🚗 15-Year Old Car or Bike Re-Registration Process in India (2025 RTO Guide)

According to Indian RTO rules, all private vehicles (cars, bikes) must be re-registered after 15 years from the date of first registration. This post explains how to renew the RC (Registration Certificate), pay green tax, complete fitness test, and continue using your vehicle legally in 2025.

📅 Why 15-Year Re-Registration is Mandatory?

Under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), a private vehicle’s registration is valid for 15 years. After this, the vehicle must pass a fitness test and be re-registered to continue operating on public roads.

📝 Documents Required for Re-Registration

• Original RC (Registration Certificate)
• PUC Certificate (Pollution Under Control)
• Insurance Certificate
• Owner’s Aadhaar Card or Valid ID
• Address Proof
• Vehicle Chassis Imprint (optional in some RTOs)
• Re-Registration Application Form (Form 25)

💰 Re-Registration Charges (Approximate)

• RC Renewal Fee: ₹600 – ₹1500
• Green Tax: ₹2000 – ₹5000 (varies by state & fuel type)
• Fitness Test Fee: ₹400 – ₹1000
• Late Fine (if expired RC): ₹100 – ₹500/month (state-wise)

🏢 Where to Apply for Re-Registration?

You can visit your local RTO office with documents or apply online using the Parivahan Portal (if your state supports online services).

🔗 Online Method (via Parivahan):

1. Visit https://parivahan.gov.in
2. Click on “Vehicle Related Services”
3. Select your state and RTO
4. Choose “RC Renewal” or “Fitness Certificate”
5. Fill in vehicle details and upload documents
6. Pay fees online and book appointment for fitness test

🔧 Fitness Test Process (Vehicle Inspection)

The RTO checks the vehicle’s:

• Brakes and Lights
• Emission levels
• Tyres, horn, and mirrors
• Chassis number match
• Overall vehicle condition

If the vehicle passes, a fitness certificate is issued. If not, you must get it repaired and re-test.

🌱 What is Green Tax?

Green Tax is charged to discourage pollution from old vehicles. It is mandatory during RC renewal of 15+ year old vehicles and is charged based on fuel type and state policy.

Green Tax Estimate (2025):

• Petrol Car: ₹3000 – ₹5000
• Diesel Car: ₹5000 – ₹8000
• Two-wheeler: ₹1000 – ₹2000

📌 Validity After Re-Registration

• Fitness Certificate Validity: 5 years
• New RC Validity: 5 years (renewable up to 20 years total for private vehicles)

🔄 Internal Linking Suggestions

• Green Tax in India (2025 Guide)
• Vehicle Scrappage Policy (2025)

❓ FAQs

Q1. Can I renew a 20-year-old car?

In most cases, only up to 20 years is allowed for private cars. Beyond that, RTO may recommend scrapping.

Q2. Is NOC needed for re-registration?

Only if you're re-registering in another state. For the same RTO, no NOC is required.

Q3. Can I use my car without re-registering after 15 years?

No. Driving an expired RC vehicle is illegal and can attract fines, seizure, or cancellation.

✅ Conclusion

To continue using your 15-year-old car or bike, re-registration is compulsory in 2025. Submit your documents, complete the fitness test, pay the green tax and get a renewed RC to avoid fines and penalties.

💡 For more such RTO-related help, visit RTO India Help Blog