle-related issues. You can recover a lost RC in just a few minutes — all from your smartphone.
Disclaimer: Keep your mobile number updated with Aadhaar for Digilocker access. RCs may not show up if vehicle records are incomplete or mismatched.
Sources: Digilocker, Vahan Portal, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
