notification

    Your Notifications are Empty.

    Browse our plans and add your selections to get started.

    Explore now Sign in
  • search-icon
  • hamburger-icon

RTO Tamil Nadu

  • Motor Blog

  • 25 Nov 2025

  • 152 Viewed

Contents

  • RTO Tamil Nadu
  • Functions of RTO Tamil Nadu
  • RTO Codes of Tamil Nadu
  • List of RTO Offices in Tamil Nadu
  • Services Provided by RTO Offices of Tamil Nadu
  • Vehicle Registration Process in RTO Tamil Nadu
  • Types of Vehicle Registration in Regional Transport Office Tamil Nadu
  • Documents Required to Register Motor Vehicles in RTO Tamil Nadu
  • Fees and Other Charges for Vehicle Registrations in Tamil Nadu RTO
  • Types of Driving Licenses Issued in the RTOs of Tamil Nadu
  • Procedure to Apply for a Driver’s Licence in Tamil Nadu
  • Documents Required to Apply for a Driver's License
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) Tamil Nadu plays a crucial role in regulating transportation in the state. It is responsible for the registration of vehicles, issuing of driving licenses, and ensuring adherence to road safety and pollution control standards. Each district has its own RTO office, making it accessible for vehicle owners and drivers.

Tamil Nadu’s RTO services also include the collection of road taxes, issuance of permits, and the enforcement of rules. To ease the process, Bajaj General Motor Insurance provides comprehensive motor insurance services, ensuring policyholders’ vehicles are covered at over 7,200+ Cashless Garages across India.

Functions of RTO Tamil Nadu

RTO Tamil Nadu is tasked with several key functions to ensure the smooth operation of transportation within the state. It facilitates vehicle registration, issues driving licences, and manages road tax collections. The RTO also ensures the proper issuance of permits for goods and passenger vehicles, alongside inspecting vehicles for fitness certification.

The enforcement of road safety rules and ensuring compliance with environmental standards, like Pollution Under Control (PUC) certifications, are also integral. RTO Tamil Nadu works with motor insurance companies such as Bajaj General Motor Insurance, encouraging insured vehicles for better safety and seamless service provision.

RTO Codes of Tamil Nadu

●       TN01 – Chennai (Central)

●       TN02 – Chennai (North)

●       TN03 – Chennai (South)

●       TN04 – Coimbatore

●       TN05 – Madurai

●       TN06 – Salem

●       TN07 – Trichy

●       TN10 – Vellore

●       TN22 – Meenambakkam

●       TN33 – Erode

RTO codes are vital for identifying the location of vehicle registrations in Tamil Nadu and are useful for insurance and vehicle tracking services.

List of RTO Offices in Tamil Nadu

●       TN01 - Chennai (Central): This is the primary RTO office in Chennai, handling vehicle registrations, driving licence issuance, and other related services for central Chennai.

●       TN02 - Chennai (North): Catering to areas like Anna Nagar and Ashok Nagar, this RTO handles a large volume of registrations and permits.

●       TN03 - Chennai (South): Located in areas like Velachery, this RTO office handles south Chennai’s vehicle-related services.

●       TN04 - Coimbatore: Coimbatore’s RTO manages vehicle registrations and renewals for this industrial hub of Tamil Nadu.

●       TN05 - Madurai: Serving the southern part of Tamil Nadu, this office handles vehicle registrations, driving licences, and more.

●       TN06 - Salem: Located in Salem district, this RTO provides services to this prominent city in Tamil Nadu.

●       TN07 - Trichy: Trichy’s RTO ensures the smooth functioning of vehicle-related services in the region.

●       TN10 - Vellore: This office manages vehicle services and documentation for Vellore and surrounding regions.

●       TN22 – Meenambakkam: Handles RTO services for Meenambakkam.

●       TN33 - Erode: Serving the textile hub of Tamil Nadu, this office provides registration, licensing, and other RTO services.

Each office offers comprehensive services, from vehicle registration to driving licence issuance.

Also Read: How to Check And Pay Traffic E-Challan Online

Services Provided by RTO Offices of Tamil Nadu

●       Vehicle Registration: Issuance of registration certificates for new and used vehicles.

●       Driving Licence Issuance: Application and issuance of learner’s and permanent driving licences.

●       Renewals and Duplicate Services: Renewal of driving licences and vehicle registrations, and issuance of duplicate certificates.

●       Road Tax Collection: Payment and clearance of road tax for vehicles.

●       Fitness Certification: Inspection and certification of vehicles for roadworthiness, particularly for commercial vehicles.

●       Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate: Issuance of PUC certificates to ensure compliance with environmental norms.

●       Vehicle Transfers: Transfer of vehicle ownership and address changes on registration certificates.

●       Temporary Permits and National Permits: Issuance of permits for vehicles that travel outside the state.

●       International Driving Permits: Facilitation of international driving licences for residents travelling abroad.

●       Hypothecation Endorsement: Endorsement for vehicles financed through loans or leasing.

Vehicle Registration Process in RTO Tamil Nadu

●       Step 1: Visit the RTO office with necessary documents or complete the registration process online.

●       Step 2: Fill in the Form 20 for vehicle registration, providing details about the vehicle.

●       Step 3: Submit the required documents, such as the vehicle invoice, insurance certificate, PUC certificate, and proof of identity and residence.

●       Step 4: Pay the applicable road tax and registration fees.

●       Step 5: The vehicle will undergo a physical inspection for engine and chassis number verification.

●       Step 6: Upon successful verification, a temporary registration number is issued.

