How to Get an NOC and Transfer Your Vehicle Across Indian States: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

How to Get an NOC and Transfer Your Vehicle Across Indian States: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

LegalKart Editor
LegalKart Editor
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Last Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Are you planning to move your car or bike to a different state in India? Whether it’s for work, education, or personal reasons, shifting a vehicle across state borders involves legal formalities. One of the most crucial steps is obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current RTO (Regional Transport Office).

Also Read: Debunking Driving License Myths: Your Guide to a Hassle-Free Application

Why You Need an NOC for Interstate Vehicle Transfer

When a vehicle moves from one state to another, it needs to comply with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Section 47 of the Act requires vehicles staying in another state for more than 12 months to be re-registered in the new state.

But to re-register, your current RTO must certify that:

  1. There are no pending traffic fines or taxes.

  2. The vehicle is not under any police investigation or loan hypothecation.

  3. It is fit for transfer.

This certification is called the No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Also Read: FTA HSRP: Complete Guide to Online Registration, Process, Fees, and Status

Why is NOC essential?

  • Legal Requirement: Without NOC, the new state RTO cannot issue a fresh registration number.

  • Road Tax Refund: If you paid a one-time road tax in the old state, you can claim a refund after getting NOC.

  • Avoid Penalties: Vehicles without NOC may be seized or fined during interstate movement.

Fact: According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), over 1.2 million vehicles are transferred between states annually in India, and failure to get NOC is a common cause for RTO disputes.

Also Read: RC Transfers: Essential Insights You Might Be Missing

What Is an NOC?

A No Objection Certificate is a legal document issued by your vehicle’s current RTO, allowing you to register your vehicle in another state.

It confirms:

  1. There are no criminal or financial liabilities attached to your vehicle.

  2. The owner has cleared all dues and taxes.

Validity: The NOC is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You must complete the transfer process within this period, or else apply for a fresh NOC.

Rule Source: Parivahan.gov.in

Also Read: How To Check Delhi E-Challan Status & Make Payment Online

Documents Required for NOC Application

Here’s what you’ll need as per official RTO guidelines:

Essential Documents

  1. Form 28 (Application for NOC)

    • This is the official application form for NOC. You need to submit three copies of Form 28.

  2. Owner’s ID Proof

    • Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence as proof of identity and address.

  3. Original RC (Registration Certificate)

    • Your vehicle’s RC Book/Card is mandatory for ownership verification.

  4. Valid Insurance Certificate

    • A copy of your motor insurance policy to show that your vehicle is insured.

  5. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

    • Proof that your vehicle meets environmental emission standards.

  6. Chassis & Engine Pencil Print

    • RTO requires an impression of your vehicle’s chassis and engine numbers for verification.

  7. Road Tax Payment Receipt

    • Proof that you’ve paid the road tax in the current state.

  8. Bank NOC (if vehicle under loan)

    • If your vehicle was financed, you must get a clearance certificate from the bank or financier.

Also Read: Easy Traffic Challan Payment Guide - Legalkart

Additional Documents (if applicable)

  • For Commercial Vehicles:

    1. Permit surrender slip

    2. Fitness Certificate

    3. Proof of no pending challans

  • For Vehicles with Hypothecation:

    • Form 35 (Hypothecation termination certificate)

Also Read: Pay Traffic Challan Online Step-by-Step Guide Legalkart

Why Keep These Ready?

If even one document is missing, your application for NOC might get delayed or rejected. This is especially critical in Delhi NCR, where vehicles older than 10 or 15 years face fuel bans and time is of the essence.

Note: Many people forget to collect the Bank NOC, which causes unnecessary delays in the process. Always check with your bank first if your car was financed.

How to Apply for NOC: Online & Offline

Applying for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is the first step to legally transfer your vehicle to another state. Depending on your convenience and the facilities available at your RTO, you can choose either the offline process or the online process.

1. Offline Process (Traditional Method at RTO)

If your RTO doesn’t support online NOC applications or you prefer handling the process in person:

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Visit Your Current RTO: Go to the Regional Transport Office where your vehicle is registered.

  2. Collect & Fill Form 28: This is the official application form for NOC. You’ll need to fill it in triplicate.

  3. Submit Required Documents:

    1. Original RC (Registration Certificate)

    2. Valid insurance certificate

    3. Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

    4. Road tax payment proof

    5. Owner’s ID & address proof

    6. Pencil print of chassis & engine numbers

    7. Bank NOC (if vehicle was under loan)

  4. Pay the Applicable Fee: The NOC fee varies between ₹100 to ₹500, depending on the vehicle and state.

  5. Police Clearance: For theft clearance, the RTO may seek a verification report from the local police station.

  6. Receive NOC: After verification, your RTO will issue the NOC within 7 to 30 working days.

Pro Tip: Keep photocopies of all submitted documents for your own records.

