Get Vehicle Fitness Certificate from RTO: Documents, Fees, How to Apply, & Renewal

What is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?

A vehicle fitness certificate or FC is a document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It certifies that the vehicle is mechanically fit for operating on the road and complies with the necessary safety and emission norms set by the government. It is mandatory to have the vehicle fitness certificate, alongside other documents, like car insurance, registration certificate, driving licence and PUC certificate.

New vehicles come with an FC that stays valid up to a specified number of years. After that, it needs to be periodically renewed to ensure compliance, which is done with the help of a series of necessary inspections and tests.

Why is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Important?

The fitness certificate or FC in car has a broader significance. Here’s why you need to have it for your car:

Legal mandate:

According to the law, you need a valid vehicle fitness certificate for your car in order to legally drive on public roads. By having a car fitness certificate, you can easily comply with this mandate.

Potential fines:

If you are caught driving a car without a valid FC, you may be subjected to hefty fines. By having a valid car fitness certificate, you can avoid these fines.

Road safety:

An FC is only issued for your car if it passes the necessary mechanical and technical evaluations by the RTO, covering components like brakes, lights, steering, etc. A fit car is less prone to accidents, ensuring the safety of the driver as well as others on the road.

Environmental effect:

The fitness certificate also evaluates whether the car complies with the latest emission norms. By identifying older vehicles with high emission levels, the inspection ensures that only well-maintained and compliant cars remain on the road, effectively controlling air pollution.

Peace of mind:

A car fitness certificate ensures your vehicle has a clean bill of health and is fit for the road. Knowing this, you can drive with confidence, without worrying about unexpected mechanical failures or RTO fines.

How to Apply for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Online?

You can now apply for a vehicle fitness certificate for your car online via the official Parivahan Sewa website. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the official Parivahan Sewa website.
2. Go to “Online Services,” then “Vehicle Related Services.”
3. Select your state and RTO, then click on “Application for Fitness Certificate.”
4. Enter your mobile number and the vehicle registration and chassis number.
5. Complete OTP verification and click “Show Details.”
6. Fill in the necessary details and cross-check information.
7. Click on “payment” and pay the necessary application fees online.
8. Download and print the fee receipt and application.
9. Visit the RTO with these documents and complete the vehicle inspection.

If your car successfully clears the inspection test, the RTO will issue its fitness certificate.

How to Apply for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Offline?

If you want, you can submit the application for a car fitness certificate for your vehicle locally, at the RTO. Here’s how to get it done:

1. Visit your local RTO.
2. Fill out the necessary forms.
3. Submit it to the RTO with the supporting documents.
4. Pay the vehicle fitness certificate fee at the cash counter.
5. Bring your vehicle to the RTO for the inspection on the designated date.

Upon successful clearance, the RTO will issue the fitness certificate for your car.

Cost of Obtaining a Vehicle Fitness Certificate

When you apply for the vehicle fitness certificate, you have to pay a fee for the procedure. The following chart highlights the certificate of car fitness price in detail:

Fitness Test Fees (Standard/Base Rates)

These rates generally apply to vehicles under 15 years of age:

• Bikes and Scooters:
  Manual test: ₹200
  Automated test: ₹400
• Three-wheelers and Cars (LMV):
  Manual test: ₹400
  Automated test: ₹600
• Heavy/Medium Motor Vehicles:
  Manual test: ₹600
  Automated test: ₹1,000
• Grant/Renewal Charges (Administrative): ₹200 (Fixed charge for the certificate itself)

Note: As of 2025, fees are now age-dependent, where vehicles older than 10, 15 or 20 years may be charged with “Green Tax” and a significantly higher fitness inspection fee. Additionally, there is a late fee of ₹50/day, applicable after FC expiry. Please refer to the official Parivahan website for the latest fees.

Documents Required for Vehicle Fitness Certificate

These are the documents you need to provide when applying for a vehicle fitness certificate for your car:

1. Form 22, or Certificate of Roadworthiness
2. Form 21, or Sale Certificate
3. Original vehicle RC
4. Pollution under control certificate
5. Valid car insurance certificate
6. Road tax payment receipt
7. Proof of the owner’s address and ID
8. Passport-size photos of the owner
9. Pencil imprint of vehicle chassis and engine number.

How to Download Vehicle Fitness Certificate Online?

After the car fitness certificate has been issued, you can download it online by following these steps:

1. Go to the Parivahan Sewa website.
2. Navigate to the “Vehicle Related Services” under “Online Services.”
3. Choose your state and RTO to proceed.
4. Click on “Print Fitness Certificate” from the “Download Document” drop-down menu.
5. Provide the application number and the vehicle registration number.
6. Click on “Verify Details” and follow the instructions on-screen to download or print the vehicle fitness certificate.

Validity of a Vehicle Fitness Certificate

In India, new private cars have a fitness certificate validity of 15 years from the date of purchase. You need to renew the fitness certificate for car after 15 years. Thereafter, the interval for renewal is every 5 years. The FC is valid for 2 years for commercial vehicles not older than 8 years old. For commercial vehicles older than 8 years, FC needs to be renewed annually.

Alongside your vehicle fitness certificate, make sure to stay up-to-date with your car insurance. At Jio Insurance Broking, you can instantly compare and buy car insurance from top insurance providers in India.

Steps to Renew Vehicle Fitness Certificate

If the fitness certificate of your car is about to expire or has already expired, make sure to renew it on time. Here are the steps to renew it online:

1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa website and go to Vehicle Related Services.
2. Click on “Apply for Fitness Renewal” and proceed.
3. Enter the necessary details and complete OTP verification.
4. Fill the form, check the details and pay the applicable car fitness renewal price online.
5. Print the receipt and form and visit the RTO with the vehicle for inspection.
6. Upon successful clearance of the test, the FC will be renewed.

Conclusion

Obtaining a vehicle fitness certificate is essential for legal compliance and road safety. With simplified online and offline methods, you can secure the FC of your vehicle in just a few easy steps. Keep your car roadworthy to avoid fines and ensure a smooth, worry-free driving experience.

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