Police & notices › Vehicle RC transfer or second-hand vehicle
Bought a stolen or fake-paper vehicle
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Make my own list — free, 2 minutesYour situation
- Are you the buyer or the seller? Buyer
- What is the problem? Vehicle had hidden problems or was stolen
Papers to gather
- RC copy and vehicle details (registration, chassis, engine number)
Basic proof. Where: mParivahan / DigiLocker. - Sale agreement / delivery note with date and time of handover, and payment proof
Shows you were not in control after that time. Where: Your copy; bank records. - Inspection report, service history, insurance claim history
Proves misrepresentation. Where: Mechanic; insurer; service centre. - The advertisement and messages describing the vehicle
Shows what was misrepresented. Where: Platform listing; chats.
What the law says
Under Section 50 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the seller must report the sale to the registering authority (within 14 days in the same state) and the buyer must apply for transfer within 30 days, using Forms 29 and 30 on the Vahan portal. A loan (hypothecation) must be closed with Form 35 and the bank’s NOC. The Supreme Court has held that the registered owner can remain liable for accidents until the transfer is recorded. Fraud in a sale (hidden accidents, tampered odometer, stolen vehicle) can be a criminal and consumer matter.
General information, not legal advice.
Saboot will also ask
- How was it sold?
- Was a written sale agreement or delivery note signed?
Similar situations
- Sold my car but RC is still in my name
- Bought a second-hand car with a hidden loan
- Dealer took money but didn’t transfer the RC
Sources
- Parivahan — vehicle services (Vahan)
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- NALSA — free legal aid
The full guide: Bought or sold a vehicle — RC not transferred, challans on old vehicle, or second-hand fraud · All situations