Deregistering an old car means officially removing your vehicle from the government transport records. Once deregistered, the car is no longer allowed to run on Indian roads. This process is mandatory when your vehicle is scrapped, permanently damaged, stolen, or exported out of India.
In India, a private car has a valid registration life of 15 years, and a commercial vehicle has 10 years. After this period, renewal is possible only if the vehicle passes the Fitness Test. If it fails or you decide not to renew, deregistration becomes compulsory.
As per government data, over 1 crore vehicles in India are older than 20 years, and many of them must be scrapped to reduce pollution. Old vehicles contribute nearly 10–12% of vehicular air pollution, even though they form a smaller percentage of total vehicles.
Parivahan Quick Actions (Official Links)
Use official government portals and apps for driving licence and vehicle related services.
This is an informational website. All buttons redirect to official government platforms.Deregistration helps you avoid penalties, road tax issues, and legal trouble. Once deregistered, your RC (Registration Certificate) becomes invalid, and the vehicle number cannot be reused unless permitted by authorities.
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When Is It Mandatory to Deregister Your Old Car
Deregistration is mandatory in several situations, not optional. The most common reason is vehicle age. If your car has completed 15 years and fails the mandatory fitness test, it must be deregistered.
Other cases include:
- Vehicle declared End-of-Life (ELV)
- Car damaged beyond repair due to accident or fire
- Vehicle stolen and not recovered for more than 6 months
- Permanent export of vehicle outside India
- Voluntary scrapping under the Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2021
According to the scrappage policy, vehicles failing fitness tests must be scrapped within 6 months. If not done, a penalty of ₹5,000–₹10,000 may be imposed depending on the state.
Driving a vehicle whose registration has expired can attract:
- Fine up to ₹5,000
- Additional daily penalty of ₹300
- Possible seizure of vehicle
So deregistering on time saves money and avoids legal risk.
Online Portal Used for Car Deregistration
The Government of India provides online services through Parivahan Sewa, managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
This portal allows citizens to:
- Apply for vehicle deregistration
- Initiate vehicle scrapping requests
- Upload documents online
- Track application status
- Book fitness test slots (if required)
The portal is available 24×7, and more than 30 crore vehicle records are already digitized on it. Around 90% of vehicle-related services can now be started online, reducing RTO visits.
You will need:
- Vehicle Registration Number
- Last 5 digits of chassis number
- Registered mobile number (OTP-based login)
Although the application starts online, final approval may still involve the RTO or authorized scrapping facility verification.
Step-by-Step Process to Deregister Your Old Car Online
Here is the simplified online process to deregister your old car:
- Visit the Parivahan portal
- Select “Vehicle Related Services”
- Enter registration number and OTP
- Choose reason for deregistration (scrap, stolen, export, etc.)
- Upload required documents
- Pay applicable fees
- Submit application
After submission, you receive an Application Reference Number, which is used for tracking. Processing time is usually 7–15 working days, depending on the RTO.
If scrapping is selected, the system redirects you to an Authorized Vehicle Scrapping Facility (AVSF). After physical scrapping, the facility uploads a Certificate of Vehicle Scrapping (CVS).
Once the CVS is verified, the RTO permanently cancels your RC.
Documents Required for Online Deregistration
Uploading correct documents is very important. Missing or incorrect files can delay your application by 10–20 days.
Common documents required:
- Original RC (Registration Certificate)
- Owner Aadhaar card
- Address proof (same as RC)
- Vehicle insurance copy (if available)
- Self-declaration form
- Passport-size photo
Additional documents in special cases:
- FIR copy for stolen vehicle
- Insurance settlement letter for accident cases
- Export approval documents for vehicle export
- Scrapping Certificate from AVSF
All documents must be uploaded in PDF or JPG format, usually under 200 KB per file. Make sure the name and address match the RC records to avoid rejection.
Fees and Charges for Deregistering an Old Car
Deregistration itself is mostly free, but some charges apply depending on the case.
Common fees:
- Deregistration application fee: ₹300–₹500
- Affidavit or notarization: ₹100–₹300
- Scrapping service charge: ₹3,000–₹8,000 (varies by vehicle size)
- Fitness test (if attempted): ₹600–₹1,000
If the vehicle is deregistered under the scrappage policy, you may receive benefits:
- Scrap value: 4–6% of ex-showroom price
- Road tax rebate up to 25% on new vehicle
- Manufacturer discount of ₹20,000–₹50,000
These benefits apply only if scrapping is done at an authorized facility.
Vehicle Scrappage Policy and Numerical Benefits
The Vehicle Scrappage Policy was introduced in 2021 to reduce pollution and improve road safety.
Key numerical points:
- Private vehicles: Mandatory fitness test after 15 years
- Commercial vehicles: After 10 years
- Fitness test fee: Around ₹600
- Pollution reduction target: 30–35%
- Expected scrap volume: 1 crore vehicles by 2030
Scrapping an old car can reduce carbon emissions by up to 20% per new vehicle replacement. It also increases fuel efficiency by 10–15% in newer models.
The policy is voluntary for private vehicles but becomes compulsory if the vehicle fails fitness tests.
How to Track Deregistration Status Online
After applying, you can track the status online using:
- Application Reference Number
- Vehicle Registration Number
Common status messages include:
- Application Submitted
- Pending at RTO
- Documents Verified
- Scrapping Certificate Uploaded
- RC Cancelled
Most applications are completed within 2–3 weeks. If the status remains unchanged for more than 30 days, you should contact the local RTO.
SMS updates are sent at each stage to the registered mobile number.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Many users face issues during deregistration. Common problems include:
- “No record found” error
- OTP not received
- RC details mismatch
- Scrapping certificate not updated
Solutions:
- Recheck chassis and engine number
- Use the same mobile number as RC
- Contact AVSF to upload CVS correctly
- Visit RTO only if online correction fails
Nearly 35% of delays happen due to document mismatch, so accuracy is key.
Final Tips and Legal Points to Remember
Never sell an old car without deregistering it. If the buyer commits an offence, you remain legally responsible until RC is cancelled.
Important reminders:
- Do not abandon old vehicles
- Always use authorized scrapping centers
- Keep digital and printed copies of cancellation receipt
- Apply within 6 months of RC expiry
Once deregistered, the vehicle number cannot be reused unless permitted by the RTO.
Deregistering your old car online is now simple, transparent, and time-saving. Doing it on time helps you stay legal, reduce pollution, and even save money on your next vehicle.