How to Download Vehicle RC Online in 2026
You can download vehicle RC online as a digital copy through DigiLocker, the mParivahan app, or the official Parivahan Sewa portal, using just your vehicle registration number and the last five digits of your chassis number. Digital RCs issued this way are legally valid across India under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways guidelines, so you no longer need to carry the physical smart card everywhere.
What You Need to Download Vehicle RC Online
Keep the following ready before you download vehicle RC online:
- Vehicle registration number
- Last 5 digits of the chassis number
- A registered mobile number that can receive OTP, ideally linked to Aadhaar for DigiLocker
How to Download Vehicle RC Online via DigiLocker
DigiLocker is one of the easiest and most secure ways to access your digital RC online.
Follow these steps to download vehicle RC online through DigiLocker.
Open the DigiLocker app or website
Log in to DigiLocker using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Go to Issued Documents
Navigate to the Issued Documents section on your dashboard.
Select Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Choose Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, then select Registration Certificate.
Enter your vehicle details
Type your vehicle registration number and the last 5 digits of your chassis number.
Verify with OTP
Complete OTP verification sent to your registered mobile number.
Download the RC PDF
Save your digital RC as a PDF, which is stored securely in your DigiLocker for offline access anytime.
Other Ways to Download Vehicle RC Online
Besides DigiLocker, you can download vehicle RC online through the mParivahan app by opening the RC Dashboard and entering your registration and chassis details, or through the official Parivahan Sewa (VAHAN) portal under Online Services and Vehicle Related Services. The UMANG app also offers RC-related services under its Parivahan Services section, using the same registration number and OTP verification process.
Is a Digital RC Legally Valid?
Yes. Under a 2018 Ministry of Road Transport and Highways advisory, digital RCs issued through DigiLocker and mParivahan are legally valid across India and accepted by traffic police in place of the physical smart card. However, screenshots, edited PDFs, or photos of your RC from your phone gallery are not accepted, only the official document downloaded from these government-recognized apps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to download vehicle RC online with an inactive mobile number that can no longer receive OTPs
- Entering the full chassis number instead of just the last 5 digits as most portals expect
- Using unofficial third-party sites that charge fees or ask for extra personal details beyond registration and chassis number
- Showing a screenshot instead of the actual DigiLocker or mParivahan document during a traffic check
Vehicle RC Download FAQs
What details do I need to download vehicle RC online?
You need your vehicle registration number and the last 5 digits of your chassis number, along with a registered mobile number for OTP verification.
Is the digital RC from DigiLocker valid for traffic checks?
Yes, digital RCs from DigiLocker and mParivahan are legally valid across India under a 2018 government advisory and are accepted by traffic police.
What if my mobile number is not updated with my vehicle registration?
You will need to update your mobile number through the Parivahan portal or your RTO before you can complete OTP verification.
Can I download vehicle RC online without Aadhaar?
DigiLocker login typically requires an Aadhaar-linked mobile number, but the mParivahan app and VAHAN portal can work with just your registered mobile number.
Is a screenshot of my RC acceptable during a traffic stop?
No, only the actual document accessed through DigiLocker, mParivahan, or another official government app is accepted, not screenshots or saved images.
Final Thoughts
Downloading your vehicle RC online through DigiLocker or mParivahan takes just a few minutes and gives you a legally valid digital copy you can access anytime. For related transport services, see our guides on how to download driving licence online and check driving licence status online.
