When you buy a vehicle in India a two-wheeler, car, or any motor vehicle you need to register it with a regional transport office (RTO). As part of this process, you pay a tax levied by the state government, generally called “road tax” or “motor vehicle (MV) tax.” This tax is mandatory. It helps the government fund road construction, maintenance, vehicle regulation infrastructure, and other transport-related services.
Whether your vehicle is for personal use (private) or business/transport (commercial), paying this tax is essential. For many private vehicles, it may be a one-time payment, but in many states and for commercial vehicles, periodic payment or renewals might apply.
Who Has to Pay Road Tax
- Private vehicle owners If you buy a two-wheeler, car, or any vehicle for personal use.
- Commercial vehicle owners Goods vehicles, passenger vehicles, taxis, transport vehicles. These often follow separate tax rules: sometimes periodic payments or heavier taxes.
- If you move vehicles between states If a vehicle registered in one state is shifted to another state, there may be tax adjustments, re-registration, or new tax dues.
Essentially, any vehicle registered under the law must have applicable road tax paid failing which the vehicle may not be legally allowed on the road.
How Road Tax Is Calculated
The amount of road tax you pay depends on multiple factors. These include:
- Vehicle type: Two-wheeler, car, heavy vehicle, goods-carrier, commercial passenger vehicle, etc.
- Use of vehicle: Private vs commercial use. Commercial vehicles often have higher or periodic taxes.
- State laws and RTO jurisdiction: Each state defines its own tax rates/statutes — amounts can vary widely between states.
- Vehicle details: Sometimes engine capacity, seating or load capacity (for goods/passenger vehicles), and other specifications may affect tax.
- Tax type: One-time (lifetime/long-term) tax for private vehicles (in many cases) vs periodic (yearly/quarterly) tax for commercial vehicles.
Because of these variables, there is no single “tax amount.” Always check current state-wise rules when paying.
When and How Often Road Tax Is Paid
- At the time of first registration: When you register a new vehicle with RTO — tax is usually due immediately.
- Periodic (renewal) payment: For commercial vehicles or states that enforce recurring tax — could be yearly, quarterly, or as per local rules.
- After change of ownership or transfer between states: If vehicle is sold or moved to another state, new tax slabs or payment may apply.
It is important to keep track — non-payment or delay may attract penalties or make vehicle registration invalid.
How to Pay Road Tax Online via Parivahan / VAHAN
If you want to print or download the tax receipt of your vehicle, you must first open the official Parivahan Seva portal. You can reach the portal in two different ways
If you do not want to use the link, or if you are doing this process from a laptop, computer or any phone manually, then follow these steps:
- Open Chrome or any browser on your device.
- In the search bar, type Parivahan Seva.
- You will see a result named Parivahan Seva – Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
- Click on it.
- The official Parivahan Seva homepage will open, just like shown on the screen.
This is the main government portal where all vehicle related services are available.
Navigating to the Correct Section on Parivahan Portal
Once the homepage appears, you must look carefully at the menu options.
The section we need is called Online Services.
- Click on Online Services.
- Under this category, the first option will appear, which is related to various vehicle-related actions.
- You have to click on that option so that the service system can connect.
After clicking, the portal will ask you to select your state.
Selecting Your State
A drop-down list will appear containing all Indian states.
Choose the state where your vehicle is registered.
For example:
- If your vehicle belongs to Bihar, select Bihar.
- If it belongs to Uttar Pradesh, select UP, and so on.
As soon as you select your state, the page will load the available RTO offices of that state.
Selecting Your RTO Office
On the next screen, you will see a list of RTO offices from your selected state.
These are the offices where vehicles are registered and managed.
You must select the exact RTO where your vehicle registration was originally done.
For example, if your vehicle was registered in a specific district of Bihar, select that particular RTO from the list.
Once you select the correct RTO, the system will take you to the page where all related services can be accessed.
Finding the Reprint Receipt Option
On the page of your RTO service area, scroll down slightly.
You will see several options, but you must carefully find the option named:
Reprint Receipt
This option is usually located near the bottom of the list, often the second last option.
Click on Reprint Receipt to open the next step in the process.
Choosing the Method to Search Your Receipt
Once the Reprint Receipt page opens, you will notice several ways to search for your tax receipt. The portal gives different search methods for different situations.
The options usually include:
- Application Number
- Receipt Number
- Bank Transaction Number
- Registration Number Wise
Among these, the Registration Number Wise method is the simplest, most common and most accurate. Almost everyone remembers their vehicle registration number, so this option is recommended.
Click on Registration Number Wise.
Filling the Required Information
You will now see some fields that must be filled correctly to locate your receipt.
a.Select Tax Type
Choose the type of tax for which you want to download the receipt.
For example:
- Road Tax
- MV Tax
- Green Tax etc.
b. Select Payment Mode
You must indicate how you previously made the payment:
- If you paid Online, choose Online Service
- If you paid at the RTO Office, choose RTO Office Payment
c. Enter Your Vehicle Registration Number
Type your exact vehicle number here.
d. Enter Last 5 Digits of Chassis Number
The portal does not require the full chassis number.
