Interstate Used Truck Transfer: NOC (Form 28), Re-Registration, and Road Tax

A same-state transfer is Forms 29 and 30 at one RTO. Move the truck to a different state and you add three extra stages: an NOC from the old state, new-state road tax, and re-registration. Here is the full path. Same-state Form 29 and Form 30 steps stay in our ownership transfer guide (/blog/transfer-ownership-used-commercial-vehicle-india-forms-noc-timeline).

The 12-Month Rule

Under Section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a vehicle registered in one state can be used in another state for up to 12 months. After that, the owner must apply for re-registration in the new state. The clock starts when you establish residence or base in the new state, not from occasional trips. Start the process well before the deadline, because the whole path can take weeks to months.

Step 1: NOC (Form 28) from the Original RTO

Before applying, clear everything pending on the truck: challans, road tax dues, and any loan. The bank NOC and Form 35 must be done first. See our hypothecation guide (/blog/used-truck-hypothecation-removal-form-35) and challan check (/blog/check-pending-challans-used-truck-before-buying). Keep valid insurance and PUC. Typical documents: original RC, insurance, PUC, owner's ID and address proof, and challan clearance receipts. The fee is modest, often reported in a range of ₹100 to ₹500 depending on state and vehicle type. Processing is typically 7 to 30 working days. The NOC is commonly valid for about 6 months from issue.

Step 2: Road Tax

Road tax is paid again in the new state at registration, based on current market value. Reported rates range roughly 6% to 18% depending on the state. A refund of the unused period of tax from the original state may be possible, but it is not automatic: you must apply, there can be deductions, and it typically takes 30 to 90 days.

Step 3: Re-Registration in the New State (Form 27)

Apply within the NOC's validity with the NOC, original RC, insurance, PUC, owner ID, and new-state address proof. The RTO may inspect chassis and engine numbers. The old registration number is cancelled and a new RC with the new state code is issued. Typical processing is 7 to 30 working days.

After You Get the New RC

Update insurance with the new registration number, ideally within a week. Update FASTag through the issuing bank, and fit HSRP plates with the new number. Driving on the old-state plates after re-registration is a violation.

Permits on a Commercial Vehicle

Permits are state or national specific, so ask the destination RTO what is required for your goods-carriage permit. See our National Permit vs State Permit guide (/blog/national-permit-vs-state-permit-commercial-vehicle-india).

End-to-End Timeline

Roughly 30 to 90 days, depending on both RTOs and the state of your paperwork.

Common Mistakes

• Starting at month 11 instead of month 8.
• Pending challans blocking the NOC. Check Parivahan first.
• Hypothecation not removed.
• NOC expiring before Form 27 is filed.
• Forgetting to update insurance and FASTag.

We list trucks with RC and challan checks done upfront, which removes two of the biggest NOC blockers.

Buying from Maharashtra and registering in another state? Tell us your state on WhatsApp and we will share the checklist: https://wa.me/919763353573