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 a vehicle in India for most people is the cost of the import tax, which can easily match or exceed the value of the vehicle itself.

Applying For Registration

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 your vehicle 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 of time it is valid for).

Requirements Documents For Registration

In order to register your vehicle, 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 of vehicle and that registration being applied for. For complete information, we suggest readers visiting the resources at the bottom of this page.

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

Challenges When Registering A Vehicle In India

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 shipping a car to India 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 that will allow you to use their address for the purpose of registering the vehicle. 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 moving process in India. 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!

India Vehicle Registration Resources

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

Regional Transport Offices - Locations of Regional Transport Offices in India. You will need to visit one of these office locations to register your vehicle with appropriate authority.