Lost Your Original PUC? How to Download a Digital Copy via Chassis Number (2026 Guide)

Losing your original PUC certificate can create stress, especially during traffic checks or vehicle document verification. Many vehicle owners assume they must visit a testing centre again or repeat the emission test. In reality, you can download a digital copy online within minutes.

The Government of India maintains a central database of emission test records through the VAHAN system, managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Every authorised PUC testing centre uploads your emission test data instantly. This allows vehicle owners to retrieve their certificate anytime using their registration number or chassis number.

This guide explains when you need a digital copy, how to download it using your chassis number, and how to ensure it is valid.
 

When Do You Need to Download a Digital PUC Certificate?

You may need a digital copy in the following situations:

• You lost the original printed PUC certificate
• The certificate was damaged or unreadable
• Traffic police asked for verification during the inspection
• You need document proof for insurance or vehicle transfer
• You want a backup copy stored on your phone

Digital copies stored in official government systems are fully valid.
 

Is the Digital PUC Certificate Legally Valid in India?

Yes. Digital PUC certificates are legally valid under Indian motor vehicle regulations.

Traffic police and enforcement officers verify your PUC status using:

• Vehicle registration number
• QR code verification
• VAHAN central database

You do not need to carry a physical paper copy if the digital version is available and valid.
 

Understanding the Chassis Number (VIN)

What is a Chassis Number?

The chassis number, also called Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), is a 17-character alphanumeric code unique to your vehicle. It's like an Aadhaar number for your car or bike.

Where to Find Your Chassis Number

 

Sample Chassis Number Format

MA3ERLF1S00C12345

• First 3 characters: World Manufacturer Identifier
• Next 6 characters: Vehicle descriptor
• Last 8 characters: Vehicle identifier

Method 1: Download PUC via Parivahan Portal (Official Method)

Step-by-Step Process

• Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
  • Go to parivahan.gov.in
  • No registration or login required for basic search
• Step 2: Navigate to PUC Section
  • Click on "Informational Services"
  • Select "Know Your PUC Details"
  • Alternative: Direct link - parivahan.gov.in/pucdetails
• Step 3: Enter Vehicle Details You can search using either:
  • Chassis Number (17 digits)
  • Vehicle Registration Number (e.g., MH02AB1234)
• Step 4: Enter Captcha
  • Type the security code displayed
  • Click "Get Details"
• Step 5: View and Download
  • PUC details appear on screen
  • Click "Download PUC Certificate"
  • PDF file downloads automatically
  • Save to your device or cloud storage

What Information You'll See

The downloaded PUC certificate contains:

• Vehicle registration number and chassis number
• Owner name and address
• Test date and validity period
• Emission values (CO, HC levels)
• Testing center name and registration number
• Unique PUC certificate number
• Digital signature (for post-2023 certificates)

 

Method 2: Vahan e-Challan Mobile App

Why Use the App?

• Works offline once data is synced
• Stores multiple vehicle details
• Sends PUC expiry reminders
• Available in 12 regional languages

Download and Setup

For Android:

• Open Google Play Store
• Search "mParivahan" or "Vahan Citizen"
• Download official app by MoRTH
• Install and grant necessary permissions

For iOS:

• Visit Apple App Store
• Search "mParivahan"
• Download and install

Steps to Retrieve PUC

1. Open mParivahan app
2. Tap on "RC & PUC Details"
3. Enter chassis number or registration number
4. Verify with OTP (if first-time use)
5. View PUC certificate
6. Tap "Share" to save as PDF or send via email/WhatsApp

Pro Tips for App Users

• Add your vehicle to "My Vehicles" for quick access
• Enable notifications for PUC renewal reminders
• Use the "Nearby Testing Centers" feature to find authorized stations

 

Method 3: DigiLocker Integration (Recommended for 2026)

What is DigiLocker?

DigiLocker is a government cloud storage service where your PUC certificate gets automatically uploaded after each test. It's linked to your Aadhaar number.

How to Access PUC via DigiLocker

First-Time Setup:

1. Download DigiLocker app or visit digilocker.gov.in
2. Sign up using mobile number
3. Complete Aadhaar-based eKYC
4. Create 6-digit PIN

Retrieve PUC Certificate:

1. Log in to DigiLocker
2. Go to "Issued Documents"
3. Select "Ministry of Road Transport and Highways"
4. Find "Pollution Under Control Certificate"
5. Click to view or download PDF

Link Multiple Vehicles:

• Go to "Issued Documents"
• Click "Get Document"
• Select VAHAN service
• Enter chassis number
• Certificate pulls automatically if available

Benefits of DigiLocker Method

• Legally valid as per IT Act, 2000
• No need to carry physical copy
• Automatic updates when you renew PUC
• Access from anywhere with internet
• Share digitally with insurance companies or RTO

 

Method 4: State Transport Website (State-Specific)

Some states have their own portals with enhanced features:

When to Use State Portals

• If national portal shows "Data Not Available"
• For vehicles registered before 2018 (some states have better legacy data)
• To check state-specific PUC regulations
• For regional language support

Required Information to Download PUC Certificate

 

What If You Don’t Have Registration Number?

You can still download the certificate using the chassis number.

The chassis number is unique to every vehicle and remains constant even if the vehicle registration changes.

You can find chassis number on:

• RC card
• Insurance policy
• Vehicle body (engraved section)
• DigiLocker vehicle documents

Where Else Can You Access Your Digital PUC Certificate?

You can also access it via:

1. DigiLocker App

• Log in to DigiLocker
• Search for “PUC Certificate”
• Fetch document using vehicle number

2. mParivahan App

• Open mParivahan
• Add your vehicle
• View PUC status instantly

Both apps are approved by government authorities.
 

How Long Does It Take for PUC Certificate to Appear Online?

Normally, PUC certificate appears online:

If your certificate does not appear after 24 hours, contact the testing centre.
 

What Happens If Your PUC Certificate Is Not Available Online?

This may happen due to:

• Fake or unauthorised testing centre
• Incorrect vehicle number entry
• Upload failure
• Expired certificate

In such cases, you must retest your vehicle at an authorised centre.
 

PUC Validity Period in India (2026)

Regular renewal is mandatory.
 

Why You Should Always Keep a Digital Copy?

Keeping a digital copy offers several advantages:

• Instant access during traffic checks
• No risk of losing paper certificate
• Accepted across India
• Easy backup on phone
• Useful for insurance and vehicle sale

Digital storage prevents compliance issues.
 

When Should You Renew Your PUC Certificate?

Renew your certificate:

• Before expiry date
• After completing initial 1-year validity
• Every 6 months after that

This keeps your vehicle legally compliant.
 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes:

• Downloading certificate from unofficial websites
• Using fake WhatsApp certificates
• Ignoring expiry dates
• Assuming paper copy is mandatory

Always verify using official government portal.
 

 

Summing Up

If you lose your original PUC certificate, you do not need to panic or repeat the emission test. You can download the digital copy instantly using your registration number or chassis number from the official Parivahan portal. The digital certificate is legally valid and accepted across India.

Always download your certificate from official government sources and store a digital backup on your phone. This helps you avoid fines, ensures compliance, and allows smooth vehicle operation without disruption.

FAQs