2. Online Process (Parivahan Portal)

If your RTO supports online services, you can apply for NOC conveniently from home using the Ministry of Road Transport’s Parivahan portal.

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in.

  2. Go to the “Services” tab and select “Application for No Objection Certificate”.

  3. Enter your vehicle registration details and verify them using the chassis number.

  4. Upload scanned copies of required documents.

  5. Pay the NOC fee online through the portal.

  6. Print the Acknowledgment Receipt generated after submission.

  7. Submit the hard copies of the acknowledgment and original documents to your RTO for verification.

  8. Once approved, collect the NOC from your RTO.

Note: While the online application reduces queue time, you may still need to visit the RTO for document submission and final NOC collection.

Also Read: Traffic Challan Disposal Guide Legal Advice

Offline vs Online: Which Is Better?

 

Aspect

Offline Process

Online Process

Convenience

Requires RTO visit

Can start from home

Availability

All RTOs

Limited to RTOs with online services

Processing Time

7–30 days

Same as offline after submission

Document Submission

Physical submission at RTO

Upload online + physical verification

 

Also Read: E-Challan Gurgaon: How to Check Gurugram Traffic e-Challan Status Online

After You Have the NOC: Next Steps

Once you’ve secured your No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current RTO, you’re halfway through the process of transferring your vehicle to another state. The next steps involve transporting your vehicle, completing re-registration, and ensuring it’s legally road-ready in the new state.

1. Transport the Vehicle

You have two options:

  1. Drive It Yourself: Make sure your NOC and original documents (RC, insurance, PUC) are in the vehicle in case you’re stopped at a checkpoint.

  2. Use a Vehicle Transport Service: Ideal for long distances or if your vehicle is older and subject to restrictions like Delhi’s 10-year/15-year ban.

Tip: If your vehicle falls under the ban and cannot be fueled in Delhi, arrange a car carrier service to move it safely to the destination state.

2. Re-Register Your Vehicle in the New State

Once your vehicle reaches the new state, visit the local RTO and apply for re-registration.

Documents Required:

  1. Original NOC & Form 28

  2. Original RC (Registration Certificate)

  3. Valid insurance & PUC certificate

  4. Chassis & engine pencil print

  5. Proof of address in the new state (Aadhaar, utility bill, etc.)

  6. Forms 29 & 30 (for ownership transfer and registration request)

The new RTO will assign a new registration number for your vehicle and issue a fresh RC book/card.

3. Pay Road Tax in the New State

Every state charges its own road tax, usually calculated based on:

  1. Vehicle type (two-wheeler, car, commercial)

  2. Age of the vehicle

  3. Invoice value of the vehicle

This tax is mandatory for getting your vehicle registered in the new state.

Good News: After paying the new state road tax, you can apply for a road tax refund from your previous state.

4. Get a High Security Registration Plate (HSRP)

In most states, vehicles are now required to use HSRP plates for added security. You’ll receive these along with your new registration number.

Important Note for Delhi Vehicles:

If your diesel/petrol vehicle is older than the 10-year/15-year limit, apply for NOC before it’s flagged at Delhi fuel stations. Once re-registered in another state, the Delhi ban no longer applies, and you can use your vehicle legally there.

Understanding the 10-Year & 15-Year Vehicle Ban in Delhi NCR

What the Ban Means

  1. Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years are banned in Delhi NCR.

  2. The rule is based on NGT (National Green Tribunal) and Supreme Court directives to curb air pollution.

2025 Update:

From July 1, 2025, Delhi banned fueling such vehicles at petrol pumps to enforce compliance.

Penalties:

  1. ₹10,000 fine for cars.

  2. ₹5,000 for two-wheelers.

  3. Vehicle may be seized and sent for scrapping.

Data Source: Delhi Transport Department Circular

Also Read: Spotting E-Challan Scams: How to Identify and Avoid Fake Traffic Fines

How the Ban Affects Vehicle Transfers

Delhi’s 10-year diesel and 15-year petrol vehicle ban is creating confusion among vehicle owners, especially those planning to move their vehicles to another state. Here’s what you need to know:

1. The Ban Is Location-Specific

The ban applies only within Delhi NCR. Vehicles that cross this age limit cannot refuel at Delhi petrol pumps, and violators face fines of:

  1. ₹10,000 for diesel cars over 10 years.

  2. ₹5,000 for petrol vehicles over 15 years.

  3. Risk of vehicle impoundment.

However, once you obtain an NOC and re-register your vehicle in another state, these Delhi restrictions no longer apply.