Only the last 5 digits are needed.
You can find your chassis number on:
- RC (Registration Certificate)
- Vehicle body plate
- Insurance documents
After entering all details, click the Submit button.
Viewing Your Tax Receipt Details
Once you click submit, the portal will search for your tax record and display the details on your screen.
You will be able to see:
- Registration Number
- Transaction ID
- Type of Tax Paid
- Amount Paid
- Payment Date
- Payment Status (should show Successful)
A list of all your tax payments will appear if you have made multiple payments.
Now choose the specific tax receipt you want to print.
Printing the Tax Receipt
When you select the receipt, you will see a Print button on the right-hand side.
Click on Print.
A new page will open that contains your complete tax receipt details:
- State Name
- RTO Office
- Receipt Number
- Receipt Date
- Chassis Number
- Engine Number
- Vehicle Number
- Transaction Number
- Total Amount Paid (for example: 4691 Rupees)
This page is your official tax receipt.
At the top of this page, you will again see a Print button.
Click on that button.
Your computer or phone will now open the print menu.
You can:
- Print directly using your home printer
- Save as PDF and print somewhere else
- Store the PDF for your records
Your tax receipt is now successfully downloaded and printed.
Offline Payment Option — When & How
Although online payment is now common, offline payment is still used in some cases:
- At time of new vehicle registration: Often dealers or RTO handle road tax payment when registering a vehicle first-time.
- If your state or RTO does not support online payment: Some states or categories may still need manual payment.
- For commercial vehicles that require periodic tax payment or for vehicles with special tax treatment: Sometimes visiting RTO is necessary for verification or additional documentation.
In offline payment, you usually submit vehicle documents (invoice, RC, insurance), fill required forms, pay tax at counter, and get a stamped receipt. Always keep copy for record.
After Payment — What Happens & What You Get
- A digital receipt / e-receipt is generated — save this. It serves as proof of your tax payment.
- Vehicle record in VAHAN gets updated — showing that tax is paid. This helps at checkpoints or if you sell/transfer your vehicle.
- For commercial vehicles — ensures you meet legal requirements for operation; for private vehicles — helps keep registration valid.
- If you move to another state or transfer vehicle ownership — you can show this receipt for compliance during re-registration or tax adjustment.
What Documents or Details Are Needed
When paying tax (online or offline), you will likely need the following:
- Vehicle registration number (RC number).
- Last 5 digits of chassis number (for online verification).
- Registered mobile number for OTP verification (in online process).
- Valid insurance details, sometimes required by portal before allowing payment.
- Driver/Vehicles documents (for offline payment) RC copy, vehicle invoice, insurance, identity & address proof where needed.
Always double-check the details before payment so that records remain accurate.
Why Paying Road Tax Properly Is Important
- Legal compliance: Driving a vehicle without tax being paid is illegal, can lead to fines or penalties.
- Registration validity: Tax payment ensures your vehicle registration remains valid, especially during checks or when re-selling or transferring.
- Avoid complications during sale or state transfer: When selling or transferring a vehicle (within or between states), tax payment records are often required.
- Maintains transparent record in VAHAN: Digital payment ensures transparent, traceable record in the national database — helpful for identity, ownership and compliance checks.
What to Do If You Miss or Delay Payment
- If you delay payment or tax becomes due (in cases of periodic tax), you may be liable for penalties or late fees, depending on state rules.
- Vehicle may be considered unregistered or illegal for use until tax payment — risk of fines or legal issues.
- To avoid problems: check VAHAN periodically, note dues if any, and pay tax before expiry or due date.
FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I pay road tax online from home?
Yes. You can use the official Parivahan Sewa / VAHAN portal to pay road tax online. The process involves entering your registration number, verifying chassis number and OTP, and paying via online payment methods.
Q2. What if I don’t have internet or prefer offline payment?
You can pay tax offline at your local RTO office — especially when registering a new vehicle or when online options aren’t available for that state. Dealers often handle tax payment during new vehicle registration.
Q3. Is road tax the same across all states?
No. Tax amount and method vary by state, type of vehicle, and whether vehicle is private or commercial. Always check state-specific rules before paying.
Q4. What details do I need to pay tax online via VAHAN?
You need your vehicle registration number, last 5 digits of chassis number, registered mobile number (for OTP), and valid insurance details (often required).
Q5. Will I get a receipt after payment?
Yes. After payment, the portal generates a digital receipt / e-receipt. You should save or download it — it is important proof of payment.
Q6. Do I need to pay road tax every year?
It depends. For many private vehicles, tax may be one-time at registration. For commercial vehicles or in certain states, periodic payment may be required (yearly, quarterly, as per rules).
Q7. What happens if I don’t pay road tax?
Your vehicle may become unregistered or illegal for use. You could face penalties or legal action and your vehicle may not be permitted on roads.
Q8. If I move to another state with my vehicle, do I need to pay new tax?
Yes — often re-registration and tax payment are required when you transfer a vehicle between states. Tax slabs may change as per new state rules