Registration for two-wheeler vehicle: everything you need to know

Registration for Two-Wheeler Vehicle: Everything You Need to Know

Registering your new bike or scooter is the first step to making it road-legal. This guide walks you through the complete two-wheeler registration process in India, including EV-specific rules and documents

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Whether you’re buying your first scooter or upgrading to a new bike, completing the electric EV & petrol vehicle registration is a mandatory step to legally ride on Indian roads. This page will guide you through the complete process of registering a two-wheeler- covering required documents, RTO procedures, fees, and timelines- so you know exactly what to expect before taking your vehicle home.

What is Vehicle Registration?

Vehicle registration is the official process of recording a vehicle with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and assigning it a unique registration number. Its purpose is to establish the vehicle’s legal identity, link ownership details, and ensure compliance with road safety and taxation laws. Legally, driving without proper vehicle registration is prohibited in India, making it an essential requirement for both electric EV and petrol vehicles to operate on public roads.

How to Register Your New Vehicle?

The new vehicle registration process at the RTO involves submitting the required documents such as invoice, insurance, ID and address proof, followed by filling the registration application. Once the details are verified and OTP authentication is completed, the vehicle registration at RTO is processed and the Registration Certificate (RC) is issued to the customer.

Difference Between EV & Petrol Vehicle Registration

The electric EV and petrol vehicle registration process is the same at the RTO. The key advantage for EVs is lower or waived road tax and registration fees in many states, along with long-term savings on running costs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your EV at the RTO

The EV registration is handled by the dealer. Ola Electric will be registering the vehicle for you.

The EV RTO registration process is simple and Ola helps you at every step.

Order & document upload – Once you place your order, you need to upload the required documents (KYC, address proof, etc.) for verification.
VIN allocation - Ola allocates the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to your scooter.
Invoice & insurance – The invoice is generated and insurance is arranged.
OTP verification – Depending on your state, authentication happens either through Aadhaar OTP (two-step) or Vaahan OTP. Ola guides you through this step.
Application generation – An application is generated on the Vaahan portal.
Document submission – Ola uploads all necessary documents including invoice, insurance, KYC, disclaimer, Form 20, Form 21, inspection report, and chassis image.

RTO approval – The RTO verifies the application and issues the Registration Certificate (RC).

How much Time is Required to Complete Electric Vehicle Registration

The EV registration duration varies by state, but on average, the process from invoice to registration takes about 5 working days. However, this would depend on the state and the process they follow as some RTOs have physical processes.

How Much Does a Vehicle Registration Document Cost?

The EV registration fee is an overall cost that differs by state and also varies depending on the vehicle variant. Many states offer reduced or even zero registration charges for EVs, whereas ICE (petrol) vehicles usually attract higher fees due to added road tax components. To know the exact amount, you can simply select your variant and enter your pincode during the booking process for a detailed cost breakdown.

How to Track Your EV Registration Application Status Online

You can easily track EV registration status online after submitting your application. Simply visit the Vaahan portal, enter your application number and other details, and the system will display the current stage of your registration. Some states also provide status tracking through their respective transport department portals, but the Vaahan site works as the central platform across India.

What is the Required Inspection and Verification needed for Electric Vehicle Registration

The EV registration inspection rules differ from state to state. While some states allow the entire process to be completed digitally, others require selective document submission in person, and a few mandate a full physical inspection. Currently, Tamil Nadu is the only state where the vehicle must be physically presented at the RTO for registration. During this inspection, the RTO verifies key details such as the chassis number, motor, and battery specifications to ensure authenticity and compliance. This step is mandatory before the registration is approved and the RC is issued.

State-Wise Registration Rules for Electric Vehicles

The EV registration rules require Aadhaar Card and PAN Card everywhere, but the regulations differ as per the state.. Some states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Gujarat offer full road tax exemption, while others give partial rebates. Certain RTOs need same-day insurance invoices, whereas others allow 3–7 days. The regulations would differ as per the state.

Vehicle Registration Cancellation Process for EVs

You cannot cancel an EV registration once the vehicle has been invoiced and registered with the RTO, as registration is mandatory for all vehicles being purchased. However, if the registration process is still in progress and the application has not yet been submitted to the RTO, you can cancel your order. This is recommended if you wish to change your order or variant before final submission.

Digital RC (Registration Certificate) for Electric Vehicles

The concept of a digital RC for EV makes the registration process paperless and convenient. Once the RTO approves your registration, the Digital RC is issued in states like Haryana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Punjab, and Goa. You can access it through DigiLocker or mParivahan, while dealers also have the option to check and verify the RC status online.

Green Number Plate: Eligibility and Benefits for EV Owners

All EVs in India are required to have a green number plate for electric vehicles, as mandated by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI). The green plate helps authorities and the public easily identify zero-emission vehicles, ensuring regulatory distinction from petrol or diesel vehicles. Key benefits include exemptions from certain road taxes, easier entry into low-emission zones, and in some states, special incentives like free parking or toll concessions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During EV Registration

The most common EV registration issues include missing KYC documents, mismatched address proof, or late submission of insurance invoices (like in Maharashtra where Aadhaar Card isn’t accepted). Ola Electric helps customers avoid these by validating documents and guiding them through the process.

Frequently asked
questions

Got questions about Ola Electric vehicles, service, or charging? We’ve got you covered.

What happens if I drive my EV without registration?

Driving your EV without registration is illegal and can result in hefty fines, penalties, or even vehicle confiscation. It also carries legal risks under the Motor Vehicles Act, making it mandatory to complete registration before using the vehicle on public roads.

