Documents Needed to Buy or Sell a Car in India

Documents Needed to Buy or Sell a Car in India:- Paperwork is the most overlooked part of buying or selling a car. Mistakes can cause legal trouble or leave you responsible for someone else’s fines. Rules and forms can differ by state, so confirm current requirements on the official transport portal and with your local RTO.

Documents for buying a new car

• Identity proof and address proof.
• PAN card or Form 60, as required.
• Passport-size photographs.
• Invoice and sales certificate from the dealer.
• Insurance cover note or policy.
• Temporary registration and later the permanent RC.
• Loan documents, if financing. See car loan basics.

Documents when buying a used car

• Original Registration Certificate (RC): verify that the chassis and engine numbers match the car.
• Valid insurance policy and check the no-claim bonus status.
• Valid pollution under control (PUC) certificate.
• Service records and the owner’s manual.
• Seller’s ID and address proof matching the RC.
• Loan closure documents if the car was financed. The bank’s name will appear on the RC until hypothecation is removed.
• Transfer forms such as Form 29 and Form 30, signed by the seller.
• No-objection certificate (NOC) if the car is being moved from another state or the RC shows a loan.

Before you pay, inspect the car with our 15-point checklist.

Documents when selling your car

• Original RC, insurance and PUC.
• Signed transfer forms (Form 29 and Form 30) and a copy of your ID and address proof.
• Loan closure letter and the bank’s NOC and hypothecation-termination documents (such as Form 35), if there was a loan.
• Service history and manual.
• A written sale receipt or agreement stating the price, date and details of buyer and seller.

The ownership transfer process

1. Agree on the price and complete the payment through a traceable method.
2. Seller and buyer sign the transfer forms and exchange documents.
3. The transfer must be reported and applied for within the legal time limits, which the law sets at 14 days for the seller to report the sale and 30 days for the buyer to apply. Check current rules in your state.
4. Complete the transfer at the RTO or through the online transport portal, where available.
5. The buyer receives the updated RC. The buyer should also transfer the insurance into their name.

Protect yourself as a seller

• Do not hand over the car without a signed receipt.
• Do not sign blank forms.
• Track the transfer until it is complete, because you may be held liable for traffic offences or accidents until the RC is changed.
• Take photos of the signed documents.

Protect yourself as a buyer

• Check for pending challans and ownership disputes.
• Verify the loan status on the RC.
• Insure the car in your name quickly. See car insurance explained.

Moving a car to another state

You will usually need an NOC from the original RTO and to re-register in the new state within the time allowed. Fees and taxes may apply, so confirm current rules.

Selling tips

For help with price and timing, see car resale value tips.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sell a car with a loan?

Yes, but the loan must be cleared and the hypothecation removed first.

Is an online transfer available?

Many services are online through the official portal. Availability varies by state.

This is general information. Check the official transport website or your local RTO for the current forms, fees and time limits.