How to Transfer an Ola/Uber Taxi (Tourist Vehicle) in Maharashtra – 2025 Guide

Owning a taxi for Ola or Uber in Maharashtra is a good way to earn steady income, but at some point you may want to transfer the vehicle to a family member or another operator. The process for transferring a tourist taxi is not the same as selling a private car. It involves rules about permits, commercial licences, and fitness certificates. This detailed guide explains how to complete a transfer legally and safely so the cab can continue to run on ride-hailing platforms without interruption.

Understanding the Rules for Tourist Taxis

A tourist taxi (often called a contract carriage) is a commercial vehicle. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) issues its registration certificate (RC) along with a taxi permit and fitness approval. Because of this, the RTO does not allow a direct transfer to any person who is not authorised to hold a commercial permit.

Who Can Legally Receive the Transfer

• An individual who holds a valid transport driving licence with badge.
• A proprietor of a registered transport business such as “ABC Tours & Travels”.
• A partnership firm or company that has authority to operate commercial vehicles.

If the buyer is only a private individual without badge or proprietorship proof, the RTO may record the RC in their name, but the taxi permit will be cancelled. The vehicle would then shift to the private category and cannot be attached to Ola or Uber until a new permit is issued.

Pre-Transfer Checklist

Before starting paperwork, make sure all requirements are ready. Missing even one item can delay approval.

Vehicle Documents

• Original Registration Certificate (RC smart card).
• Valid Tourist Taxi Permit issued by the RTO.
• Current Fitness Certificate (Form 38).
• Valid Commercial Insurance policy.
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
• Road tax paid up to date.

Seller’s Documents

• Government-issued photo ID and address proof.
• PAN card.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from bank if the vehicle is hypothecated.

Buyer’s Documents

• ID proof and address proof.
• PAN card.
• Valid commercial driving licence with badge or proprietorship registration (Shop Act licence, GST or notarised declaration).

Mandatory Forms

• Form 29 – Notice of Transfer of Ownership.
• Form 30 – Application for Transfer of Ownership.
• Permit transfer request letter on plain paper.

Step-by-Step Transfer Procedure

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Confirm that the buyer meets at least one of these:

• Holds a valid transport licence with badge for the appropriate vehicle category.
• Is a proprietor of a registered transport agency or firm.

Without eligibility, the RC can transfer but the permit will lapse. The cab will need a white-plate conversion or a fresh permit later.

Step 2: Prepare and Organise Documents

Keep originals and self-attested photocopies of all documents. Arrange them in order: seller’s papers first, then buyer’s, then forms. Attach a passport-size photo of both parties to the application.

Step 3: Submit at the Appropriate RTO

Visit the RTO where the vehicle is registered. Submit the following:

• Form 29 and Form 30 signed by seller and buyer.
• Permit transfer request letter.
• RC, insurance, PUC, fitness, road-tax receipt.
• Identity proofs, PAN cards, and eligibility proof.

Pay ownership transfer fee, smart card charge, and permit transfer fee. If the fitness is due, pay renewal charges.

Step 4: Verification and Endorsement

The RTO clerk will check papers and record the request. A Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) may verify the vehicle’s condition or fitness. After approval, the RC is updated with the new owner’s name and the permit is endorsed if the buyer is eligible.

Step 5: Collect Updated RC & Permit

Within a few working days, you will receive the new smart card RC. The tourist permit will also reflect the buyer’s name or firm details. Keep copies safely for insurance and Ola/Uber attachment records.

Fees and Charges in Maharashtra

• Ownership transfer fee: approx ₹500–₹700 (varies by RTO).
• Smart card fee: ₹200–₹300.
• Permit transfer fee: about ₹500.
• Fitness endorsement (if required): ₹600–₹800.
• Hypothecation removal (if applicable): ₹100–₹200.

Fees may differ slightly between Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and other RTOs. Always check the latest schedule before payment.

What Happens if Eligibility Is Missing

When the buyer lacks badge or proprietorship proof, the RTO treats the vehicle as a private car after transfer. The taxi permit is cancelled, and the number plate colour must change from yellow-black to white. If later the buyer wants to run it as a taxi, they must:

• Apply for a fresh tourist permit.
• Get fitness tested again.
• Pay commercial road tax and insurance premium.

Real Case Study: Transfer to a Mother in Pune

Mr. Suresh from Pune owned a Swift Dzire attached with Ola. He wanted to transfer the cab to his mother’s name. She did not hold a badge or business registration. The RTO explained that the RC could be changed but the permit would lapse. To keep the vehicle on Ola, she registered a sole proprietorship, obtained a badge licence, and submitted those papers. Only then was the permit endorsed in her favour, and the car continued earning without a break.

Tips for a Smooth Transfer

• Ensure all road taxes are cleared before applying.
• Renew fitness if its validity is about to expire.
• Take bank NOC early if the vehicle is under loan.
• Retain stamped copies of forms and fee receipts for future reference.
• If you plan to change the state or RTO jurisdiction, first obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

After Transfer: Updating Ola or Uber Records

Once the RC and permit are issued in the new owner’s name, update details in the Ola/Uber driver app. Upload scanned RC, insurance, permit, and badge licence so the platform recognises the new operator. This avoids trip cancellations and keeps your acceptance rate safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a taxi to a family member without badge?

You can transfer ownership but the tourist permit will be cancelled. To keep the permit, the buyer must hold badge or run a registered transport firm.

How long does the process take?

Usually 7–15 working days after submitting complete papers, depending on RTO workload.

Do I need to pay road tax again?

No, as long as the tax is already paid up to date. Outstanding tax must be cleared before transfer.

Can I attach the cab to a different aggregator after transfer?

Yes. Once RC and permit are endorsed, you may upload them to Ola, Uber, or any other authorised platform.

Conclusion

Transferring an Ola or Uber taxi in Maharashtra is straightforward when the buyer meets commercial permit eligibility. Prepare documents carefully, verify road tax and fitness, and submit all forms at the correct RTO. If the buyer is a family member, registering them as a proprietor or ensuring they hold a transport badge is the simplest way to protect the permit. With proper planning, you can change ownership without losing business opportunities on ride-hailing platforms.

For related RTO topics, check our article on How to Apply for a Learning Licence Online in India.