How to Transfer An Old Car’s Registration Number To A New One?

Do you like your existing car's licence number and are thinking about transferring it to your future car? You have company! Many Indian car aficionados choose to give their beloved registration numbers to their new cars. The good news is that you can easily accomplish this process, despite it being a little complicated. Let's explore this subject in more detail and walk you through the procedure step-by-step.

Understanding the Importance of a Registration Number

Before we walk you through the process, it's important to understand why a registration number matters. Every car in India is required to have a distinctive registration number, which acts as the vehicle's identity when driving. In addition to being necessary by law, this number aids in locating and tracing the history of the car, including ownership, accidents, and a host of other details. Thus, when you choose to switch your old car's registration number for your new one, you are effectively preserving a legacy and giving your car a distinct identity.

When Should You Retain the Registration Number?

The following situations warrant the retaining of a registration number: 

1. Sentimental Value: A car's registration number can often evoke strong emotions in its owner, particularly if it has been in the family for many generations or is connected to a memorable occasion.

2. VIP/Unique Numbers: Individuals who wish to obtain a unique or 'VIP' registration number for their automobiles may have to pay an additional fee. These numbers are simpler to remember and frequently stick out, which makes the car easy to recognise.

3. Business or branding purposes: Companies may own a fleet of cars with sequential or distinctive numbers that correspond to their marketing or branding plans. It may be necessary to keep the number in some situations to maintain brand consistency.

4. Numerological Beliefs: Numerology is significant to many people in India. People frequently choose numbers that they think would bring success and riches. Getting this "lucky" number transferred to a new car becomes crucial for them.

5. Status Symbol:  Owning a distinctive or low-numbered registration might be regarded as a status symbol in some areas. These people may choose to keep their status after purchasing a newer car.

6. Avoiding the Update Hassle: Updating an automobile's licence plate requires doing it at multiple locations, including parking lots, toll booths, and any memberships connected to the car. This headache can be avoided by keeping the number.

Types of Vehicle Numbers:

1. Normal Series: When a car is registered, it is assigned one of these normal numbers. They have a format where the state code comes first, then the RTO code, and lastly a sequence number. Take MH-02-AB-1234, for example.

2. Fancy or VIP Numbers: These are special numbers or combinations, such as 0786, 007, 1111, or 0001. Owing to their unique qualities, they are typically more sought after and fetch a greater price when sold at auction by the RTO.

3. Shubh/Astro Numbers: Certain numbers may be lucky or auspicious in accordance with numerology or astrology. People are able to deliberately request these numbers, frequently for a fee.

4. Choice Numbers: These are numbers that are still in demand even though they don't fit into the VIP category. They may have been selected based on a pattern (such as 1234) or a personal meaning (such as anniversaries or dates of birth).

5. Sequence Numbers for Businesses: Organisations or businesses may decide to assign sequential numbers to their fleet of automobiles. For example, a firm may own automobiles bearing the numbers 0201, 0202, 0203, and so forth.

6. Vanity or personalised numbers: Although they are not as common in India as they are in certain western nations, personalised numbers permit the use of particular characters or phrases. India currently permits selection in numerals but not in alphabets. Nonetheless, the fad is expanding internationally, so it wouldn't be shocking if it eventually made an appearance in India.

Documents Required to Transfer Your Registration Number

Getting all the required paperwork together is the first step in this adventure. You'll require:

• Genuine Registration Certificates (RCs): For both the new and the old vehicle.
• A sales receipt for a brand-new vehicle.
• The new car's insurance certificate.
• Address Proof: Any document with an official government address.
• Identifier: Such as an Aadhar or PAN card.
• Form 18: Request for New Registration Mark Assignment (to be obtained from the RTO).

You are ready to start the process once you have all the necessary paperwork ready.

How to Transfer Your Registration Number?

Let's now go over the detailed process for moving your treasured registration number from your previous car to your new one:

Step1: Go to Your Nearest RTO

The first place to go is the Regional Transport Office (RTO) where the previous registration of your car was held. It's best to speak with an RTO representative or agent to fully grasp the intricacies of the procedure.

Step 2: Submit the Application

After that, send in an application to have your registration number transferred. To do this, you must complete Form 18 and include a justification for your request. Make sure you include a copy of the registration certificate for your previous car along with any other necessary paperwork.

Step 3: Start the Procedure for Verification

The RTO starts a verification procedure as soon as your application is received in order to confirm the legitimacy of the paperwork and the vehicle information. In order to stop any fraud or improper use of registration numbers, this step is essential.

Step 4: Make the Required Fee Payments

Once your documents have been examined and accepted, you must pay the fees associated with the transfer procedure. Depending on the particular rules set forth by the RTO, the charge schedule may change.

Step 5: Give Your New Car a Registration Number

Following approval and payment of the required cost, the RTO will formally assign the registration number of your previous car to your new one. A fresh registration certificate with the transferred number will be issued by them.

Step 6: Revise the Insurance Information

To guarantee seamless coverage, remember to update your new car's insurance policy with the transferred registration number as soon as you receive the new registration certificate.

Things to Remember

1. Time-Dependent Procedure: A registration number transfer can be a laborious procedure that frequently takes several weeks. Be patient, then!

2. Legal Requirements: Make sure your previous car is clear of any debts or commitments before starting the transfer procedure.

3. The Need for Experts: If the process seems too much for you to handle, think about enlisting the help of professionals or agents who deal specifically with RTO-related activities.

4. Examination of the car: As part of the verification process, be ready for an RTO inspector to conduct a physical inspection of your cars.

5. Notification to the Provider of Insurance: As soon as the transfer procedure is finished, tell your insurance provider so that the records are updated.

Final Thoughts

Transferring the registration of an old car is a tremendous responsibility. While doing so, car owners must take utmost care to ensure that accurate information is documented during the transfer process.  A registration number is more than a means of identification. For a lot of car owners, registration numbers signify important events like a loved one’s birth date or a wedding date. Hence, preserving the registration number’s integrity is important to ensure a smooth transition. Retaining the old car registration number can be beneficial in a lot of ways for future car owners of the old car. When you consider buying a pre-owned car, take the time to learn about retaining the old car’s registration number and understand the process well. This will make your journey as a second-hand car owner a positive one.

Also Read: Comprehensive Car Insurance