✅ How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership Online After Seller’s Death (India 2025 Guide)
🛑 Why Ownership Transfer is Crucial After the Owner’s Death
When a vehicle owner dies, the RC still legally belongs to them. Driving or selling that vehicle without proper ownership transfer is illegal and may lead to:
- Insurance rejection during claims
- Legal issues during sale or RTO checks
- Possible seizure in accidental or criminal cases
📖 Real Story – Sunil’s Struggle in Lucknow
Sunil’s father passed away in 2023, leaving behind a Maruti Swift. Sunil used the car occasionally but didn't initiate ownership transfer. In 2024, a minor road accident triggered insurance denial because the RC still listed his late father. Sunil had to file an affidavit, police verification, and reapply — a long 3-month delay.
Lesson: Always update vehicle ownership if the original owner passes away.
📄 Documents Required for Ownership Transfer After Death
- Death Certificate of the owner (attested copy)
- Succession Certificate / Affidavit from successor
- Form 30 (Application for transfer of ownership)
- Form 31 (Application by successor/legal heir)
- PAN/Aadhaar of new owner
- RC of vehicle
- Valid insurance
- PUC certificate
- Passport size photos
- NOC from financer (if hypothecated)
- Self-attested address proof
🖥️ Online Process for Ownership Transfer via Parivahan
- Visit: https://parivahan.gov.in
- Click on “Vehicle Related Services” → Select State → Enter Vehicle Number
- Choose “Transfer of Ownership”
- Select “Transfer due to Death of Registered Owner”
- Upload documents: RC, Death Certificate, Succession Proof, etc.
- Pay the fee (₹150–₹500 depending on RTO)
- Submit application and book an appointment if required
🏢 Offline Process at Local RTO
- Visit RTO with all original documents
- Fill and submit Form 30 & Form 31
- Submit death certificate and legal heir proof
- Pay fee at RTO counter
- Collect acknowledgment and wait for updated RC
🕒 Processing Time
- Online: 7–10 working days
- Offline: 10–15 working days
- May require physical verification depending on RTO
⚠️ Important Rules and Tips
- If multiple heirs exist, NOC from all may be required
- Insurance must be updated to match new RC holder
- Vehicle cannot be sold until transfer is completed
📌 Conclusion
Transferring vehicle ownership after the original owner's death is a legal necessity. As seen in Sunil’s story, ignoring this step can create insurance and legal troubles. Follow this 2025 RTO guide to update your RC correctly and avoid unnecessary risks.
Labels: Vehicle Ownership Transfer, RC Transfer After Death, RTO India Help, Parivahan Guide, Legal Heir Process, Death Certificate RTO
