When you shift from one city to another, you must be prepared to make a lot of changes. Some changes are those in your daily routine, while others are in your legal documents. Change in address and change in vehicle registration information are some mandatory legal changes that you will have to make.

To explain the process in a few simple words, if you move to a new city and wish to take your car with you, then the law requires you to get your car registration done under that city's Regional Transport Office (RTO). Given below is the step-by-step procedure for the same:

No-Objection Certificate (NOC)

The first step for car transfer is obtaining a NOC from the local RTO. For instance, if you are moving from Delhi to Mumbai, and the car was registered in Delhi, then you must request a NOC from the Delhi RTO. Sometimes, the RTO authorities may also ask for a NOC from the police or the traffic police as proof that there are no dues pending from traffic violations.

NOC if the vehicle is on loan

The first step for car transfer is obtaining a NOC from the local RTO. For instance, if you are moving from Delhi to Mumbai, and the car was registered in Delhi, then you must request a NOC from the Delhi RTO. Sometimes, the RTO authorities may also ask for a NOC from the police or the traffic police as proof that there are no dues pending from traffic violations.

After acquiring the NOC, you need to submit that along with Form 27 and 28 to the local RTO (under which the vehicle was originally registered). You may be asked to submit the Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle, insurance documents, Pollution Under Control (PUC) check, chassis imprint of the vehicle and the application requesting NOC submitted to the bank.

One important thing to remember is that the NOC has an expiry date. The car transfer/vehicle transfer process should get completed before the NOC expires. Beyond the expiry date, you will have to apply again for a more recent NOC.

Transportation of the vehicle

After obtaining the NOC, you can arrange for car transfer/vehicle transfer through a carrier or train. You can also self-drive your vehicle if that suits you.

Re-Registration of the vehicle

The next step is to apply for vehicle re-registration to the RTO of the city you have shifted to. Your vehicle registration information will change. For instance, if your former car was registered under the Delhi RTO but you have shifted to Mumbai, your DL number will change to an MH number to allow you to use the vehicle in that state.

For reregistration, you will have to submit:

• Form 29 and 30 for reregistration of the vehicle
• Original RC
• Copy of insurance certificate
• Copy of NOC received from the original/former RTO
• PUC certificate
• Chassis imprint
• Local address proof and ID proof
• Other charges like road tax

The rates of road tax vary from state to state. If the state you have shifted to has a lesser road tax rate, then you are eligible for tax refunds. To apply for these refunds, submit an application to the RTO requesting refunds along with RTO Form 16, a copy of the RC with new registration number, a copy of the RC with former registration number, identity proof, and insurance policy document with the new vehicle registration number.

Temporary car transfer

Vehicle reregistration is not required if you are moving only temporarily to a different state. Generally, most states (including Mumbai) let people use their vehicles without vehicle transfer for up to one year.

NOC Cancellation

In case you change your plan or decide against taking your vehicle with you, you must get the NOC cancelled. Apply for a Non-Utilisation Certificate (NUC) from the RTO where the vehicle was supposed to be reregistered. The NUC declares that the NOC was not utilised and that the vehicle has not been registered with that RTO.

However, there is no uniform process that functions across the country. You may have to find out from the respective state's RTO.