How to Register Vintage Cars in India ?

Why Register a Vintage Car?

Registering your vintage car in India isn’t just about legality—it’s about protecting its heritage. Official registration:
 

• Certifies the car's vintage status

• Provides access to special driving permits and rallies

• Helps retain the vehicle's historical value

• Enables smoother transfers and inheritance

• Assists in Car Insurance and resale formalities

Most importantly, it prevents your prized car from being labelled as scrap under standard deregistration rules.

What Qualifies as a Vintage Car?

As per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), a vintage car is defined under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989.

 

To be eligible for vintage car registration:
 

• The car must be at least 50 years old from its original manufacture date.

• It should not have undergone significant modifications.

• It must be maintained in its original form or close to it.

Vehicles that meet these conditions can apply for a “Vintage Motor Vehicle” certificate under the CMVR (Amendment) Rules, 2021.

 

Documents Required for Vintage Car Registration

Before you initiate the registration process, keep these documents ready:
 

Document	Purpose
Identity & Address Proof	Aadhar, PAN, or utility bill for verification
Age proof of the vehicle	Manufacturer's certificate, RC, or other valid evidence
Affidavit	Declaring the vehicle's originality and non-commercial use
Old Registration Certificate	If available, to trace vehicle history
Photographs	Coloured photos showing vehicle front, rear, and sides
Roadworthiness certificate (if applicable)	Issued by authorised service centre
Insurance certificate	Valid policy for the vintage vehicle

 

These documents for vintage car registration are mandatory under MoRTH guidelines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Vintage Car

Here's how to complete your vintage car registration in India:
 

1. Application submission

Visit your local RTO or apply online through the Parivahan portal. Fill out Form 20 with vehicle and owner details.

2. Document upload/submission

Upload scanned copies or submit physical documents listed above.

3. Vehicle inspection

Your car will be physically inspected by an RTO officer to verify authenticity and originality.

4. Verification by RTO

The documents and inspection report are reviewed by the Regional Transport Officer.

5. Issuance of a certificate

If approved, your vehicle will be registered as vintage, and you’ll receive a certificate under Form 23A.

6. Number plate allocation

A unique vintage vehicle number is assigned (explained in the next section).

This process may take a few weeks, depending on RTO processing timelines.
 

Fees and Charges for Vintage Car Registration

According to the CMVR (Amendment) Rules, 2021:
 

• Registration Fee: ₹20,000 (valid for 10 years)

• Renewal Fee: ₹5,000 (valid for 5 years)

• Duplicate Certificate Fee: ₹5,000 (if lost/damaged)
   

These charges may vary slightly across states, so consult your local RTO for exact figures.

 

Details of Vintage Car Number Plates in India

Vintage car number plates differ from standard plates and follow these norms:

• White background with black lettering.

• The registration mark includes the state code and RTO code, followed by the unique vintage number.

• Example: DL VINTAGE 0001

These special plates help law enforcement easily identify vintage vehicles and provide owners a distinguished status on the road.
 

Rules and Regulations for Vintage Cars

When registering a vintage car, the following rules apply:

• Non-commercial use: Vintage cars cannot be used for regular commercial purposes like taxi or goods transport.

• Restricted usage: They may only be driven for exhibitions, rallies, maintenance, and special occasions.

• Annual inspection: Some states may mandate annual fitness checks despite the vintage status.

• Transfer regulations: Any transfer of ownership must be reported to the registering authority within 90 days.
   

Benefits of Registering Your Vintage Car

Official vintage car registration comes with numerous advantages:

• Legal protection: Shields your vehicle from being scrapped under end-of-life policies.

• Tax benefits: Many state governments exempt vintage vehicles from road tax.

• Insurance access: Easier to obtain specialised vintage Car Insurance.

• Resale value: Certified vehicles attract higher value among collectors.

• Historical recognition: Adds to the prestige and identity of the car.
   

Common Challenges in Vintage Car Registration

Despite a clear framework, owners often face:

• Difficulty finding original documents

• Delays in RTO inspection scheduling

• Lack of clarity about modifications allowed

• High registration costs compared to regular vehicles
   

To overcome these, consider consulting a legal vehicle documentation expert or engaging with vintage car clubs that assist in the registration journey.

 

In Conclusion

Getting your classic car registered is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a tribute to its legacy. By following the correct procedure for vintage car registration in India, you preserve its identity and unlock privileges that honour its heritage.

 

And while your car may be vintage, its protection shouldn’t be outdated. At Shriram Car Insurance, we provide solutions that help protect a wide range of vehicles, whether new or decades old. With our commitment to personalised service and reliable coverage, we’re here to support your journey—whatever wheels you drive.

 

FAQs

1. Can I register a car as vintage without an old RC?

Yes, but you’ll need alternative evidence like manufacturer certificates or old photographs and affidavits.

2. Can I drive my vintage car daily?

No, daily use is not permitted. Usage is limited to exhibitions, rallies, and testing.

3. What happens if I modify a vintage car?

Major modifications may disqualify the car from vintage status. Cosmetic restorations are allowed.

4. How often should I renew the vintage registration?

The certificate is valid for 10 years and can be renewed every 5 years thereafter.

5. Are vintage vehicles exempt from pollution checks?

They may still require pollution under control (PUC) certificates based on state-specific rules..