India Vehicle Registration Process

How To Register A Vehicle In India: Process & Procedures

If you plan on shipping a vehicle to India and having it registered locally, there are some important facts and information you’ll want to be prepared with first. For example, one of the biggest hurdles to registering for most people is the cost of the import tax, which can easily match or exceed the value of the auto itself.

Applying

Once your vehicle has been imported into the country, you will need to apply for temporary registration even if you plan on getting permanent registration. This is so that it will have valid registration as you go through the process of applying for permanent status. Permanent registration must be applied for within seven days of acquiring your temporary permit (which is the period it is valid for).

Requirements Documents

To register, for either temporary or permanent status, you will need to produce the following documents:

• Application form
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of residence & ID
• Pollution certificate
• Roadworthiness test certificate
• Customs paperwork
• Registration fee
• Road tax

There may be additional requirements beyond what’s listed above, depending on the type and the registration being applied for. For complete information, we suggest readers visit the resources at the bottom of this page.

For more information about moving, what’s involved, and how to best go about it, visit our international page here! If you have any questions not addressed there, we’re happy to answer them over the phone or via email!

Challenges

As with most foreign countries, there are a number of hoops you’ll have to patiently jump through to get an imported vehicle registered. One of the primary issues for U.S. residents moving is that proof of residence is required, and it must be presented within a short window (seven days).

If you don’t have a residence arranged beforehand, this can be a challenge, both in terms of time and logistics. One way around this is if you know someone local who will allow you to use their address to register it. They will have to confirm that you are staying with them and indicate how long you will be staying there.

If you’re coming from the U.S., It is worth considering that bureaucracy can be a much slower process. Getting a vehicle registered can sometimes take several weeks, even if you have everything in order and contact the appropriate offices. Depending on who you ask, you may get different answers to your questions, which can be frustrating. Try to remember to remain patient and stay the course and you’ll get there!

Resources

Required Documents - A thorough breakdown of the documents you’ll need to register. Other topics covered include the necessary forms you’ll need, how to re-register an auto, and transfer ownership.

Regional Transport Offices - Locations of Regional Offices there. You will need to visit one of these office locations to register it with the appropriate authority.