Military Vehicle Registration in India (2025 Guide)

The registration process for military vehicles in India is different from regular civilian vehicles. Defence vehicles are often exempt from certain taxes and follow a unique registration format. In this guide, we will explore how military vehicles are registered in India, including rules for army officers owning private vehicles, number plates, exemptions, and more.

🔰 Military Vehicle Registration Process in India

Military vehicles are registered directly under the Ministry of Defence and not through the standard Regional Transport Office (RTO). These vehicles have special numbers like “BA” (Bharat Army) to indicate that they are owned by a defence unit.

🪖 Key Features:

• Registered by Military Engineering Services (MES) or Defence Logistics Wing
• No involvement of state RTOs for official defence vehicles
• Use of coded number plates (e.g., BA 123456A)
• Exempt from road tax and HSRP requirements

📄 Documents Required for Military Vehicle Registration

• Purchase order or invoice from authorized supplier
• Approval from Ministry of Defence
• Vehicle inspection report (internal defence check)
• Form 20 (Registration Form)
• Engine and Chassis Number Report

🚗 What If Army Officers Register Private Vehicles?

Army personnel who buy personal vehicles (like cars or bikes) must follow standard RTO rules. However, some states offer road tax exemption if the officer is serving and posted within the state.

Required Documents for Private Vehicle Registration:

• Form 20, 21, 22 (standard RTO forms)
• PUC certificate
• Insurance copy
• Army ID card (for exemptions)
• Posting certificate (optional for exemption)

👉 Also read: How to Transfer a Vehicle to a Navy Officer in India

🏷️ Number Plate Format for Defence Vehicles

Military vehicles do not use state RTO number plates. Instead, they use a unique series like:

• BA - Bharat Army
• AF - Air Force
• INDG - Indian Defence General

Example: BA 145678A

These plates are painted directly on the vehicle body in white or yellow paint depending on the vehicle’s classification.

🔄 Transfer of Private Vehicle for Defence Officers

Army officers posted to another state can transfer their private vehicle without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by showing their transfer posting letter. Most RTOs accept Defence Transfer Orders in place of NOC.

👉 Learn about Imported Motorcycle Registration Rules

📌 Real Case Study

Case: Captain Rajesh Singh bought a new Maruti Brezza in Lucknow but was posted to Leh within 4 months. Instead of applying for NOC, he submitted a copy of his army posting letter and vehicle documents at the Leh RTO. The vehicle was successfully re-registered using Defence Transfer Rules.

📢 This rule only applies if the name and address are unchanged and the vehicle is not under hypothecation.

🧾 HSRP for Army Vehicles – Is it Required?

Official military vehicles are exempted from installing High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP). However, private vehicles owned by military officers must install HSRP as per state laws.

👉 Read: HSRP Rules for Army-Owned Vehicles (If available)

📎 Related Posts

• Transfer Vehicle to Navy Officer: Documents & Process
• Imported Motorcycle Registration Rules in India (2025)
• Apply for Learning Licence Online (2025 Guide)

✅ Conclusion

Military vehicle registration in India follows a separate process governed by the Ministry of Defence. While defence units register vehicles centrally, private vehicles owned by army personnel go through RTO channels with a few added benefits. Understanding these rules can help defence officers and their families avoid unnecessary paperwork and delays.

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Published by RTO India Help — India's trusted blog for all transport-related solutions.