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Quick answer: for a normal used-vehicle sale in Maharashtra, the seller reports the sale in Form 29 and the buyer applies to transfer the RC in Form 30. Both parties have reporting duties, so start at the time of sale. For a vehicle registered in the same state, Section 50 of the Motor Vehicles Act gives the seller 14 days to report the transfer. The buyer has a separate 30-day reporting duty, while Parivahan advises applying in Form 30 within 14 days for a same-state sale. Check the Maharashtra document list and faceless-service eligibility, then track the application until the RC shows the buyer’s name.
This guide uses the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Department pages and the Parivahan guidance. The Maharashtra pages describe themselves as guidance, and the Act and its rules govern. Fees and conditions change, so confirm them with your RTO. We have not completed a transfer for this guide. This guide is independent and is not run by any transport department. Checked: 10 November 2026.
Seller and buyer deadlines
| Who and what | The time limit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seller, vehicle registered in the same state | Report the transfer within 14 days and send a copy of the report to the buyer at the same time. Form 29 is the seller’s report, and Maharashtra asks for two copies | Motor Vehicles Act, section 50(1)(a)(i) and the Maharashtra transfer page |
| Seller, vehicle registered outside the state | Within 45 days of the transfer, forward the no objection certificate documents, or the receipt or postal acknowledgement for the application, with a declaration to the registering authority. This 45 days is for those documents, not a general filing window for both parties | Motor Vehicles Act, section 50(1)(a)(ii) |
| Buyer, reporting the transfer | Report the transfer within 30 days to the registering authority covering your residence or place of business, with the RC, the prescribed fee and a copy of the seller’s report | Motor Vehicles Act, section 50(1)(b) |
| Buyer, Form 30 application | Parivahan’s guidance says to apply within 14 days if the vehicle is registered in the same state and within 45 days if it is registered outside the state | Parivahan, transfer of ownership |
| Buyer, telling the insurer | Apply to the insurer within 14 days of the transfer to update the certificate and policy particulars. This is a separate step | Motor Vehicles Act, section 157(2) |
Do not rely on the longest period. Both parties should start promptly. Maharashtra’s own page also gives sale-intimation periods of 14 days within the same registering authority’s jurisdiction and 30 days in another authority’s jurisdiction. That is state guidance on sale intimation, and a different RTO inside Maharashtra is not the same thing as a vehicle registered in another state.
Maharashtra document list
The Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Department lists these documents (ownership transfer page):
| Document | Note |
|---|---|
| Form 29 | The seller’s declaration, in two copies |
| Form 30 | The buyer’s declaration |
| Form 28 | Applies where the buyer lives under another registering authority’s jurisdiction |
| Valid documents | PUC certificate, insurance certificate, registration certificate and tax certificate |
| Fee | See the fee section |
The state fee schedule also lists a no objection certificate, proof of address, and an income tax declaration in Form 60 from the seller and the buyer for vehicles other than two-wheelers (Maharashtra registration fees). Parivahan’s national list adds items that some states ask for, such as PAN details, a chassis and engine pencil print, proof of date of birth and a purchaser’s undertaking, so check with your RTO whether they apply to you.
What if the buyer lives under a different Maharashtra RTO?
Maharashtra lists Form 28 where the buyer resides in another registering authority’s jurisdiction. This is separate from the no objection certificate evidence needed when a vehicle comes from another state. Check which RTO covers the buyer’s address before you file.
If the vehicle was registered in another state
Parivahan says the buyer also needs a no objection certificate from the registering authority, or an order refusing it, or a declaration by the seller that no such communication has been received together with the receipt or postal acknowledgement (Parivahan). The Vahan page also notes that a no objection certificate is required for a transfer outside the state.
Can the whole transfer be done online?
Not always. Maharashtra describes a faceless service in which the seller starts the application on the Vahan portal and the buyer continues, with no RTO visit (Maharashtra faceless transfer guide). It applies only if all of these hold:
- The vehicle is registered in Maharashtra, in individual ownership, non-transport and not hypothecated.
- The owner’s name, father’s or husband’s name, mobile number and address pin code in the Vahan records match the Aadhaar records exactly.
- Both seller and buyer live in Maharashtra, and the purpose of the transfer is a sale, not an auction or succession.
