Form 29: Everything You Need to Know for Vehicle Ownership Transfer in India (2026 Updated Guide)

by SMCIB on Saturday, 28 February 2026

Form 29: Everything You Need to Know for Vehicle Ownership Transfer in India (2026 Updated Guide)

Overview:

Question

Direct Answer

What is Form 29?

Form 29 is a mandatory RTO form used to notify the Regional Transport Office about the transfer of vehicle ownership.

Who submits it?

The seller (existing vehicle owner).

Is it compulsory?

Yes, under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and CMVR Rules, 1989.

When to submit?

Immediately after selling or transferring the vehicle.

Government Fee

₹150–₹500 depending on vehicle category.

Time Limit

14 days (same state), 45 days (interstate).


 

What is Form 29?

Form 29 is officially titled:

“Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle”

It is prescribed under Rule 55(1) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

The seller submits Form 29 to inform the RTO that ownership of the vehicle has been transferred to another person. Without submitting Form 29, the seller remains legally responsible for:

  • Traffic violations
  • Accidents
  • Criminal misuse
  • Insurance liabilities

This form protects the seller from future legal and financial risks.
 

Why Form 29 is Legally Important in India?

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (amended 2019):

  • Ownership transfer must be officially recorded in RTO records.
  • Failure to notify may attract penalties under Section 177.
  • Insurance claims may get rejected if ownership is not updated.

The vehicle database is maintained centrally under the VAHAN portal by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH). Form 29 ensures legal compliance and proper record updates.
 

When Do You Need Form 29?

You must submit Form 29 in these cases:

  1. Selling Your Vehicle
    Car or bike sale to an individual buyer.
     
  2. Transferring Within Same State
    Ownership change within the same RTO jurisdiction.
     
  3. Interstate Transfer
    When the vehicle moves permanently to another state.
     
  4. Gifting to Family Member
    Even if no money is exchanged.
     
  5. Auctioned or Bank-Seized Vehicle
    Transfer after repossession or public auction.

Form 29 vs Form 30 (Most Confused Topic)

Criteria

Form 29

Form 30

Purpose

Notice of transfer

Application for transfer

Filled by

Seller

Buyer

Legal Function

Protects seller

Registers buyer as new owner

Mandatory

Yes

Yes

Submitted Together?

Yes

Yes


Both forms are compulsory for completing ownership transfer.
 

Official Form 29 Format & Government Download Link



Where to Download Official Form 29 (Government Source)

You must download Form 29 from the official Government portal:

Parivahan Sewa Portal - Managed by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH)

Official domain ends with: .gov.in

Search path:

Parivahan → Information Services → Downloadable Forms → Form 29


The government only provides a legal PDF version — not a styled preview image — to prevent misuse or outdated formats.

Here is the link to the form - https://parivahan.gov.in/sites/default/files/DownloadForm/cmvr/FORM-29.pdf


 

Documents Required with Form 29

Document

Required?

Notes

Original RC

Yes

Mandatory

Form 30

Yes

Signed by buyer

Valid Insurance

Yes

Active policy required

Valid PUC

Yes

Mandatory under law

Buyer Address Proof

Yes

Aadhaar, Passport etc.

PAN (if applicable)

Conditional

High-value transfer

NOC from Financier

If loan exists

Mandatory


 

Step-by-Step Process to Submit Form 29

  • Step 1: Download Official Form from Parivahan portal.
  • Step 2: Fill vehicle details like Registration number, chassis number, engine number.
  • Step 3: Enter Buyer Information - Full name and permanent address.
  • Step 4: Sign the Form and remember that seller signature is mandatory.
  • Step 5: Submit at RTO either physically or partially online (depending on state).
  • Step 6: Pay transfer fees as per vehicle category.
  • Step 7: Track status on Parivahan using registration number.

Ownership Transfer Fees (2026 Updated)

Vehicle Type

Transfer Fee

Two-Wheeler

₹150

Car (Private)

₹300

Transport Vehicle

₹500+

Smart Card RC

₹200 additional


(State-wise variations may apply.)
 

Time Limit to Submit Form 29

Transfer Type

Deadline

Within Same State

14 days

Interstate Transfer

45 days


Delays may attract penalties.
 

What Happens If You Don’t Submit Form 29?

If you skip Form 29:

  • You remain liable for traffic challans.
  • Accident compensation claims may come to you.
  • Insurance disputes may arise.
  • Criminal liability risk increases.

Always submit immediately after sale.

Disclaimer:The information provided on this platform is intended for general awareness and educational purposes. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, some details may change with policy updates, regulatory revisions, or insurer-specific modifications. Readers should verify current terms and conditions directly with relevant insurers or through professional consultation before making any decision.

All views and analyses presented are based on publicly available data, internal research, and other sources considered reliable at the time of writing. These do not constitute professional advice, recommendations, or guarantees of any product’s performance. Readers are encouraged to assess the information independently and seek qualified guidance suited to their individual requirements. Customers are advised to review official sales brochures, policy documents, and disclosures before proceeding with any purchase or commitment.
 

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FAQs

Yes. It applies to all registered motor vehicles.

Some states allow partial online processing via Parivahan portal. Physical verification may still be required.

7–15 days (same state) and up to 30 days (interstate).

The RTO retains the original. Seller should keep a copy.

Only before processing. After approval, legal procedures apply.

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