Lost your vehicle registration paper? Follow our 2026 step-by-step guide to recover a physical Smart Card from your local RTO. Before applying on the Parivahan Sewa Portal (परिवहन सेवा), make sure to check your active RC status or view all available registration tools in the unified Vehicle services hub.
If your RC is lost or stolen, you must immediately file a complaint at the local police station or via their online portal. If your card is lost or stolen, consult the Parivahan vehicle guide to prevent illegal vehicle cloning. The RTO will not process a duplicate RC application without a valid FIR/NCR number.
In 2026, most State RTOs (including Delhi, UP, Maharashtra, and Karnataka) will block duplicate RC applications if the vehicle record is not linked to a verified High-Security Registration Plate. If your vehicle does not have an HSRP installed, you must book it online first. Learn how to book and track your plates in our interactive HSRP Number Plate Guide.
Visit the Vahan portal, enter your vehicle registration number, and select 'Apply for Duplicate RC'. Before you proceed, make sure to do a quick RC status check to confirm all vehicle specifications and registration validity are in order.
Select the reason (Lost, Stolen, or Damaged). Enter the Police Report Number and Date. If your registration is nearing its 15-year limit, you must complete your RC renewal and obtain a valid RTO mechanical fitness certificate before a duplicate card can be processed.
Pay the service fee online. Download the generated Form 26. In most states, you must visit the RTO to submit the physical file and perform an inspection if requested.
If your RC was stolen and you cannot file an e-FIR online, you must visit your local police station and then submit the physical report to your RTO.
Find your RTO Code & Office Details ➔Yes, if your RC is lost or stolen, you must file a First Information Report (FIR) or a Lost Property Report at the nearest police station. The report number is required for the RTO application.
Form 26 is the official application for the issue of a duplicate Certificate of Registration. It must be submitted in duplicate to the RTO.
The fee is typically the same as the initial registration fee (approx. ₹300 for bikes and ₹600 for cars), plus a smart card fee of ₹200.
Yes, digital copies of the RC on DigiLocker or mParivahan are legally valid under the IT Act. However, you should apply for a duplicate physical card if yours is lost or damaged. For immediate verification, you can check our detailed guide to Download RC PDF Online.
This service is powered by the national RTO database. To learn more about how the centralized transport system works and to access a complete list of 50+ services, visit our comprehensive VAHAN 4.0 guide. You can also return to the Parivahan Bharat homepage to explore state-wise RTO directories and DL forms.