Planning to move to another city and wondering how to take your car along? Whether it’s for a job transfer or a permanent relocation, shipping your car across Indian states involves more than just booking a transport service. There are a few important legal and documentation rules to follow to make sure your vehicle reaches safely and stays compliant.
Here’s a clear guide to what you need to know, and how Interem Relocations makes the entire process easy and worry-free.
1. Moving Your Car Between States — What the Law Says
Inter-state car relocation in India is governed by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which ensures all vehicles remain properly registered and taxed.
When You Need to Re-Register
- Short-term move (under 12 months): You can drive your car in another state with your existing registration
- Long-term move (over 12 months): You’ll need to re-register your vehicle in the new state and pay the relevant road tax
These laws help keep track of vehicles nationwide and ensure that taxes and safety requirements stay up to date.
2. Paperwork You’ll Need for Car Shipping
Before you schedule your car transport service, make sure you’ve gathered these essential documents:
- Registration Certificate (RC) – Original and photocopy
- Valid insurance policy
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Owner’s ID and address proof
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your RTO
- Transport permit, if needed
Why the NOC Matters
The No Objection Certificate confirms your car has no pending fines, loans, or legal issues. Without it, your new RTO can’t complete re-registration.
3. Road Tax — What You’ll Need to Pay in the New State
Every Indian state has its own road tax rate, usually based on the car’s cost, age, and type.
If you’re moving permanently:
- You must pay road tax in your new state
- You can apply for a refund of the tax you paid in your previous state once re-registration is complete
Example: If you move from Delhi to Karnataka, you’ll pay Karnataka’s road tax but can later claim a refund from Delhi’s RTO once you submit proof of re-registration.
4. Step-by-Step: How to Re-Register Your Car
If your relocation exceeds a year, you’ll need to re-register your car in the destination state within 30 days of arrival.
Here’s how the process works:
- Get an NOC from your current RTO
- Submit Form 27 and Form 33 at the new RTO
- Pay the applicable road tax
- Receive your new registration number and RC
Tip: Keep both your old and new RCs handy; they’re often required for insurance updates and resale verification.
5. How to Choose the Right Car Shipping Partner
A reliable car relocation service provider ensures your vehicle is transported safely and in full legal compliance.
Here’s What to Check:
- Valid RTO transport licence
- Transit insurance to protect against damage or loss
- Enclosed carriers for premium or delicate cars
- GPS tracking for live updates
- Inspection reports before and after delivery
Professional movers also guide you through paperwork like NOCs and tax payments, saving you time and effort.
6. How Interem Relocations Makes It Simple and Secure
At Interem Relocations, car transport isn’t just about moving vehicles; it’s about ensuring every relocation meets Indian transport laws while keeping your car safe at every step.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Expert help with RTO NOC and tax documentation
- GPS-enabled car carriers for real-time tracking
- Comprehensive transit insurance against damage or theft
- Door-to-door pickup and delivery
- Coordination with RTOs for seamless registration
Whether you’re shifting from Mumbai to Hyderabad or Pune to Chennai, Interem ensures a secure, timely, and fully compliant car relocation experience.
7. Pro Tips for a Smooth Car Relocation
A few small steps can make a big difference during your move:
- Empty your car before shipping — no personal items
- Take photos of your vehicle’s condition before pickup
- Keep duplicate copies of all paperwork
- Verify inspection reports at both ends
- Book your relocation early to avoid RTO or logistics delays
These precautions help ensure a stress-free and transparent experience
8. Your Car Shipping Questions, Answered
Q1. Is re-registration mandatory when moving to another state?
Yes. If you’re relocating for more than 12 months, re-registration is required under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Q2. How long does it take to get an RTO NOC?
Typically 7–21 working days, depending on the RTO’s workload and verification process.
Q3. Can I drive my car in another state without re-registration?
Yes, but only for up to 12 months, provided your documents and taxes are up to date and valid.
Q4. What’s the average cost of interstate car transport?
Prices vary by distance and vehicle type, generally between ₹8,000 and ₹25,000 for standard vehicles.
Q5. Does Interem Relocations offer insurance for car shipping?
Absolutely. All vehicle relocation services by Interem Relocations come with comprehensive transit insurance covering damage, theft, or weather-related risks.
Final Thoughts: Move Legally, Move Confidently
Relocating your car across states in India doesn’t have to be stressful; all it takes is the right preparation and a trusted moving partner. From road tax compliance to secure transportation, following these regulations ensures a safe and legal transfer.
With Interem Relocations, every detail, from RTO paperwork to vehicle safety, is handled with care and transparency. So you can focus on settling into your new city while we make sure your car gets there, the right way.