Chennai RTO

The Chennai RTO is the main authority in Chennai to oversee and manage all transport-related services and maintain on-road safety for pedestrians and other vehicles. Known as the city of beaches, shopping and technology, Chennai has a growing population and significant on-road vehicles, increasing the role of the Chennai RTO office in maintaining proper safety.

Some of the services available at the Chennai RTO include issuance and renewal of vehicle RC, driving licence, permit, PUC, etc.

If you are relocating to Chennai or planning to buy a vehicle in the city, this guide will help you with all the necessary information, including the RTO Chennai contact number, processes to avail of Chennai RTO online services, and more.

Chennai RTO Functions

● Issuance of Vehicle-Related Documents - One of the main RTO responsibilities in Chennai is issuing and renewing all necessary vehicle-related documents, including vehicle registration certificates, permits, fitness certificates, PUC certificates, etc.

● Traffic Management - The RTO also carries out necessary operations to ensure a smooth driving experience for vehicle owners and to ensure proper Chennai vehicle regulations. In addition, it looks after vehicle safety standards and their impact on the environment.

● Law Enforcement - RTO Chennai imposes strict traffic laws and regulations on vehicle owners to encourage safe driving practices. This helps reduce on-road accidents and other incidents and increases responsible driving behaviours.

● Collection of Challans and Road Tax - RTO Chennai is also responsible for collecting road tax and challan payments for traffic violations. All vehicle owners must pay the applicable road tax to drive in the city.

List of Chennai RTO Office Codes

RTO Chennai Office Numbers and Other Contact Information

You can find the RTO Chennai office numbers and other contact details of all district offices on the Transport Department of Tamil Nadu website.

Vehicle Registration Chennai Process at RTO

Online RTO Chennai Vehicle Registration

• Step 1 - Visit the Parivahan Sewa website and select Online Services > Vehicle-Related Services > Tamil Nadu.
• Step 2 - Next, select Apply for New Registration and click on the For Temporary Registered Issued Vehicles option.
• Step 3 - Enter your temporary registration number in the space provided and click on Proceed. The manufacturer will provide the temporary registration number.
• Step 4 - Complete the application form on the next page and upload all the required documents.
• Step 5 - Proceed to payment and collect the receipt after completion. You will also need to book an appointment at the nearest RTO in Chennai.
• Step 6 - On the day of the appointment, take your vehicle for inspection. Once approved, collect your Chennai vehicle registration number card from the RTO.

Offline Vehicle Registration Chennai Process

• Step 1 - Visit the nearest RTO to your location with your car and other necessary documents to complete car registration at Chennai RTO.
• Step 2 - You can request an application form at the reception or download Form 20 online from the Parivahan Sewa website.
• Step 3 - Complete the application form with accurate details and submit it to the officer along with the necessary documents.
• Step 4 - Pay the application fee in person and collect the receipt.
• Step 5 - Get your vehicle inspected at the RTO as the last step of the process.
• Step 6 - Once approved, your new RC will be issued. You can pick it up from the RTO or have it shipped to your home address.

Required Chennai Vehicle Registration Documents

• A duly filled application form.
• Temporary Chennai vehicle registration number.
• Proof of address of the vehicle driver/owner.
• A valid vehicle insurance document.
• PAN card of the vehicle driver/owner.
• Sale certificate.
• Proof of road tax payment.
• Vehicle PUC certificate.
• 2-3 clear passport-size photographs.

How to Complete Chennai RTO Registration Renewal?

Online Process

• Step 1 - Go to the Parivahan Sewa website.
• Step 2 - From the home page, select Online Services > Vehicle-Related Services > Tamil Nadu.
• Step 3 - From the dropdown list, select the closest Regional Transport Office in Chennai to your location to proceed.
• Step 4 - Next, select Services > RC-Related Services > Renewal of Registration.
• Step 5 - On the next page, enter the requested vehicle details, upload the required documents and pay the applicable fees.
• Step 6 - Once done, book an RTO appointment to get your vehicle inspected, and upon approval, collect your renewed RC.

Offline Process

• Step 1 - Go to the nearest RTO from your home location.
• Step 2 - Ask for an application form or download Form 25 from the Parivahan Sewa website.
• Step 3 - Fill out the application form and collect the necessary documents to submit them to the officer in charge.
• Step 4 - Pay the renewal fee at the counter and collect the receipt.
• Step 5 - Get your vehicle inspected, and once approved, collect your renewed RC from the RTO to drive around Chennai.

*Note that you must book the renewal appointment at least 60 days before the expiry date.

Vehicle Registration Charges at Regional Transport Office Chennai, Tamil Nadu

*Vehicle registration fees may be subject to change. Check the official Parivahan Portal to stay updated.

How to Check Chennai RTO Registration Status?