The steps in that guide are: the seller starts the transfer on Vahan and authenticates with Aadhaar, enters the buyer’s details exactly as in the buyer’s Aadhaar, and an application number goes to the buyer’s Aadhaar-linked mobile. The buyer authenticates, completes the form, pays the fee and uploads the documents. They are the RC copy, the buyer’s and seller’s ID and address proof, and photographs of the vehicle from the front and of the chassis number. The application then goes to the RTO for verification and approval, and the RC is printed in the buyer’s name after approval. If a loan is still recorded on the RC or the Aadhaar check fails, do not expect to finish faceless. Use the process at your RTO instead.
Fee
Maharashtra’s fee schedule sets the ownership transfer fee at 50 percent of the new registration fee for the vehicle class (Maharashtra registration fees). The schedule lists registration fees of Rs 300 for a motorcycle and Rs 600 for a light motor vehicle, so the base transfer fee works out to Rs 150 and Rs 300. That is the base fee only. The amount Vahan shows when you apply can include other lines, such as a postal fee and a smart card fee, and any tax that applies, so go by the Vahan figure.
How to know the transfer is complete
- At handover: as a practical precaution, keep a dated sale or delivery acknowledgement, a copy of the seller’s transfer notice and proof that it was submitted.
- After filing: save the Vahan application number and the fee receipt, and check the application status on the Vahan citizen services site. A payment receipt records payment. It does not show that the registering authority has changed the owner.
- After approval: the buyer should check that the new RC shows the correct name and vehicle details. If the application stays pending or the RC is wrong, follow up with the registering authority using the application reference.
- Insurance: handle the insurer update separately, within the 14 days above.
If you are buying an older car, check its registration validity as well. See our old car renewal guide for 15, 20 and 25 years.
Death of the owner and auctions
- On the death of the owner: the person succeeding to the vehicle may use it for three months if they inform the registering authority within 30 days of the death and of their intention to use it. The legal heir then applies in Form 31 within three months, according to Parivahan.
- Vehicle bought at a government auction: for an auction conducted by or on behalf of the Central or a State Government, the buyer applies in Form 32 within 30 days of taking possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who starts the RC transfer online?
The seller. On Vahan, the seller starts the transfer of ownership application and the buyer continues it. In Maharashtra the faceless route also needs the conditions listed above.
How long does the seller have to report a sale?
For a vehicle registered in the same state, 14 days under section 50 of the Motor Vehicles Act, with a copy of the report sent to the buyer. Maharashtra also gives 14 days for the same jurisdiction and 30 days for another authority’s jurisdiction as sale-intimation periods.
How long does the buyer have?
Section 50 gives the buyer 30 days to report the transfer. Parivahan advises applying in Form 30 within 14 days for a same-state vehicle and 45 days for an interstate one. Start promptly instead of waiting for the longest period.
Does the buyer have to tell the insurer?
Yes. Section 157(2) gives the buyer 14 days from the transfer to apply to the insurer to update the certificate and policy.
Which documents does Maharashtra ask for?
Form 29 in two copies, Form 30, a valid RC, insurance, PUC and tax certificate, and Form 28 where the buyer lives under another registering authority. Check with your RTO for the others.
What is the fee?
The base fee is 50 percent of the registration fee for the vehicle class, which works out to Rs 150 for a motorcycle and Rs 300 for a light motor vehicle on the state schedule. The Vahan amount can include other charges.
How do I know the transfer is done?
Keep the Vahan application number, check the status on Vahan, and confirm that the new RC shows the buyer’s name. A payment receipt alone does not show that the owner has changed.
Sources
| Point | Source |
|---|---|
| Statutory duties of seller and buyer, insurance transfer | Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, India Code |
| Maharashtra documents and sale-intimation periods | Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Department, ownership transfer |
| Fee schedule | Maharashtra registration fees |
| Faceless service conditions and steps | Maharashtra faceless transfer service guide |
| Forms, Form 30 periods, death and auction cases | Parivahan, transfer of ownership |
| Application status | Vahan citizen services |
Checked 10 November 2026. This page will be updated if the process or fees change.
NaviMumbai.com is an independent information site and is not affiliated with any government body.
