Patna: Buyers and sellers of second-hand vehicles can now complete the ownership transfer process online without taking the vehicle to the District Transport Office (DTO), providing relief to people who previously had to visit transport offices for the procedure.
According to the information provided by the transport authorities, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has moved the vehicle transfer process to an online and centralised system. The process can be completed through the official transport portal using Aadhaar-based OTP verification.
Buyer and Seller to Be Verified Through Aadhaar OTP
Under the new system, the seller will first initiate the ownership transfer application through the portal.
An OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked with the seller’s Aadhaar for verification. The buyer will subsequently undergo Aadhaar OTP verification as well.
The vehicle transfer process will move forward only after digital consent from both the buyer and seller. Once the required process is completed, the new Registration Certificate (RC), or owner book, will be sent to the buyer’s registered address by post.
Sellers Advised Not to Hand Over Vehicle Before Transfer
Transport officials have advised vehicle sellers not to hand over the vehicle to the buyer before completing the ownership transfer process on the portal.
Simply recording the sale on stamp paper does not by itself end the seller’s legal responsibility for the vehicle.
If an accident or criminal incident occurs before the ownership transfer is officially completed, the previous owner could potentially face legal complications. Sellers have therefore been advised to ensure that the official transfer process is completed.
Buyers Should Check Challans and Tax Dues
Buyers should also verify the vehicle’s outstanding challans, road tax and other relevant dues before completing the purchase.
Checking these details in advance can help buyers avoid taking ownership of a vehicle with unresolved liabilities or pending transport-related issues.
Documents Required for Online Transfer
Applicants will need to scan and upload the required documents on the transport portal. These may include:
- Original vehicle RC/owner book
- Valid insurance and pollution certificate
- Photographs of the buyer and seller
- Aadhaar cards of both parties
- Mobile numbers linked with Aadhaar
- Photograph of the vehicle
- Clear photographs of the engine and chassis numbers
- Chassis imprint taken as required on the relevant form
- Signed Forms 29 and 30
- Self-affidavits from the buyer and seller
Applicants should ensure that the documents and photographs uploaded to the portal are clear and valid.
Additional Documents Required in Special Cases
Certain vehicle transfers will require additional documentation depending on the circumstances.
If the vehicle is financed: The applicant will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank or financial institution along with Form 35.
If the vehicle is being transferred from another state: An NOC and Form 28 from the concerned RTO may be required.
If the registered owner has died: The applicant will need documents such as the death certificate, legal-heir document and Form 31.
If the vehicle is more than 15 years old: Where the registration has expired, the existing owner will have to complete the required re-registration process before the transfer.
Digital System Aims to Make Transfer More Convenient
The new online system is intended to make vehicle ownership transfers more convenient and transparent by reducing the need for physical visits to transport offices.
With Aadhaar-based digital verification and online submission of documents, buyers and sellers can complete the process remotely, while the updated RC can be delivered to the buyer after the transfer is approved.
Vehicle owners are advised to follow the applicable requirements on the official transport portal and ensure that the ownership transfer is formally completed after every second-hand vehicle sale.
