RC Transfer Fees in All Major Indian States - Complete 2026 Comparison

Exact transfer fees for 4-wheelers and 2-wheelers across Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, UP, West Bengal, and Kerala.

May 20265 min read

Key Takeaways

1Smart card fee (new RC) is ₹200 uniformly across all states - set by central MV rules.
2Transfer fees for 4-wheelers range from ₹300 (some states) to ₹800 (high-volume RTOs like MH-01).
3Total out-of-pocket cost for a 4-wheeler transfer is typically ₹500–1,100 across major states.
4Two-wheeler transfer fees are lower - typically ₹150–400 across states.
5Additional charges like PUC, chassis imprint, and agent fees can add ₹200–500 to the total.

Understanding What Makes Up the Total RC Transfer Cost

The 'fee' for RC transfer is not a single number - it is a combination of several charges that the buyer must pay at or before the RTO submission. Understanding each component helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises at the counter.

The two main charges that go to the government are: the Transfer Fee (set by the state government under the Motor Vehicles Rules for that state) and the Smart Card Fee (₹200 uniformly across India, set by the Central Government under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989). On top of these, you may pay for PUC certificate, chassis/engine number imprint, and various small administrative fees at the RTO.

Transfer fee: varies by state, vehicle type, and sometimes vehicle age/value
Smart card (new RC) fee: ₹200 uniform across all states
Chassis/engine imprint fee: ₹50–100 at most RTOs
PUC certificate (if needed): ₹60–100
Form printing (if applicable): ₹10–20
RTO agent fee (optional but useful): ₹300–1,000

Fees listed here are for private (non-commercial) vehicles. Commercial vehicles (taxis, goods carriers, three-wheelers for hire) have different transfer fees and typically require additional documents like fitness certificates and route permits.

RC Transfer Fees by State - 4-Wheeler (Private Car)

Below are the transfer fees for private 4-wheelers across major Indian states as of 2026. These are government-mandated fees - agent fees and other incidental costs are separate.

Delhi: ₹500 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹700 total (government charges)
Maharashtra (most RTOs): ₹600 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹800 total
Maharashtra (MH-01 Mumbai Central): ₹800 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹1,000 total
Karnataka: ₹500 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹700 total
Tamil Nadu: ₹300 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹500 total
Telangana: ₹500 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹700 total
Gujarat: ₹350 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹550 total
Rajasthan: ₹500 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹700 total
Uttar Pradesh: ₹400 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹600 total
West Bengal: ₹400 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹600 total
Kerala: ₹400 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹600 total

These fees can change when state governments revise Motor Vehicles Rules during budget sessions. Always verify current fees through the official Parivahan portal or by calling your specific RTO before visiting.

RC Transfer Fees by State - 2-Wheeler (Motorbike/Scooter)

Two-wheeler transfer fees are generally lower than 4-wheeler fees in most states. However, the smart card fee of ₹200 remains the same. Below are approximate fees for two-wheeler ownership transfers:

Delhi: ₹300 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹500 total
Maharashtra: ₹350 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹550 total
Karnataka: ₹300 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹500 total
Tamil Nadu: ₹200 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹400 total
Telangana: ₹300 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹500 total
Gujarat: ₹200 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹400 total
Rajasthan: ₹300 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹500 total
Uttar Pradesh: ₹250 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹450 total
West Bengal: ₹250 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹450 total
Kerala: ₹250 transfer fee + ₹200 smart card = ₹450 total

Some states differentiate between scooters/mopeds and motorcycles with engine capacity distinctions (e.g., under 50cc vs above 50cc). Tamil Nadu has historically had lower fees for two-wheelers under 100cc.

Hidden Costs and What the Fee Does Not Cover

The official transfer fee and smart card fee are just the beginning of what you'll spend. Several other costs are essential but often overlooked when budgeting for RC transfer.

Insurance transfer is mandatory in most states - the insurance must be in the buyer's name before the RC transfer can be completed. If the seller's policy still covers the vehicle, many states require it to be endorsed for the buyer or a new policy taken. Endorsement costs ₹50–200 at the insurer; a new policy for a used car can cost ₹3,000–12,000 annually depending on vehicle age and type.

High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) with the new owner's details may need to be affixed, especially if you are changing your registered address or if the old plates are HSRP plates that are non-transferable. HSRP plates cost ₹350–1,100 depending on vehicle type and state.

Insurance endorsement or new policy: ₹50–200 (endorsement) or ₹3,000–12,000 (new policy)
HSRP number plates (if required): ₹350–600 (2-wheeler), ₹700–1,100 (4-wheeler)
PUC certificate (valid at time of transfer): ₹60–100
Stamp paper for sale agreement: ₹100–500
Notarisation charges (if seller unavailable): ₹200–500
RTO agent fees: ₹300–1,000 (optional)

If you use the Parivahan portal for online transfer initiation and all documents are in order, you can avoid agent fees entirely. Online payment via the Parivahan portal is also available - pay the transfer fee and smart card fee via net banking or UPI without carrying cash to the RTO.

Online vs Offline Fee Payment: What Has Changed

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has been pushing states to move all RTO fee payments online via the Parivahan portal. As of 2026, most major states - Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat - allow online fee payment for RC transfer via the Vahan 4.0 portal.

Online payment generates a payment receipt with a unique transaction reference. This receipt must be printed and submitted along with physical documents at the RTO. Online payment does not mean you can skip the RTO visit entirely for RC transfer - physical document verification is still required in most states for used vehicle transfers.