The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India plays a crucial role in vehicle registration, issuing driving licenses, and ensuring compliance with road transport regulations. Each state and union territory in India has a unique RTO state code, which is displayed on vehicle number plates. As a result, these codes help identify the location where a vehicle is registered, making it easier to track ownership and enforce road safety laws.Whether you’re buying a new vehicle, transferring ownership, or simply curious about state-wise RTO codes, this guide will help you find the complete RTO state code list in India effortlessly.
What is an RTO State Code?
An RTO state code is a unique two-letter prefix assigned to every vehicle registered in India. It represents the state or union territory where the vehicle is registered. After the state code, the registration number includes a unique number assigned by the local RTO office.
For example:
- MH 12 AB 3456
- MH = Maharashtra (State Code)
- 12 = Pune (RTO Code)
- AB 3456 = Unique Vehicle Number
Why are RTO Codes Important?
RTO (Regional Transport Office) codes are essential for identifying and managing vehicles in India. Vehicle owners must register their vehicles with an RTO, and the code on the number plate helps determine the registration location. This is useful for tracking vehicle ownership, verifying documents, and preventing fraud, especially when buying a second-hand car or bike. Authorities use RTO codes to calculate road tax, which varies from state to state. When a vehicle moves to a different state, the RTO code helps authorities process re-registration and issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Additionally, law enforcement agencies use these codes to track vehicles involved in accidents, theft, or traffic violations, making it easier to ensure legal compliance.
With the introduction of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), RTO codes have become even more important. These plates have a laser-etched RTO code, making it harder for stolen vehicles to be re-registered illegally. The codes also help differentiate between private, commercial, and government vehicles, allowing authorities to regulate them efficiently.
RTO Codes for Indian States
| State / Union Territory | RTO Code | State / Union Territory RTO Official Website |
| Andhra Pradesh | AP | https://www.aptransport.org/index.html |
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | AN | http://db.and.nic.in/mvd/ |
| Arunachal Pradesh | AR | https://www.india.gov.in/state-transport-services-department-arunachal-pradesh |
| Assam | AS | https://transport.assam.gov.in/ |
| Bihar | BR | https://state. bihar.gov.in/transport/CitizenHome.html |
| Chhattisgarh | CG | https://cgtransport.gov.in/ |
| Chandigarh | CH | http://chdtransport.gov.in/ |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli | DN | https://dnh.gov.in/notice/transport-department/ |
| Daman and Diu | DD | https://daman.nic.in/rtodaman/default.asp |
| Delhi | DL | http://transport.delhi.gov.in/home/transport-department |
| Goa | GA | https://www.goa.gov.in/department/transport/ |
| Gujarat | GJ | https://cot.gujarat.gov.in/index.htm |
| Haryana | HR | https://haryanatransport.gov.in/ |
| Himachal Pradesh | HP | https://himachal.nic.in/index.php?lang=1&dpt_id=3 |
| Jammu and Kashmir | JK | http://jaktrans.nic.in/ |
| Jharkhand | JH | http://jhtransport.gov.in/ |
| Karnataka | KA | https://www.karnatakaone.gov.in/Info/Public/RTO |
| Kerala | KL | https://mvd.kerala.gov.in/ |
| Ladakh | LA | https://leh.nic.in/e-gov/online-services/ |
| Lakshadweep | LD | https://lakshadweep.gov.in/ |
| Madhya Pradesh | MP | http://www.transport.mp.gov.in/ |
| Maharashtra | MH | https://transport.maharashtra.gov.in/1035/Home |
| Manipur | MN | https://manipur.gov.in/?p=757 |
| Meghalaya | ML | http://megtransport.gov.in/ |
| Mizoram | MZ | https://transport.mizoram.gov.in/ |
| Nagaland | NL | https://mvdnagaland.in/ |
| Odisha | OD/OR | http://odishatransport.gov.in/ |
| Puducherry | PY | https://www.py.gov.in/ |
| Punjab | PB | https://www.punjabtransport.org/ |
| Rajasthan | RJ | http://www.transport.rajasthan.gov.in/content/transportportal/en.html |
| Sikkim | SK | https://www.sikkim.gov.in/departments/transport-department |
| Tamil Nadu | TN | https://tnsta.gov.in/tnsta/homepage |
| Telangana | TS | https://transport.telangana.gov.in/ |
| Tripura | TR | https://transport.tripura.gov.in/ |
| Uttar Pradesh | UP | https://uptransport.upsdc.gov.in/ |
| Uttarakhand | UK/UA | https://transport.uk.gov.in/ |
| West Bengal | WB | https://transport.wb.gov.in/ |
RTO Codes for Union Territories
| Union Territory | RTO Code |
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | AN |
| Chandigarh | CH |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | DN |
| Lakshadweep | LD |
| Delhi | DL |
| Puducherry | PY |
| Jammu and Kashmir | JK |
| Ladakh | LA |
How Vehicle Registration Works in India
Vehicle registration in India is a mandatory process overseen by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Every new vehicle, whether a car, bike, or commercial vehicle, must be registered before it can legally hit the road. The registration process ensures that the vehicle is accounted for in The government records each registered vehicle to ensure proper accountability.
