Want to Change Your Car or Bike Colour? Here's How to Do It Legally (2025 Guide)

🎨 Want to Change Your Car or Bike Colour? Here's How to Do It Legally (2025 Guide)

Thinking of giving your bike or car a fresh look? Maybe a matte black finish or a bright red makeover? Sounds exciting, but wait — changing the colour of your vehicle requires RTO approval in India. Here's the complete guide for 2025!

⚠️ Why RTO Permission is Required?

Your car or bike’s original colour is registered with the RTO and printed on your RC (Registration Certificate). Any colour change without updating this officially is illegal and can result in fines or vehicle seizure.

📋 Documents Required to Change Vehicle Colour

• RC Book / Smart Card
• Vehicle Insurance Copy
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
• Owner ID Proof (Aadhaar, DL, Passport)
• Written Application to RTO requesting colour change
• Photographs of new colour after painting
• Invoice or bill from the workshop (optional)

🛠️ Step-by-Step Process for Colour Change Approval

1. Write a formal application to your local RTO requesting approval for repainting your vehicle.
2. Visit the RTO with the vehicle, documents, and application.
3. The RTO officer will inspect the vehicle and note down the new colour.
4. Pay the applicable fees (usually ₹500–₹1000 depending on state).
5. RTO will update the colour on your RC, and you’ll get a new smart card.

⛔ What Happens If You Don’t Inform the RTO?

• Fine up to ₹5,000 under Motor Vehicle Act
• Vehicle can be detained during a check
• Insurance claims may be rejected due to mismatch in RC
• Resale value may go down due to improper documentation

🧑‍🔧 Real Case: Sahil’s Matte Black Thar Got Fined ₹10,000

Sahil Sharma from Delhi modified his Mahindra Thar to a matte black colour without RTO approval. During a highway check in Haryana, the vehicle was detained and he had to pay a ₹10,000 fine for “unauthorized modification”. He later applied for legal colour update and received approval within a week.

💡 Tips Before Changing Colour

• Choose RTO-friendly colours (no army green or government vehicle shades)
• Avoid flashy or police-like colour schemes
• Keep both “before” and “after” photos of the vehicle
• Update your insurance company with the new RC copy

📝 Fee for Colour Change Update

Varies by state: Usually ₹500 to ₹1000. Additional charges for smart card re-issue or inspection may apply.

🔗 Useful Links

• Parivahan Portal – Official RTO Services
• Vahan Portal – Vehicle RC Status

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🌟 Final Words

A car or bike makeover looks amazing — but don't forget the legal side! Always inform the RTO, get the colour updated in your RC, and enjoy driving without stress.

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