●       Step 7: The permanent registration number is dispatched after a few working days.

●       Step 8: Collect your registration certificate (RC) from the RTO.

Also Read: Underage Driving Rules & Fines: A Complete Guide

Types of Vehicle Registration in Regional Transport Office Tamil Nadu

●       Temporary Registration: Issued by dealers for a short period, usually valid for one month.

●       Permanent Registration: Standard registration required for legal road usage after the vehicle is purchased.

●       Re-registration: Necessary if the vehicle is being transferred to Tamil Nadu from another state.

●       Duplicate Registration Certificate: Issued in case the original certificate is lost or damaged.

●       Transfer of Ownership: Required when the vehicle is sold or gifted to another person.

●       Ownership Correction: When there is a mistake on the registration certificate, it needs to be corrected.

Documents Required to Register Motor Vehicles in RTO Tamil Nadu

●       Form 20 (Application for Registration)

●       Vehicle Invoice from the dealer

●       Insurance Certificate for the vehicle

●       Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

●       Proof of Identity (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport)

●       Proof of Address (Utility bill, Bank statement, etc.)

●       Passport-size Photographs of the owner

●       Road Tax Payment Receipt

●       Form 21 (Sale Certificate from Dealer)

●       Form 22 (Roadworthiness Certificate)

●       Form 34 (Hypothecation Agreement, if applicable)

Ensure all documents are in order before visiting the RTO for a smooth registration process.

Fees and Other Charges for Vehicle Registrations in Tamil Nadu RTO

●       Two-Wheelers: ₹300 to ₹1,000 based on engine capacity.

●       Four-Wheelers (Private): ₹600 to ₹3,000 depending on the vehicle type and engine capacity.

●       Commercial Vehicles: ₹1,000 and above, depending on weight and purpose.

●       Temporary Registration Fee: ₹150 to ₹500 for new vehicles.

●       Number Plate Charges: ₹100 to ₹500 depending on size and type.

●       Smart Card Fee: ₹200 for a permanent registration certificate.

●       Hypothecation Endorsement: ₹1,500 if the vehicle is financed.

●       Re-registration Charges: ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 depending on vehicle type.

●       Road Tax: Varies by vehicle type and region.

Types of Driving Licenses Issued in the RTOs of Tamil Nadu

RTO Tamil Nadu issues a variety of driving licences to suit different categories of vehicles. These include:

●       Private Driving Licence for two-wheelers (with or without gears) and four-wheelers.

●       Commercial Driving Licence for heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, and other passenger vehicles.

●       Learner’s Licence for first-time drivers, which is valid for six months before the final driving test.

●       International Driving Licence for residents travelling abroad.

●       Temporary Licence for drivers who have passed the test but are awaiting their permanent licence.

●       License Renewal services are available for drivers whose licences have expired.
Each licence type requires passing a written test, followed by a practical driving test.

Procedure to Apply for a Driver’s Licence in Tamil Nadu

●       Step 1: Visit the nearest RTO or apply online through the Tamil Nadu Transport Department portal.

●       Step 2: Fill out Form 1 (Self Declaration) and Form 2 (Application for DL).

●       Step 3: Submit documents, including proof of age, address, and a medical certificate (if applicable).

●       Step 4: Pay the DL application fee.

●       Step 5: Schedule a learner’s licence test (if applying for LL) and pass the test.

●       Step 6: After receiving your learner’s licence, wait for 30 days before applying for a permanent driving licence.

●       Step 7: Pass the practical driving test at the RTO.

●       Step 8: Upon passing, receive the permanent driver’s licence within a few days.

Also Read: Indian Motor Vehicle Act 1988: Features, Rules & Penalties

Documents Required to Apply for a Driver's License

●       Filled Form 1 (Self Declaration) and Form 2 (Application)

●       Proof of Age (Birth Certificate, PAN card, Passport)

●       Proof of Address (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Electricity Bill, etc.)

●       Passport-size Photographs

●       Learner’s Licence (for applicants upgrading to a permanent licence)

●       Medical Certificate (Form 1A) for applicants over 50 years or commercial drivers

●       Fee Payment Receipt

●       Mobile Number and Email ID for communication

●       Application and Test Booking Receipts

Conclusion

The information given above can help you understand the importance of the Tamil Nadu RTO. By abiding with the rules of the RTO, you can avail a smooth driving experience on the roads of Tamil Nadu. One example of this is having a vehicle insurance policy (which is mandatory). If you do not own one, you can use the vehicle insurance calculator to get a quote before you purchase a policy.

FAQs

How to find the Tamil Nadu vehicle owner's details?

You can find vehicle owner details by visiting the official RTO Tamil Nadu website or using the Vahan portal to access registration information by entering the vehicle’s registration number.

How to check Tamil Nadu vehicle registration details in Tamil Nadu?

You can check vehicle registration details on the Tamil Nadu Transport Department website or use the Vahan online portal by entering the vehicle’s registration number.

How many RTOs are there in Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu has over 30 RTO offices spread across its districts, providing essential services like vehicle registration, driving licence issuance, and road tax collection.

Is mParivahan valid in Tamil Nadu?

Yes, mParivahan is a national service and is valid across India, including Tamil Nadu, for services such as vehicle registration, driving licence, and permit information.

Can I drive another state's vehicle in Tamil Nadu?

Yes, you can drive a vehicle registered in another state in Tamil Nadu, as long as the vehicle is properly insured and complies with Tamil Nadu’s road safety norms.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

Go Digital

Download Bajaj General App!

godigi-bg-img