Introduction

RTO Chandigarh, operating under the code CH-01, is the primary transport authority for the Union Territory and is commonly known as RTO Chandigarh across official and public services. The RTO Chandigarh office is responsible for managing all major transport-related functions, including issuing driving licences, vehicle registration, permits, fitness certificates, and enforcement of traffic regulations.

With the help of RTO Chandigarh, services such as new driving licence applications, RC updates, e-challan payments, and vehicle-related documentation have become faster, more transparent, and highly convenient for residents of the city.

Driving Licence Services

Through the Sarathi portal, applicants can:

Apply for a Learner's Licence (LL) and book the LL test slot

Apply for a Permanent Driving Licence (DL) after the mandatory 30-day gap from LL issuance

Renew an expiring or expired driving licence

Apply for a duplicate DL if lost or damaged

Update address details on an existing licence

Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP)

A permanent DL issued in Chandigarh is valid for 20 years or until the holder turns 50, whichever comes first, after which renewal is required.

Vehicle Registration (RC) Services

Vehicle Registration (RC) services are available through the Vahan portal, providing a digital and convenient way to manage vehicle-related documents.

The Registration Certificate (RC) is a mandatory legal document that confirms ownership of a vehicle under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Key RC Services Available:

Apply for a permanent RC after purchasing a new vehicle.

Track RC application status using the “Know Your Application Status” feature on the Vahan portal.

Renew permanent RC before the 15-year validity period expires to ensure continued legal use of the vehicle.

Apply for a duplicate RC in case the original document is lost, damaged, or stolen.

Request ownership transfer when selling or purchasing a vehicle.

Update vehicle records by applying for an address change in the RC.

Add or remove hypothecation details when a vehicle loan is taken or fully repaid.

Fee Details:

Registration cost for two-wheelers is approximately ₹300.

Registration cost for four-wheelers is approximately ₹600.

Higher fees apply for commercial vehicles, luxury vehicles, and imported vehicles as per government rules.

Importance of RC Services:

Ensures legal ownership of the vehicle.

Helps maintain updated and accurate vehicle records.

Reduces paperwork through online processing.

Improves transparency and efficiency in RTO services.

Vehicle Detail and Status Checks

RTO Chandigarh's online services also include quick, free lookups:

Know Your Vehicle Details — check owner name, registration validity, insurance, and PUC status by entering the registration number

RC status check — confirm whether a registration or renewal application has been processed

Fitness and permit status — relevant for commercial vehicle owners

These checks are useful before buying a used vehicle or confirming your own vehicle's compliance status.

E-Challan and Road Tax Payment

e-Challan status and payment: Search by vehicle number, challan number, or DL number on echallan.parivahan.gov.in to view and settle pending traffic fines online.

Road tax payment: Vehicle owners can pay lump-sum road tax (calculated on the ex-showroom price) online instead of visiting the RTO counter.

PUC and Other Certificate Checks

While PUC certificates themselves are issued at authorised testing centres, their validity can be checked online. Petrol vehicle PUCs are valid for one year, and diesel vehicle PUCs for six months.

Services That Still Require an RTO Visit

Not everything is fully online. Applicants typically still need to visit RTO Chandigarh in person for:

The driving test for a permanent DL

Biometric verification, in some cases

Physical vehicle inspection during registration

Conclusion