2. You Can Transfer and Use Your Vehicle in Other States

Neighboring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan do not have the same strict bans for old vehicles. Once you re-register your car or bike there:

  1. You can continue to drive it legally.

  2. There are no fueling restrictions.

This was confirmed in the videos, which emphasized that the Delhi ban does not automatically extend to other states.

3. Act Before Your Vehicle Is Flagged

Delhi has deployed ANPR cameras at fuel stations to enforce the ban. If your vehicle is flagged in their system:

  1. Refueling will be blocked.

  2. You won’t be able to drive it out of Delhi without arranging special towing.

Tip: Apply for your NOC before July 2025 to ensure smooth interstate transfer without getting stuck in this system.

4. CNG Vehicles Are Exempt

If your vehicle runs on CNG, the current fuel ban doesn’t apply. You can continue using it in Delhi and transfer it to another state without any restrictions.

Also Read: How to Register for National Lok Adalat 2025: Token Process, Schedule, and Checking Traffic Challan Status

Commonly Asked Questions

 

Question

Answer

How long does it take to get NOC?

Usually 7–30 days, depending on RTO workload.

Can I get my road tax refunded?

Yes, after re-registration in the new state.

What if my vehicle is already 10/15 yrs?

Apply NOC before July 1 to avoid Delhi fuel ban.

Do I need NOC if shifting temporarily?

No, if stay is less than 12 months.

 

Also Read: How to Apply for a Driving Licence Online In India, 2024 (Updated)

Final Thoughts

Transferring your vehicle to another state may sound complicated, but with the right planning, it can be a smooth and stress-free process.

Applying for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is the first and most critical step. It ensures your vehicle is legally cleared of any dues, challans, or restrictions from your current state. Once you have the NOC, completing the re-registration in the new state allows you to drive confidently without worrying about penalties or legal hurdles.

If you’re in Delhi NCR, the urgency is even higher. The 10-year diesel and 15-year petrol vehicle ban means you should secure your NOC before your vehicle gets flagged at fuel stations. Once the NOC and re-registration are done, you can continue using your vehicle in neighboring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, or Rajasthan, where such bans currently don’t apply.

At LegalKart, we simplify this entire journey for you—from helping you apply for the NOC, clearing road tax dues, settle your pending challans, to guiding you on re-registration in your destination state.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an NOC to sell my vehicle in another state?

Yes. If you’re selling your vehicle to someone residing in another state, you must obtain an NOC from your current RTO. This allows the buyer to register the vehicle in their home state without legal complications.

Can I apply for NOC if there are pending traffic challans on my vehicle?

No. All pending challans, taxes, and loans (if any) must be cleared before your RTO will issue a No Objection Certificate.

What happens if I move to another state without an NOC?

You can use your vehicle temporarily (up to 12 months) without an NOC, but re-registration in the new state will not be possible without it. You may also face fines or have your vehicle impounded during police checks.

Can I cancel my NOC if I decide not to move?

Yes. If you change your mind, you can approach your original RTO with a cancellation request, but you’ll need a non-utilization certificate from the destination state RTO confirming the NOC was not used.

Is there any fine if I don’t re-register my vehicle within 6 months of getting an NOC?

Yes. If you don’t complete the re-registration process in the new state within the NOC’s validity period (6 months), you may need to reapply for a fresh NOC and could face penalties for driving with an unregistered vehicle.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need an NOC to sell my vehicle in another state?

Yes. If you’re selling your vehicle to someone residing in another state, you must obtain an NOC from your current RTO. This allows the buyer to register the vehicle in their home state without legal complications.

Can I apply for NOC if there are pending traffic challans on my vehicle?

No. All pending challans, taxes, and loans (if any) must be cleared before your RTO will issue a No Objection Certificate.

What happens if I move to another state without an NOC?

You can use your vehicle temporarily (up to 12 months) without an NOC, but re-registration in the new state will not be possible without it. You may also face fines or have your vehicle impounded during police checks.

Can I cancel my NOC if I decide not to move?

Yes. If you change your mind, you can approach your original RTO with a cancellation request, but you’ll need a non-utilization certificate from the destination state RTO confirming the NOC was not used.

Is there any fine if I don’t re-register my vehicle within 6 months of getting an NOC?

Yes. If you don’t complete the re-registration process in the new state within the NOC’s validity period (6 months), you may need to reapply for a fresh NOC and could face penalties for driving with an unregistered vehicle.

Online Consultations

LegalKart - Lawyers are online
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+144 Online Lawyers
Lawyers are consulting with their respective clients
+21 Online Calls
Talk To Lawyer Or Online Consultation - LegalKart