Find the RTO code and vehicle registration code of every Indian state and union territory, and learn what an RTO does and how to read a registration number.
28States
9Union Territories
1,000+RTO offices
2 lettersState code
Last updated:
What is an RTO code?
The Regional Transport Office (RTO) is a government authority responsible for vehicle registration, driving licences and other transport related services. An RTO code is a unique alphanumeric identifier given to an RTO region and it forms the first part of a vehicle's registration number. The RTO code list helps you identify the state and the registering office of any vehicle in India.
Every state and union territory has a two letter code, such as DL for Delhi, MH for Maharashtra and KA for Karnataka. After the state code come two digits that show the exact RTO office or district. This page lists the RTO codes of all 28 states and 9 union territories in one place, so you can find any code quickly.
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Codes follow the standard vehicle registration series. Always confirm a code and the RTO office on the Parivahan portal before you rely on it.
How to read a vehicle registration number
Every vehicle registration number is made of four parts. In the example MP 30 MF 7142, MP is the state code, 30 is the RTO office (Bhind), MF is the series letters and 7142 is the unique number of the vehicle. The first part is the RTO code.
MPState code30RTO officeMFSeries7142Vehicle no.
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The Bharat series (BH) was introduced in 2021 for vehicle owners who often shift between states. A BH number looks like 22 BH 1234 AA, where 22 is the year of registration, BH is the series, 1234 is the number and AA are the letters. Because it is not tied to one state, the vehicle does not need to be re-registered when the owner moves to another state.
The Regional Transport Office is the government body that manages vehicles and drivers in its region.
Vehicle registration
Registers new vehicles and issues the registration number and certificate.
Driving licences
Conducts driving tests and issues learner and permanent driving licences.
Road tax and fees
Collects road tax, registration fees and other charges on vehicles.
Law enforcement
Enforces the Motor Vehicles Act and traffic rules on the road.
Safety and emission checks
Inspects vehicles for roadworthiness, safety and pollution norms.
Permits
Grants permits for goods carriers, taxis, buses and other transport vehicles.
Key responsibilities of an RTO
Maintain the RTO code list and the registration series of the region
Verify vehicle documents such as the invoice, insurance and identity proof
Update the address in vehicle records when the owner relocates
Process the transfer of ownership when a vehicle is sold
Re-register vehicles that are moved from one state to another
Common RTO services
1
New vehicle registration
Submit your identity proof, address proof, sale certificate, insurance and other vehicle documents to the RTO. It checks them and gives your vehicle a registration number that starts with the state code.
2
Moving to another state
When you shift to a new state, apply to the RTO of that state to re-register the vehicle. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the old RTO is usually needed, and this should be done within 12 months.
3
Transfer of ownership
The buyer and seller submit the transfer documents to the RTO. After checking them, the RTO updates the record and the new owner gets the registration certificate.
Important RTO forms
Important RTO forms
Form
Used for
Form 20
Application for registration of a motor vehicle
Form 21
Sale certificate issued by the dealer or manufacturer
Form 23
Certificate of registration (RC)
Form 24
Application for a motor vehicle registration or change of registration
Form 29
Notice of transfer of ownership of a vehicle
Form 38A
Inspection report of a vehicle
Form 50
Bill of lading for goods carried by a vehicle
Form 51
Certificate of insurance
Form 54
Accident information report
RTO and motor insurance
Valid insurance is compulsory to register a vehicle, and the RTO asks for the insurance certificate. When a vehicle is sold, the insurance transfer papers must also be submitted along with the ownership transfer documents. Insurance papers may also be needed when a commercial vehicle goes for a fitness inspection.
How to find the RTO code of a vehicle
1
Look at the number plate
The first two letters are the state code and the two digits after them are the RTO office, for example MH 12 means Pune in Maharashtra.
2
Check the RC book
The registration certificate shows the full registration number and the name of the registering RTO.
3
Use the Parivahan portal or mParivahan app
Enter the registration number to see the vehicle class, fuel type, registration date and the RTO that issued it.
4
Search this page
Type the state name or the two letter code in the search box above to jump straight to the right RTO code.
Frequently asked questions
What is an RTO code?
An RTO code is a short alphanumeric code that shows which state or union territory, and which Regional Transport Office, a vehicle is registered with. It is the first part of the registration number, for example KA for Karnataka or MH for Maharashtra.
What does the number after the state code mean?
The two digits after the state letters identify the RTO office or district inside that state. For example, MH-03 is the RTO at Wadala in Mumbai, so a vehicle registered there starts with MH 03.
How do I read a vehicle registration number?
Take the number MP 30 MF 7142. MP is the state, 30 is the RTO office, MF is the series letters and 7142 is the unique vehicle number.
How many RTOs are there in India?
India has more than a thousand RTO and sub-RTO offices spread across all states and union territories. The exact number keeps changing as new offices are opened. Always check the latest list on the Parivahan portal.
What does an RTO officer do?
An RTO officer registers vehicles, issues and renews licences, collects road tax, grants fitness certificates to commercial vehicles, enforces the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and runs road safety campaigns.
What is the full form of RTO?
RTO stands for Regional Transport Office. It is the state government office that works under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to register vehicles and issue driving licences in its region.
What is the BH series number plate?
The Bharat (BH) series was introduced in 2021 for people who move between states for work, such as central and state government employees, defence staff and private employees of companies with offices in four or more states. A BH registration stays valid across India, so you do not need to re-register when you shift.
Which state has the most RTO offices?
Large states with many vehicles such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka have a high number of RTO and sub-RTO offices. Maharashtra is also among the states with the highest number of registered vehicles.
Does Delhi have more than one RTO code?
Delhi uses the single state code DL, followed by a zone number such as DL 1 to DL 14, so different parts of the city are covered by different RTO offices.
Does the RTO code change if I move to another state?
Yes. If you shift to another state for a long time, you need to re-register your vehicle at the new state RTO and your vehicle gets a new registration number with that state code.
Why is Telangana shown as TG and not TS?
Telangana moved to the TG code for new vehicle registrations in 2024. Older vehicles registered earlier still carry the TS code.
How can I check vehicle details from the registration number?
You can use the Parivahan portal or the mParivahan app. Enter the registration number to see details such as vehicle class, fuel type and registration validity. Some owner details are hidden for privacy.
Source: Parivahan Sewa (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Please verify a code on the official portal before using it for any legal or official work.
