What is the Process of Vintage Car Registration in India: Eligibility, Documents & More

The process of vintage car registration in India is straightforward. If your vehicle meets the eligibility criteria, you can apply by visiting your nearest RTO or through the online Parivahan portal.

Such a registration is mandatory and initially requires a registration fee, which is typically valid for 10 years, and with a re-registration fee, you can extend it for further years.

With proper documents like its Registration Certificate, Roadworthiness certificate, photographs and other valid documents, you can apply for such a car’s registration. Read this blog to learn about this process in detail.     

What Qualifies a Car as a Vintage in India?

As per the amendment in Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India, a car qualifies as a vintage if it is at least 50 years old from its original registration date. A vintage 4-wheeler in India must remain in its original state. It means a vintage vehicle must not have any significant modifications.

For a vintage car registration in India, a qualified car must have its valid car insurance and its original registration certificate. By paying a one-time registration fee, you can get it registered. You must renew it typically within 5 years, depending on the local jurisdiction.

If you are wondering whether a vintage car can be used for a regular commute, you must note that these are meant to be kept as a collectible, and hence you cannot use them for regular or commercial purposes. Car enthusiasts typically use it for exhibitions, hobbyist activities, parades, etc. 

What Documents Do You Need for a Vintage Car Registration in India?

The key documents you need for a vintage vehicle registration process in India are proof of age of the vehicle, Bill of Entry (if imported), old RC and more. Here is a detailed view:

What is the Procedure for Vintage Car Registration in India?

For a successful vintage or antique car registration in India, you can either visit the online Parivahan portal or visit your nearest RTO and follow the steps below:

Step  1: Visit your local RTO or the Parivahan portal, obtain Form 20 and duly fill it up with the vehicle’s and the owner’s details.

Step 2: Upload or submit the copies of the required documents.

Step 3: At the RTO, a representative may inspect your car for its originality and authenticity.

Step 4: Your regional transport office will then verify the form, the documents you submitted and the inspection report.

Step 5: Once approved, they will register it as a vintage car and provide you with a certificate as per the Form 23A.

Step 6: You will receive a unique number plate for your vintage car upon its registration. Typically, the process takes about 60 days after your initial registration application.

Also Read: How to Apply for a Vehicle Registration Certificate?

What are the Charges Needed to Register a Vintage Car in India?

As of now, you must know the process for vintage car registration in India is simple, but it is also important to consider the cost involved. The initial registration comes with a one-time fee of ₹20,000 and is typically valid for up to 10 years.

However, you may need to renew this registration every 5 years, and the cost for this is ₹5,000. In case you lose or damage your registration certificate and apply for a duplicate RC, you must pay a fee of ₹5,00 to your local RTO.

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A Few Benefits and Challenges in Vintage Car Registration in India

Although the application and registration seem straightforward, you must be aware of some of its benefits and drawbacks to stay informed:

Benefits of Vintage Car Registration in India

Having your vintage car registered in India adds a layer of legal protection from it being scrapped as per the end-of-life policies. Also, a few state governments across India may exempt it from road tax payments and contribute to your savings. Furthermore, certified and registered vehicles attract higher resale value, especially among collectors.

A Few Challenges of Vintage Car Registration

As a vintage vehicle is quite old, you may face difficulties obtaining its original documents necessary for registration. Also, it has a high initial registration cost, and its renewal charges every 5 years keep adding up to your expenses.

How Do the Vintage Car Number Plates Look in India?

Suppose you have imported or purchased a vehicle, i.e., more than 50 years old, and it turns out to be eligible for a vintage car registration in India. Upon verification and approval, as you receive the number plate for it, the same is different in format from a new car’s number plate.

To have an idea, you must note that it looks like ‘XY VA YZ ****’. Here, the ‘XY’ is the state code and the ‘VA’ represents that it is a vintage car. The ‘YZ’ is the two -letter series and the ‘****’ is a four-digit number which usually ranges between 0001 and 9999.

Suppose you are registering your car in Chennai with the number 3554. The respective number plate for your car will look like CH VA AG 3554. Such a format differentiates a vintage car from a regular car registered in India.

Also Read: Types of Number Plates in India: A Complete Guide

Final Word

The process of vintage car registration in India is straightforward. However, one crucial aspect often overlooked is keeping all the original documents of the vehicle intact, which requires obtaining them from the previous owner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a vintage car without its old RC?

Yes, you may be able to register it without its old RC by providing its original manufacturer certificates, affidavits, its old photographs, etc.

What if I modify a vintage car?

You must note that any major modification may disqualify the vintage car registration in India. However, your RTO may allow modification for cosmetic restorations.

Does my vintage car require a Pollution Under Certificate (PUC)?

Based on your state-specific rules or RTO regulations, a vintage car registration may require a PUC.

What to do if I want to sell my vintage car?

Both you and the buyer of your car must inform the respective state transport authorities 90 days prior to this sale. This early intimation helps the RTO to transfer the ownership.

What do I do if my vintage car registration is denied?

You may appeal to the State Registering Authority (SRA) and understand the issues that led to a rejection. Rectify those issues and reapply with proper documentation.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

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