What Is the RC Book?

RC stands for Registration Certificate. This certificate (sometimes called RC book) is issued by the RTO (Regional Transport Office) when your vehicle is registered. It includes key details like your name, your vehicle’s registration number, engine and chassis numbers, fuel type, and more.
These days, RCs often come as smartcards (with RFID), not just paper booklets.

Why Do You Need It?

Here are a few reasons your RC book matters:

• Proof of ownership — It is legally your document.
• For insurance or claims — Insurers ask for RC.
• When selling or transferring — You need it to change ownership.
• For police checks — Carry physical or digital RC (via DigiLocker or mParivahan) while driving.

Validity & Renewal

Good news: for private vehicles, your RC stays valid for 15 years from registration.
After that, you can renew it for 5 more years, but the vehicle may need an inspection.

What If You Lose It? (Duplicate RC)

Here’s a quick, simple way to get a duplicate RC:

1. File a police FIR for your lost RC.
2. Visit Parivahan Sewa (or your state RTO) and apply with Form 26.
3. Attach required docs: FIR copy, insurance certificate, PUC, ID/address proof, and NOC (if vehicle is under loan).
4. Pay the fee, submit the application, and wait — the duplicate should come in some days/weeks.

Example:
Suppose Rina lost her two-wheeler’s RC smartcard in a move. She went to the RTO, filed FIR, submitted Form 26 + proof, and got a duplicate RC in about a week. Now she keeps a digital copy on DigiLocker too.