Wednesday, July 30, 2025

How Foreign Diplomats Can Register Vehicles in India (2025 CD Plate Guide

Vehicle Registration for Foreign Diplomats or Embassy Staff in India (2025)

In India, foreign diplomats and embassy staff who wish to use personal or official vehicles must follow a special vehicle registration process. These rules differ significantly from general vehicle registration due to diplomatic privileges, international protocols, and the involvement of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). In this post, we’ll explain the complete process, required documents, benefits, restrictions, and special provisions applicable to diplomatic vehicle registration in India as of 2025.

Who Qualifies for Diplomatic Vehicle Registration?

Not every foreign national is eligible for diplomatic vehicle registration. This category applies strictly to:

Foreign embassy staff officially posted in India
Consulate officers and their administrative teams
High commission members
United Nations personnel or intergovernmental bodies recognized by India

Special Number Plates for Diplomats

Vehicles registered under diplomatic privileges are allotted unique number plates that clearly indicate their status:

🔷 CD (Corps Diplomatique)

These are issued to ambassadors and high-ranking embassy officials. Example: CD 12 345

🔷 CC (Consular Corps)

These are meant for staff working under consulates or lower-ranking diplomats. Example: CC 34 678

Documents Required for Registration

Diplomats must submit the following documents through their respective missions to the RTO via MEA:

Letter of Authorization from MEA
Copy of Diplomatic Passport and Visa
Form 20: Application for Registration
Form 21: Sales Certificate from Dealer
Form 22: Roadworthiness Certificate from Manufacturer
Proof of Embassy/Consulate Address
Customs Clearance Certificate (if imported)
Insurance Policy Document
Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

📎 Additional Requirements for Used Vehicles

If the diplomat is registering a second-hand vehicle in India, an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the previous owner and an inspection clearance from MEA are mandatory.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

The embassy initiates a request with MEA for vehicle registration.
MEA verifies credentials and issues authorization letter.
RTO registers the vehicle under CD/CC series and issues a special registration certificate.
Number plate is printed with black text on white background bearing CD/CC code.

📌 Important Note:

Diplomatic vehicles are registered only in designated RTOs (typically in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata) and require clearance from MEA before number plate issuance.

Benefits of CD/CC Registration

Exemption from road tax and registration charges
Exemption from toll tax (in most states)
Exemption from green tax and congestion charges
Free access to restricted zones in Lutyens Delhi and cantonment areas

Rules for Sale or Transfer of Diplomatic Vehicles

🔁 Transfer Within Diplomatic Circles

A CD vehicle can be transferred to another diplomat with MEA’s written approval. Ownership must be updated in RTO records.

🔃 Sale to Indian Citizens

CD/CC vehicles cannot be sold to the general public without de-registration. The process involves:

Getting clearance from MEA
Removing diplomatic number plate
Re-registering the vehicle with regular Indian number at local RTO

🧳 When a Diplomat Leaves India

The vehicle may be exported back to their home country
Or handed over to MEA for auction or disposal under Indian registration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Indian citizens apply for CD or CC registration?

No. Only foreign diplomats and officially posted staff are eligible for CD or CC vehicle registration in India.

Is insurance compulsory for diplomatic vehicles?

Yes, although some embassies provide self-insurance, Indian law still requires proof of coverage.

Can a diplomatic vehicle be driven outside Delhi?

Yes, but only if the diplomat is posted in another city and has clearance from MEA and local RTO.

Can these vehicles be seized by police?

Only in extreme cases and with MEA involvement. Diplomatic immunity generally protects them from standard traffic actions.

Conclusion

Vehicle registration for foreign diplomats in India is a highly specialized process involving coordination between RTOs and the Ministry of External Affairs. Due to diplomatic immunity, CD/CC vehicles enjoy special privileges, but their use is strictly monitored. Proper documentation, MEA clearance, and adherence to rules are essential to avoid legal or diplomatic issues.

If you're working with a diplomatic mission and need help with vehicle registration, you can also consult a trusted RTO agent to streamline the process while staying compliant with 2025 guidelines.

🚘 RTO INDIA HELP