What to Do When a Vehicle’s Ownership Hasn’t Been Transferred

Why Ownership Transfer Matters

When you purchase a vehicle, the owner’s name must be updated in the RTO records. Without this transfer:

• The original owner may still be legally responsible for traffic violations or accidents.
• You may face problems selling the vehicle in the future.
• Insurance claims may get rejected if ownership isn’t updated.

Key Documents Needed for Ownership Transfer

If you find that the vehicle owner is different from the buyer, certain documents become essential:

1. Form 20 (Sale Certificate / Transfer of Ownership)

• Filled by the seller to indicate the sale of the vehicle.
• Includes details of both buyer and seller.
• Must be submitted to the RTO for ownership transfer.

1. Form 30 (Notice of Transfer of Ownership)

• Filled by the buyer to notify the RTO of the change in ownership.
• Ensures the new owner is recorded in government records.

1. Purchase Bill / Invoice

• Proof of purchase between the seller and buyer.
• Helps in situations where the seller is not available for immediate transfer.
• Acts as a legal document to claim ownership if disputes arise.

Steps to Transfer Vehicle Ownership

1. Collect all required documents (Form 20, Form 30, purchase bill, insurance, and address proof).
2. Visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO) where the vehicle is registered.
3. Submit the forms and documents, along with the applicable transfer fees.
4. Once verified, the RTO will issue a new Registration Certificate (RC) with your name as the owner.

Tips for Buyers

• Check the RC before purchasing to ensure there are no pending loans or fines.
• Request the seller to complete Form 20 and Form 30 promptly.
• Keep the purchase bill safe, as it’s proof of legal ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What happens if the ownership is not transferred?

If ownership is not transferred, the original owner may be held responsible for traffic violations, accidents, or pending fines. You may also face legal issues when selling the vehicle.

Q2. How long does it take to transfer vehicle ownership?

Typically, the RTO completes the ownership transfer within 15-30 days, depending on document verification and local processes.

Q3. Can I transfer ownership without the seller?

Yes, if you have the purchase bill and other necessary documents, some RTOs allow ownership transfer even if the seller is unavailable.

Q4. Is Form 20 mandatory for ownership transfer?

Yes, Form 20 is required as it serves as a sale certificate from the seller, which is essential for RTO verification.

Q5. Can I drive the vehicle before ownership transfer?

Yes, you can drive the vehicle with a valid registration certificate, but liabilities remain with the current registered owner until the transfer is complete.

Q6. What documents should I keep for future reference?

Keep Form 20, Form 30, the purchase bill, insurance papers, and RC copy safely for legal and insurance purposes.