Quick answer. To check vehicle RC (Registration Certificate / आरसी) details, use the Vahan portal “Know Your Vehicle Details” service at vahan.parivahan.gov.in and enter your registration number. To track a pending RC application (new registration or transfer), use the “Know Your Application Status” service with your application number. Both are free.
If you are short on time: jump straight to How to check vehicle RC status below.
Quick summary
People use “RC status” for two separate tasks. Knowing which one you need saves time.
RC details lookup means you already have a registered vehicle and want to see its record. This includes owner name, registration date, validity, fuel type, and linked insurance or PUC status. You look this up by the registration number.
RC application status means you have applied for an RC and want to know how far it has reached. This covers a new registration of a freshly bought vehicle, or a transfer / NOC case after a sale or inter-state move. You track this by the application number the system gave you.
If you applied recently and have no RC number yet, use the application-status route. If your vehicle is already on the road, use the details lookup.
Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in. Confirm the address shows parivahan.gov.in before you enter anything. Avoid look-alike sites in search ads.
For an existing vehicle, open “Know Your Vehicle Details”. For a pending application, open “Know Your Application Status” from the Vahan services menu.
For RC details, type the full registration number (for example, the number on your plate). For application status, type the application number from your acknowledgement.
Type the captcha / verification code shown on screen exactly as displayed. Refresh it if the characters are unclear.
Click the search or proceed button. The portal shows the current record or the application stage. Note the date so you can track changes later.
For a saved copy, use the mParivahan app or DigiLocker (digilocker.gov.in). Sign in, fetch the Transport / Vahan document, and store your digital RC.
| Detail | When it is needed |
|---|---|
| Registration number | To look up RC details of an existing vehicle |
| Application number | To track a pending new-registration or transfer RC |
| Chassis number | Sometimes asked in apps to fetch your digital RC |
| Registered mobile number | To sign in to mParivahan or DigiLocker |
| State / RTO | To open the correct state's Vahan services |
| Status shown | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Submitted / Received | Your application is recorded in the system |
| Under verification | Documents or details are being checked |
| Pending at RTO | Waiting for an officer's action or an appointment |
| Approved | Application accepted; RC may move to printing or dispatch |
| Rejected / Objection | A defect was raised; you must respond or re-apply |
Exact wording varies by state. Always read the latest line shown on the official portal.
First, re-check the status on Vahan after a day or two, as updates can take time. If it stays “pending at RTO” for long, contact your RTO with your application number and acknowledgement.
If you still get no clear answer, you have a right to ask. Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, you can file an RTI with the RTO's Public Information Officer. Ask for the current status of your file, the reason for delay, and the expected date of issue.
You can draft this request quickly using our RTI Drafter, and learn the full method in The RTI Playbook.
Yes. Both “Know Your Vehicle Details” and “Know Your Application Status” on the official Vahan portal are free. You only need your registration number or application number and the verification code. If any site asks for payment to show basic status, it is not the official government service.
RC details show the record of a vehicle already registered, looked up by registration number. RC application status shows how far a pending RC has reached, tracked by application number. Use details lookup for vehicles on the road, and application status for new registrations or transfers still in process.
Timelines vary by state and RTO workload. Status often updates within a day or two of submission or payment, but printing and dispatch can take longer. Keep your application number safe and re-check the official portal. If it stays stuck, contact the RTO or file an RTI.
Usually not. The digital RC in mParivahan or DigiLocker appears only after the RTO approves and issues the certificate. While your application is pending, you can track its stage but cannot fetch the final RC. Once approved, fetch it from the Transport / Vahan issuer.
Note exactly what is incorrect and keep a screenshot. Contact your RTO with your registration number and supporting documents to request a correction. If you get no response, file an RTI with the RTO asking for the status of your correction request and the action taken.
Last reviewed: 2 June 2026 — RTI Wiki editorial team. Always confirm your final status on the official portal.