• Step 1 - To check the registration status in Chennai, go to the Parivahan Sewa website, select Online Services, and click on Vehicle-Related Services.
• Step 2 - Next, select your state as Tamil Nadu from the dropdown list, and then choose the closest RTO to your home location.
• Step 3 - Click on Proceed, and on the next page, find and select Status > Know Your Application Status.
• Step 4 - Enter your vehicle registration number or application reference number on the next page and select Proceed to view your vehicle status at Chennai RTO.

Process of Chennai RTO Ownership Transfer

• Step 1 - Visit the Parivahan Sewa website and select Online Services > click on Vehicle-Related Services.
• Step 2 - Choose Tamil Nadu on the new page and select the closest Chennai RTO code and location.
• Step 3 - The screen will display a list of options. Select Transfer Vehicle Ownership and select Proceed.
• Step 4 - Enter your vehicle registration number and the last five characters of your engine chassis number before selecting Verify Details.
• Step 5 - Cross-check all the information and then upload the required documents as required.
• Step 6 - Pay the applicable fee and visit the RTO for a vehicle inspection. Once it is completed, a new RC will be issued in the new owner's name.

Documents Required for Car Ownership Transfer Chennai

• All required application forms - 28, 29, and 30.
• Vehicle registration certificate.
• Vehicle insurance document.
• Bank NOC if a loan finances the vehicle.
• NOC from Chennai RTO.
• Vehicle Pollution Under Control certificate.
• Payment confirmation of road tax.

Chennai Road Tax Rates and Payment Process

The Chennai road tax rates are determined by multiple factors, including vehicle type, age of the vehicle, price of the vehicle, location of the vehicle, and so on.

Here's all you need to know.

Process for Road Tax Payment in Chennai

• Step 1 - Go to the Parivahan Sewa website and select Online Services > Vehicle-Related Services > Tamil Nadu.
• Step 2 - Select the nearest RTO from the dropdown list and then select Pay Your Tax on the next page to proceed.
• Step 3 - Add your vehicle registration number and the last five characters of the engine's chassis number in the space provided.
• Step 4 - Select Verify Details to view your due tax amount on the screen.
• Step 5 - Make the payment using any of the available digital payment options and collect the receipt for future reference.

Other Chennai RTO Online Services

• Vehicle-Related Services

  You can obtain a new or renewed vehicle document with Chennai RTO online. This includes vehicle registration certificates, permits, PUC certificates, fitness certificates, etc.

• Licence-Related Services

  You can apply for a new learner's, permanent, or international driving licence at the RTO online. Moreover, all renewal processes are also available online for maximum convenience.

• Challan Payments

  All e-challans issued for your vehicle can be paid online at the RTO Chennai office. This will reduce vehicle owners' hassle of making in-person payments and ensure maximum compliance.

• Permit Issuance and Renewal

  Using the online RTO services, you can easily apply for or renew any passenger or goods vehicle permit in just a few simple steps.

• Document Updates

  Using online services, you can update all your documents with the correct information to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of challans.

How to Check Vehicle Owner Details in Chennai?

• Step 1 - Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal > click on Informational Services > select Know Your Vehicle Details.
• Step 2 - Enter your vehicle details and captcha code, and then click on Search Online.
• Step 3 - Your owner details will be displayed on the screen.

Alternatively, you can check the owner details at the closest Regional Transport Office in Chennai. Visit the closest Chennai RTO code, provide your details to the officer, and once verified, the officer will share the necessary details.

Process for High-Security Plate Chennai

• Step 1 - Go to the official Book My HSRP website and select High-Security Registration Plate with Colour Sticker.
• Step 2 - Enter your state, engine chassis number and vehicle registration number in the space provided.
• Step 3 - Enter the captcha code and select Click Here to proceed.
• Step 4 - Book an appointment at the closest Chennai RTO code to get the high-security plate installed.
• Step 5 - Make the due payment and collect the receipt.
• Step 6 - Visit the RTO, show proof of payment, and get your Chennai RTO secure plate installed on your vehicle.

Chennai Driving Fines and Challans

Types of Chennai​ Car Insurance

How to Find and Buy Rel​​​iable Car Insurance Options in Chennai?

*We advise you to review individual policy wordings and check with us to confirm the availability of specific coverage requirements and add-ons.

How Do RTO Fees Impact Vehicle Insurance Premium Chennai RTO?

Frequently Asked Questions about Chennai RTO

1. What is the contact information for the RTO Chennai helpline for vehicle-related documents?

   If you have any complaints or queries, you can contact the Parivahan Sewa portal at helpdesk-vahan@gov.in or helpdesk-sarathi@gov.in or call +91-120-4925505.

2. Do I have to purchase a temporary registration certificate for my vehicle?

   No, in most cases, the vehicle manufacturer or seller gives you the temporary registration certificate at the time of purchase.

3. Is it mandatory to pay road tax in Chennai?

   Yes, under the Motor Vehicles Act, all vehicle owners in Chennai must pay the applicable road tax based on their vehicle type or age. Failure to comply will result in hefty financial and legal penalties. Therefore, you must pay the due road tax either offline or online to remain compliant.