According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1989 , every vehicle must obtain a valid vehicle fitness certificate (FC) to guarantee that it is roadworthy. When the government provides an FC, it makes it easier to register both commercial and private vehicles.

So, if you want to buy a vehicle soon, it is important to understand the procedure of applying for an FC and other regulations.

The key reason for acquiring an FC!

The Importance of a Vehicle Fitness Certificate

Apart from avoiding penalties and car seizures, these are all the reasons why a vehicle fitness certificate is required -

• Monitoring the quantity of smoke emitted by a vehicle is vital to avoid pollution, which is becoming more of a concern with each passing day. One of the primary functions of a vehicle fitness certificate is to examine and monitor pollution caused by motor vehicle emissions.
• A fitness certificate is required to keep your car in good condition.
• Finally, to avoid traffic accidents that may occur as a result of your vehicle's poor condition.

Now that we've established why a vehicle fitness certificate is required for both private and commercial cars, let's look at how to apply for one.

How Do I Apply for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?

As previously stated, both offline and online processes are available to assist car owners.

1. Offline Procedure for Obtaining a Vehicle Fitness Certificate

Here's a step-by-step procedure for applying offline :

• Visit your zonal RTO office and obtain forms 20 and form 38 for transport vehicles.
• Fill out the papers and hand them in with the relevant documents at the counter.
• Pay the necessary costs and bring your car in for inspection.

Now, here's what you need to do to finish the procedure from the comfort of your own home:

• Go to the official Parivahan Sewa website and input the registration number of your car.
• On the navigation bar, select 'Application for Fitness Certificate' from the 'Online Services' section.
• Next, enter your Chassis number as well as your registered mobile phone number. You will then be given a one-time password.
• Now input the One Time passwords (OTP) as well as any other required information such as insurance data, application fee information, and so on.
• In the following step, make payment and obtain the digital receipt along with the application letter. When you apply for a vehicle fitness certificate online, you must submit these papers to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in order to obtain your FC.

It is important to note that in order to execute these procedures effectively, you must first be qualified for a car FC. Individuals may generally obtain a fitness certificate when their automobile or bike has passed all of the necessary fitness tests. There may be other conditions you must complete before applying for this, so make sure you contact your RTO to receive those specifics, as well as document needs.

2. Documents Necessary for Obtaining a Vehicle FC

When applying for a vehicle fitness certificate online, keep the following papers on hand:

• Form 20 - (Application for Registration of a Motor Vehicle)
• Form 21 - (Sale Certificate)
• Form 22 - (Certificate Road-Worthiness )
• Receipt for paid road tax insurance certificate
• Original car registration certificate Valid Pollution Under Control certificate
• A pencil sketch of the vehicle's chassis
• Temporary registration, if applicable
• Address verification
• Permit Certificate Valid ID Proof
• Photographs in passport size

Aside from them, you must also provide the fee receipt and a copy of your application. Now that you are aware of the fundamental prerequisites for obtaining a car FC or other commercial vehicle, you should be aware of the costs that must be paid.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?

Examine the chart below to gain a general notion of the prescribed fee due for new FCs for commercial vehicles. However, you should keep in mind that costs may vary amongst RTOs.

It should be noted that the cost is usually levied in conjunction with the registration fee for private automobiles.

As previously stated, a vehicle fitness certificate is required. If you don't, you'll have to deal with the repercussions. The Motor Vehicle Act of 1989 imposes a fine of 100 for the first offence, and a repeat of the same mistake can result in a fine of up to 5000.

How to Renew a Vehicle's Fitness Certificate?

Varied types of cars have different validity periods for their vehicle fitness certificates, according to the criteria. As a result, their ability to apply for a fitness certificate Regional Transport Office (RTO) varies. Private automobiles, for example, have a vehicle fitness certificate that is valid for up to 15 years, after which it is valid for every 5 years following renewal. In the case of commercial vehicles, the vehicle fitness certificate is valid for two years and is then renewed for another year.

If you're still wondering how to verify a vehicle's fitness certificate online, the Parivahan Sewa site can help you with that as well.

The following documents are necessary for fitness certificate renewal:

1. Form 25 - (Form Of Application Of Renewal Of Certificate Of Registration Of a Motor vehicle, Other than a Transport Vehicle)
2. Vehicle registration certificate
3. Proof of legally paid road tax

The renewal of a fitness certificate is a straightforward process. When you bring your car and the above-mentioned documentation to the relevant RTO, it will be inspected by the Motor Vehicles Department. Following the inspection, the details will be posted on the Vahan website. The RTO officer will provide you a fresh vehicle fitness certificate after assessing the vehicle information and the application cost.