Delhi Blast Reminder: Essential Checks Before Buying a Used Car

The recent Delhi blast has once again highlighted a serious issue—negligence in verifying ownership of second-hand cars. Investigations revealed that the vehicles used in the attack were old cars whose ownership transfer had not been properly completed. This incident serves as a crucial reminder that buying or selling a used car isn’t just about price and condition—it’s about ensuring all legal documents and ownership details

are properly verified.

Check These Documents Before Buying a Used Car

Every month, thousands of used cars are sold across India. However, many buyers and sellers skip proper documentation, thinking it’s just a formality. This can lead to major legal trouble if the vehicle is misused later—sometimes even implicating the original owner.

To stay safe, always verify and update the following documents before completing the deal

RC (Registration Certificate) – Ensure the seller’s name matches the RC and that ownership transfer is initiated immediately.
Insurance Certificate – The car must have valid insurance, and the policy should be transferred to your name after purchase.
PUCC (Pollution Under Control Certificate) – A valid pollution certificate is mandatory for all vehicles.
NOC (No Objection Certificate) – If the car is from another state or under a previous loan, make sure to get an NOC from the concerned RTO or bank.

Even a small oversight in these steps can lead to hefty fines or criminal implications, as seen in recent cases.

Ownership Transfer Is Mandatory

Transferring ownership is the most important step in any used car transaction. Both the buyer and the seller must ensure this process is completed promptly to avoid future disputes or liabilities.

Step-by-Step Process

Fill Out the Required Forms:

Form 29 and Form 30 – For transfer of ownership.
Form 28 – Required if the car is being moved to another state.

Form 35 and NOC from the bank – Needed if the car was under a loan.

Prepare All Necessary Documents:

Original RC, valid insurance, and PUCC (from the seller).
ID and address proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, etc.) from the buyer.
Passport-size photographs and PAN card/Form 60/61 (in some states).
Traffic police clearance certificate, if required.

Submit at the RTO:

All forms and documents must be submitted to the buyer’s RTO office.

You can start the process online via Parivahan.gov.in, but final submission requires hard copies at the RTO.

Pay the Fees and Taxes:

The buyer must pay transfer fees, pending taxes, and any outstanding challans.
Failure to do so may delay or block ownership transfer.

Receive the New RC:

Once all verifications are complete, the RTO issues a new Registration Certificate in the buyer’s name.
The process usually takes a few weeks.

Key Takeaway

Whether you’re buying or selling a used car, proper paperwork is as important as the car itself. Always verify the vehicle’s ownership, documents, and loan history before closing the deal. Ignoring these steps could lead to serious legal and financial troubles in the future.