Karnataka RTO - Complete Guide to Registration, RTO Codes, DL & Road Tax (2025)

What is RTO? Role of RTO in Karnataka!

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Karnataka is a government organization established under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It oversees vehicle registration, driving licenses, road tax collection, and traffic regulation across the state. With over 67 RTO offices in Karnataka, the Transport Department ensures compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act and promotes road safety and environmental standards. The RTO’s primary goal is to regulate transportation, maintain vehicle records, and enforce rules to ensure safe and legal road use.

Functions of RTO Karnataka

Karnataka RTOs perform a wide range of functions to keep the state’s transportation system efficient and compliant. Below are the key responsibilities:

Vehicle Registration

The RTO manages the registration of new and used vehicles, issuing Registration Certificates (RCs) for private, commercial, and government vehicles. It ensures vehicles meet safety and emission standards before they hit the roads.

Issuance of Driving Licence

The RTO conducts tests and issues learners, permanent, and commercial driving licenses. It also handles renewals, duplicates, and international driving permits.

Road Tax Collection

The RTO collects road tax during vehicle registration and annually for commercial vehicles. These funds support road infrastructure and maintenance.

Pollution Control and NOC

The RTO enforces pollution standards by issuing Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and provides No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for vehicles moving to other states.

Transport Permits and Fitness Certificates

The RTO issues permits for commercial vehicles like taxis, buses, and auto-rickshaws. It also ensures vehicle roadworthiness by issuing fitness certificates after inspections.

Karnataka RTO Code List (District-wise)

Each RTO in Karnataka is assigned a unique code, starting with KA, followed by a number indicating the district or zone. These codes appear on vehicle number plates, identifying the registration location.

How to Use RTO Code While Registering Your Vehicle

When registering a vehicle, the RTO code is assigned based on the owner’s address or the district where the vehicle will primarily operate. For example, a vehicle registered in Bengaluru Central will carry the code KA-01. You’ll need to select the appropriate RTO during the registration process on the Parivahan portal or at the RTO office.

Karnataka RTO Code Table

Vehicle Registration in Karnataka RTO

Vehicle registration is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to legally drive in Karnataka. The RTO issues both temporary and permanent registration numbers based on the vehicle’s purpose and ownership.

Types of Vehicle Registration

Temporary Registration

Temporary registration is issued for new vehicles, valid for 7 to 30 days. It allows owners to drive while completing the permanent registration process.

Permanent Registration

Permanent registration is valid for 15 years for private vehicles and requires renewal thereafter. It involves a detailed process, including vehicle inspection and document verification.

Step-by-Step Vehicle Registration Process

1. Visit the RTO or Parivahan Portal: Go to the nearest RTO or access parivahan.gov.in.

2. Fill Form 20: Complete the application for vehicle registration. (Click here to download)

3. Submit Documents: Provide required documents (listed below).

4. Pay Fees and Road Tax: Pay at the RTO counter or online via the Parivahan portal.

5. Vehicle Inspection: An RTO officer verifies the vehicle’s chassis number and roadworthiness.

6. Receive RC: A smart card RC is issued within 7–21 days, sent by post, or collected from the RTO.

Documents Required for Vehicle Registration

To register a vehicle in Karnataka, you need:

• Form 20 (Application for Registration) (Click here)

• Form 21 (Sale Certificate from Dealer) (Click here to download)

• Form 22 (Roadworthiness Certificate) (Click here to download)      

• Address Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)

• Insurance Certificate (Click here to download)      

• Invoice from Dealer

• Passport-size Photos of the Owner

• PUC Certificate (Click here to download)      

• Form 34 (if under hypothecation) (Click here to download)

• NOC (if the vehicle is from another state) (Click here to download)

• Customs Clearance Certificate (for imported vehicles)

Other Key RTO Services in Karnataka

Fitness Certificate for Vehicles

The RTO issues fitness certificates for commercial vehicles after inspections to ensure roadworthiness. Private vehicles may require renewal after 15 years.

No Objection Certificate (NOC)

An NOC is required for transferring a vehicle to another state. Submit Form 28 along with the RC, insurance, and PUC certificate.

Vehicle Hypothecation Add/Remove

Hypothecation is noted on the RC for financed vehicles (Form 34). To remove it after loan repayment, submit Form 35 and a bank NOC.

Vehicle Registration Fees in Karnataka

Fees vary by vehicle type:

• Two-wheelers: ₹500

• Three-wheelers/Cars: ₹1,500

• Commercial Vehicles: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 (based on weight and capacity)
  Check the official Karnataka RTO website for the latest fee structure.

Road Tax in Karnataka

Road tax is mandatory and governed by the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Taxation Act. It’s calculated based on vehicle type, age, cost, and engine capacity.

Road Tax Slab Based on Vehicle Type

• Two-wheelers (below 50cc): 12% of vehicle cost

• Two-wheelers (above 50cc): 15% of vehicle cost

• Cars (below 1500cc): 13% -15% of vehicle cost

• Cars (above 1500cc): 18% of vehicle cost

• Commercial Vehicles: Based on weight and seating capacity

One-Time vs Annual Road Tax

• One-Time Tax: Paid during registration for private vehicles, valid for 15 years.

• Annual Tax: Applicable for commercial vehicles, paid yearly.

How to Pay Karnataka Road Tax Online

1. Visit parivahan.gov.in or transport.karnataka.gov.in.

2. Select Online Services and Tax Payment.

3. Enter your vehicle registration number and select the RTO.

4. Fill out the tax form and pay via card, net banking, or UPI.

5. Download the payment receipt.

How to Apply for Registration Online in Karnataka

1. Visit parivahan.gov.in and select Vehicle-Related Services.

2. Choose Karnataka and enter vehicle details.

3. Fill out Form 20 and upload documents.

4. Book a slot for vehicle inspection.

5. Pay fees and taxes online.

6. Visit the RTO for verification and collect the RC later.

Online Status Check via Parivahan or Sarathi

• Parivahan: Go to Know Your Vehicle Details, enter the registration number, and view RC status.

• Sarathi: Check driving license status under Apply Online.

How to Check Application Status with Karnataka RTO

• Visit transport.karnataka.gov.in or parivahan.gov.in.

• Enter the application number or vehicle registration number.

• Submit to view the status.

Track Using the Application Number or Registration Number

Use the Parivahan or Karnataka Transport Department website to track your application by entering the application or registration number.

Karnataka RTO Office Timings and Contact Details

Office Hours and Working Days

Most Karnataka RTO offices operate from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Saturday. Some offices may have specific hours; check locally.

Key RTO Locations with Address and Phone Number

Refer to the RTO Code Table above for addresses and contact numbers. For example:

• Bengaluru Central (KA-01): Shantinagar, Bengaluru - 560027, 080-22210994

• Mangaluru (KA-19): Bejai, Mangaluru - 575004, 0824-2220577

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the validity of a temporary registration in Karnataka?

Temporary registration is valid for 7 - 30 days, after which permanent registration is mandatory.

Q2. How can I check my vehicle’s RC status?

Visit parivahan.gov.in, select Know Your Vehicle Details, and enter your registration number.

Q3. What happens if I don’t pay road tax on time?

Karnataka offers a one-year grace period without penalties. After that, fines or vehicle impoundment may apply.

Q4. Can I use DigiLocker for vehicle documents?

Yes, digital RCs and licenses stored in DigiLocker are valid in Karnataka.

Q5. How do I remove hypothecation from my RC?

Submit Form 35, a bank NOC, and other documents to the RTO after loan repayment.