Step-by-Step Vehicle Registration Process:
- Visit the RTO – The first step is to visit the local RTO where the vehicle is purchased. In many cases, the dealer also assists with the initial paperwork, making the process more convenient.
- Submit Documents – Important Vehicle owners must submit documents like proof of identity, address, purchase invoice, and insurance certificate.
- Road Tax Payment – Vehicle owners must pay the road tax, which varies by state and vehicle type.
- Vehicle Inspection – The RTO inspects the vehicle to verify its details, including engine and chassis numbers.
- Assignment of Registration Number – Once the inspection is done, the RTO issues a registration number, which appears on the vehicle’s number plate. Additionally, some buyers opt for fancy or VIP numbers, which are available through auctions.
- Issuance of RC (Registration Certificate) – After verifying the details, the RTO issues the RC card as proof of ownership. Owners must keep this card with the vehicle at all times.
Types of Vehicle Registration:
- Temporary Registration – Issued by dealers for brand-new vehicles, valid for up to 30 days.
- Permanent Registration – Required before the temporary registration expires and is valid for 15 years (renewable thereafter).
- Commercial Vehicle Registration – For taxis, buses, and trucks, which require additional permits.
Re-Registration & Transfer of Ownership:
If a vehicle is sold or moved to another state, the owner must apply for re-registration at the new RTO. Similarly, when selling a vehicle, ownership must be transferred legally to the buyer to avoid future liabilities.
How to Check Vehicle Details Using RTO Code?
If you need to find vehicle details using an RTO code, here are some ways to do it:
1. Offcial VAHAN Website
- Visit VAHAN Parivahan
- Click on “Know Your Vehicle Details”
- Enter the vehicle registration number
- Complete the captcha verification
- Users can check vehicle details using the VAHAN website.
2. Using SMS Service
- Open your phone’s messaging app
- Type VAHAN <vehicle registration number>
- Send it to 7738299899
- Users can also retrieve vehicle details through an SMS service.
3. Visiting the RTO Office
Alternatively, for full details, visit the respective RTO office with necessary documents and request vehicle details. vehicle details.
Conclusion
Knowing your state’s RTO code is essential for vehicle registration, license applications, and legal compliance. Whether you’re relocating, purchasing a second-hand vehicle, or dealing with transport authorities, understanding these codes makes the process smooth and hassle-free. Therefore, by referring to the RTO state code list, you can easily identify the correct transport office for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use my vehicle in another state without changing registration?
Yes, but if you plan to use it for more than 12 months, you must get an NOC and re-register it.
2. How can I find my nearest RTO office?
You can check the official State Transport Department website or visit the nearest RTO.
3. Can I transfer my vehicle’s registration to another state?
Yes, you need to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the existing RTO and re-register the vehicle in the new state.
4. How do I check if a vehicle is stolen?
Use the VAHAN website or visit the local police station for verification.
5. What happens if I drive an unregistered vehicle?
Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal and can lead to heavy fines or vehicle seizure.
