Sold your vehicle, but the buyer hasn't transferred the RC? Here’s what to do.

If you have sold your car or motorcycle, but the buyer has failed to transfer the Registration Certificate (RC) despite your repeated requests, do not take this lightly. Having your name remain in government records as the registered owner can lead to serious complications.

Have you sold your car or motorcycle to someone else? If the buyer has not yet transferred the RC into their own name, do not ignore the situation. If your name remains in government records as the owner of a vehicle you have already sold, you could face significant trouble.

It is important to note that if your name remains in government records after the sale, you could face financial and legal issues in the event of an accident, traffic violation, or any criminal incident involving the vehicle. Therefore, you should take the necessary steps in a timely manner.

First steps to take

Begin by informing the RTO (Regional Transport Office) about the sale of your vehicle. You can visit the relevant RTO office to provide this information. Submit copies of Form 29 and Form 30, documents related to the sale, proof of payment, and a copy of the buyer’s identification. Most importantly, ensure you keep a receipt of your submission; this will serve as proof that you have formally notified the authorities about the sale.

Send a legal notice

If the buyer refuses to transfer the RC despite your repeated requests, you may send them a legal notice. Seek assistance from a lawyer to ensure the legal process is followed correctly. Additionally, send a copy of the legal notice to the relevant RTO and your local police station via speed post. Retain the delivery receipts and any other related records for your own files.

Inform the police

Furthermore, if the buyer continues to ignore your requests, visit your nearest police station and file a formal written complaint. In your complaint, be sure to provide essential details, such as when the vehicle was sold, the buyer's name, and any other relevant information. Also, mention that the buyer has not yet transferred the Registration Certificate (RC) into their own name.

Keep the following points in mind:

Retain the sale agreement and any receipts related to the payment.
Keep documents pertaining to the handover of the vehicle to the buyer.
Most importantly, do not rely solely on the buyer; maintain your own record of the sale.
Additionally, you should periodically check the status of the RC transfer.