RTO Information Online: Codes, Offices & Services
Every Indian vehicle number begins with a two-letter state code followed by an RTO code, like MH-12 or DL-08. That code tells you exactly which Regional Transport Office registered the vehicle. This guide explains how to find any RTO’s code, address and services online, and which RTO services you can finish from home without standing in a queue.
What Is an RTO and What Does It Do?
A Regional Transport Office is the government authority that registers vehicles, issues driving licences, collects road tax and enforces the Motor Vehicles Act in its jurisdiction. India has over a thousand RTOs and sub-RTOs (ARTOs), each identified by a unique code.
The RTO code is the number right after the state letters on every number plate. MH-12 is Pune, DL-01 is Delhi’s Mall Road RTO, KA-05 is Bengaluru South. If you can read a plate, you can find its RTO.
Major RTO Codes in India
Here are the codes for the busiest RTOs. For the complete list, the Parivahan portal publishes the full state-wise directory.
| State | Code range | Major RTOs |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | MH-01 to MH-50+ | MH-01/02/03 Mumbai, MH-12 Pune, MH-14 Pimpri-Chinchwad, MH-31 Nagpur |
| Delhi | DL-01 to DL-16 | DL-01 Mall Road, DL-04 Janakpuri, DL-07 Mayur Vihar, DL-08 Dwarka |
| Karnataka | KA-01 to KA-60+ | KA-01/02/03/04/05 Bengaluru, KA-19 Mangaluru |
| Tamil Nadu | TN-01 to TN-99 | TN-01/02 Chennai, TN-38 Coimbatore, TN-57 Dindigul |
| Uttar Pradesh | UP-14 to UP-90+ | UP-14 Ghaziabad, UP-16 Noida, UP-32 Lucknow, UP-65 Varanasi |
| Gujarat | GJ-01 to GJ-38 | GJ-01 Ahmedabad, GJ-05 Surat, GJ-06 Vadodara |
| West Bengal | WB-02 to WB-30+ | WB-02/04/06 Kolkata, WB-12 Howrah |
| Rajasthan | RJ-01 to RJ-55 | RJ-14 Jaipur, RJ-19 Jodhpur, RJ-27 Udaipur |
| Telangana | TS-07 to TS-36 | TS-09 Hyderabad Central, TS-10 Secunderabad |
| Punjab | PB-01 to PB-91 | PB-10 Ludhiana, PB-02 Amritsar, PB-65 Mohali |
How to Find Your RTO Online
Three quick ways:
1. From your number plate. The state and RTO code are printed on every plate. Match the code against the Parivahan RTO directory.
2. On the Parivahan portal. Go to parivahan.gov.in, open “Online Services” and choose your state. The portal lists every RTO with its code, address and contact details.
3. From an existing RC. Your RC status check shows the registering authority, which is your RTO.
If you are checking a vehicle before buying it, pair the RTO lookup with our vehicle owner details guide and driving licence check for the complete picture.
RTO Services: Online vs Offline
Most everyday RTO work has moved online through Parivahan. Here is what you can do from home and what still needs a visit:
Fully or mostly online:
- Driving licence application, renewal and duplicate licence
- Learner’s licence test (in many states)
- RC services: duplicate RC, renewal, address change, hypothecation endorsement or termination
- Ownership transfer application
- Road tax payment
- E-challan payment and status checks
- Fancy number booking and HSRP ordering
- International driving permit application
Still needs an RTO visit:
- Driving skill test for a permanent licence
- Vehicle fitness inspection (transport vehicles)
- Biometric and document verification where mandated
- Number plate physical affixation verification in some states
Even for online services, keep your documents scanned and ready: Aadhaar, address proof, existing RC or licence, insurance and PUC where applicable.
RTO Timings and What to Expect on a Visit
Most RTOs work Monday to Friday, roughly 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with lunch closure around 1:00–2:00 PM. Some states open limited Saturday counters for licence tests. Timings vary by state and by office, so confirm on your state transport department’s website before going.
Practical tips for a visit: go early on a weekday, carry originals plus one photocopy set of every document, and book any available online slot first. Many RTOs now call token numbers from online appointments before walk-ins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find which RTO my vehicle is registered at?
Read the code on your number plate (the number after the state letters, e.g. 12 in MH-12) and match it in the Parivahan RTO directory, or check your RC, which names the registering authority.
Can I transfer my vehicle to a different RTO?
Yes. Within a state it is a change-of-address application; across states it needs an NOC and re-registration. Our ownership transfer guide covers the full process.
Are RTO services available on weekends?
Generally no. Most RTOs operate Monday to Friday. A few states run limited Saturday slots for driving tests, check your state transport site.
What documents do I need for most RTO services?
Typically Aadhaar, address proof, the existing RC or driving licence, passport photos, and insurance/PUC for vehicle services. The Parivahan portal lists exact documents per service.
My RTO code does not appear in online lists. Why?
New RTOs and ARTOs are created periodically, and third-party lists go stale. The Parivahan portal’s official directory is the authoritative source.
Can I choose any RTO in my state for registration?
Registration is tied to your address jurisdiction. Dealers usually register at the RTO covering the buyer’s address, and address proof must match that jurisdiction.
