Transferring Vehicle Ownership in India

There are several instances when one has to transfer the ownership of a vehicle. This can be due to the death of the owner of the vehicle or due to a normal sale. This is also known as registered certificate (RC) ownership transfer. Let’s look at why this process is important and how it can be done.

Title Transfer Due To The Death Of The Vehicle Owner

It is not easy to cope with a tragic event such as death in the family. After coming to terms with the loss, one has to take up several responsibilities such as closing bank accounts of the deceased, transferring property in their name to living persons. While it may not be easy to think about such issues during this time, they are indeed important. One such responsibility is transferring ownership of vehicle belonging to the deceased. Here are the documents* that need to be submitted to initiate the process:

• Form 31
• Insurance certificate
• Death certificate
• Registration certificate (RC)
• PUC certificate
• PAN card
• Proof of address, date of birth
• Declaration by applicant
• Vehicle verification certificate
• Proof of succession

*The list can vary as per states

Further, the legal heir of the insured who is in the custody of the vehicle after the death of the owner should apply for car insurance policy transfer within three months from the date of the death of the insured or until the expiry of the car insurance policy (whichever is sooner). Following details are required to be submitted:

• Death certificate in respect of the insured
• Proof of title to the vehicle
• Original policy

Importance Of Transferring Ownership Of Vehicle Of Deceased

One may think it is not important to transfer the ownership of a vehicle belonging to a deceased. However, not only would this attract penalty by the concerned authority, but the legal heir driving the vehicle would not be able to get any motor insurance benefits. If the vehicle is involved in an accident, the legal heir will have to bear all related costs as well as pay fines for driving without valid vehicle insurance. In case the person is gravely injured during the accident, he/she may not be eligible for any personal accident benefits either.

Car Ownership Transfer Due To Sale Of Vehicle

Often, people who buy used vehicles from their friends or relatives think it is okay to retain the name of the original vehicle owner, however this can become a problem, especially while making insurance claims. They will not be able to get any vehicle insurance benefits as the car insurance policy would be in the name of the first owner. Therefore, to avoid such problems, it is necessary to initiate the transfer of the ownership of the vehicle soon after the sale of the vehicle. Here are the documents* required to carry out the process:

• Form 29, Form 30, Form I, Form II
• Registration certificate (RC)
• Insurance certificate
• PUC certificate
• PAN card of both parties
• Proof of address and date of birth of buyer
• Buyer’s undertaking
• Tax clearance certificate
• No objection certificate by concerned authority

*The list can vary as per states