Can I cancel my EV registration?

Do used electric vehicles require re-registration?

Used EVs do not require re-registration if the ownership is transferred within the same state - only the RC is updated with the new owner’s details.

If the vehicle is transferred to another state, re-registration is required:

Request NOC from original RTO.
Submit original RC, insurance, and invoice to the new state RTO.
Pay applicable road tax and fees.
Submit re-registration application at the new RTO.
The vehicle may undergo fitness inspection if required.
New RC is issued by the RTO.

Is there a special concession for registering an EV in my state?

Yes, several states offer special concessions and subsidies for registering an EV, in addition to the PM E-Drive subsidy of ₹5,000 (central). Currently, the states offering a separate subsidy are:

Uttar Pradesh (UP) – State subsidy of ₹5,000
Chhattisgarh – State subsidy of ₹5,000

Additionally, most states provide registration fee waivers or reduced road tax to make EV ownership more affordable.

How do I renew my electric vehicle’s registration certificate?

In India, private EVs have an RC valid for 15 years, after which it must be renewed every 5 years. To renew, submit your current RC, insurance, PUC, and Form 25 at the RTO or via the Parivahan Sewa portal, pay the renewal fees, and complete any required inspection. Battery-operated EVs often have fee exemptions for renewal.

Can I get a temporary registration for my electric vehicle?

Yes, a temporary registration (TR) is available for EVs while waiting for the permanent RC. This, however, is differs according to the state. Only certain states follow the TR-to-permanent (PR) process, with validity typically 1 month, though in some states it can extend up to 3 months.

Are there different registration rules for EVs in each state?

Yes, EV registration rules vary by state in India, including exemptions, fees, and documentation requirements. For example:

Karnataka accepts Aadhaar as address proof, while Maharashtra does not.
Maharashtra offers a 100% exemption from road tax and registration charges for EVs.

Andhra Pradesh provides over 95% waiver in road tax.

Can I track my EV registration status online?

The EV registration is done directly by the dealer. However, you can track the registration status online at the same place as the order status. Additionally, some RTOs may send SMS updates on your application progress.

Is the EV registration process different for commercial vehicles?

Yes, the EV registration process differs for commercial vehicles. During registration, you must select the vehicle type as commercial, and the EV will receive a yellow number plate instead of the standard green one for private EVs.

How do I register my electric vehicle in India?

The EV registration is handled by the dealer. Ola Electric will be registering the vehicle for you.

The EV RTO registration process is simple and Ola helps you at every step.

Order & document upload – Once you place your order, you need to upload the required documents (KYC, address proof, etc.) for verification.
VIN allocation - Ola allocates the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to your scooter.
Invoice & insurance – The invoice is generated and insurance is arranged.
OTP verification – Depending on your state, authentication happens either through Aadhaar OTP (two-step) or Vaahan OTP. Ola guides you through this step.
Application generation – An application is generated on the Vaahan portal.
Document submission – Ola uploads all necessary documents including invoice, insurance, KYC, disclaimer, Form 20, Form 21, inspection report, and chassis image.

RTO approval – The RTO verifies the application and issues the Registration Certificate (RC).

Do I need to re-register my EV after a battery replacement?

No, you don’t need to re-register your EV after a standard battery replacement. Registration remains valid as long as the chassis and vehicle details stay unchanged.

Can I transfer ownership of an electric vehicle?

Yes, you can transfer ownership of an electric vehicle through the RTO. The first owner must sign Form 29 & 30 along with a delivery note, and provide the RC, invoice, insurance, and ID proof to the second owner. These, along with the buyer’s KYC, are submitted to the RTO for RC transfer. Or, you can simply exchange your old vehicle and upgrade to a new Ola EV hassle-free.

What is the green number plate for electric vehicles?

The green number plate for electric vehicles is a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) with a green background, mandated to identify zero-emission vehicles. It not only distinguishes EVs from petrol/diesel vehicles but also offers benefits like road tax exemptions, toll concessions, and special access in certain states.

How long does it take to register an electric vehicle?

On average, it takes 3–7 working days to register an electric vehicle, with most states completing it in about 5 days. However, this would depend on the state and the process they follow as some RTOs have physical processes. Delays can happen due to missing or incorrect documents, Aadhaar/OTP mismatches, or RTO backlogs.

Is there a road tax exemption for electric vehicles?

Yes, many states provide partial or full road tax exemption for EVs. For example, in Andhra Pradesh, road tax on a scooter can be nearly ₹19,685 but drops to just ₹485 with exemption. This makes EVs more affordable while also saving significantly on running costs.

Can I register my EV online?

Yes, parts of the process can be done online, but the EV registration still requires dealer involvement. On the Vaahan portal, customers can track status, check fees, or upload certain documents. Ola Electric can submit the final application, upload invoices/insurance, and coordinate with the RTO for the EV registration. A physical visit may also be needed for vehicle inspection (chassis/battery verification) before the RC is issued, depending on state regulations.

How much does electric vehicle registration cost?

What documents are required for electric vehicle registration?

For EV registration, you’ll need:

PAN & Aadhaar - for identity (some states may not accept Aadhaar, so voter ID/passport can be used).
Address proof - utility bill, rental agreement, or passport if Aadhaar isn’t valid in that state.
Invoice & Insurance - proof of purchase and coverage; Ola Electric also provides insurance if you opt in.

KYC documents - for verification as per state RTO rules.

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