RTO Buddy
Check challan

Is the registration valid?

RC status check

See if a registration is active, and when it expires.

Owner details E-challan
UP65AB1234 Sample result

Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI

RC status
Active
RC valid till
11 Mar 2034
Registered
12 Mar 2019
RTO
Varanasi
Watch this vehicle · ₹199/year

What RC status means

The result shows one of these four.

Buying used? Only buy a vehicle whose RC is Active.

  • Active The registration is valid. The vehicle can be on the road.
  • Suspended Paused by the RTO, for example for unpaid tax or an expired fitness. It can’t be driven until it’s cleared.
  • Cancelled The registration has ended, for example after the vehicle was scrapped or registered again in another state.
  • Blacklisted Put on hold by the RTO or police, for example over theft, a court case or unpaid dues.

What to do next

Only the RTO can change a status, so start there.

  • Active

    Keep it that way

    Keep insurance, PUC, fitness and road tax up to date, and renew the RC before it expires.

  • Suspended

    Clear the reason

    Ask your RTO why it was suspended, and fix the cause. Don’t leave it: after six months, the RTO can cancel it.

  • Cancelled

    Ask your RTO

    Ask why it was cancelled and what your options are. Don’t buy a vehicle with a cancelled RC.

  • Blacklisted

    Find out why

    Ask your RTO why it’s on hold and what will clear it. Buying? Don’t pay until it’s cleared.

When does an RC expire?

  • A private vehicle’s RC is valid for 15 years from registration.
  • After that, it can be renewed. Apply no more than 60 days before it expires.
  • Commercial vehicles also need a valid fitness certificate.
  • The result shows the date your RC is valid till.

Prefer the official website?

  1. 1Open the official Vahan website.
  2. 2Choose Know your vehicle details.
  3. 3Enter the vehicle number, the chassis number and the last 5 characters of the engine number.
  4. 4Fill in the captcha to see the details.

Beware of lookalike apps and sites that ask you to pay for this.

More for your RC

Vehicle owner details Whose vehicle it is, and how many owners. Check now → E-challan Check pending challans and pay them online. Check now → RC renewal Renew your registration after 15 years. Read guide → Duplicate RC Replace a lost or damaged RC. Read guide →

Questions

Can’t find yours? Contact us and we’ll help.

What is the difference between RC status and RC validity?

RC status tells you if the registration is active right now. RC validity tells you till when. The result shows both.

Is it free?

Yes. Checking a vehicle is free and needs no sign-up.

Can I drive with an expired RC?

An expired RC isn’t valid, so renew it before you drive.

Can I challenge a suspension or cancellation?

Yes. The owner can appeal within 30 days of getting the notice. Your RTO can tell you where to file it.

Where does the RC status come from?

Our smart lookup engine finds it in government transport records and shows it as it is.

The status is wrong. What can I do?

These are government records, so we can’t correct them. Only your RTO can.

Is RTO Buddy an official website?

No. RTO Buddy is an independent service, not a government website.