To run any car as a taxi in India, it must be registered commercially — which gives it a yellow number plate and a transport RC. Whether you are registering a brand-new car for commercial use or converting an existing one, the RTO process follows the same broad steps. Here is how it works in 2026.
Documents Required for Commercial Registration
- Form 20 — application for registration (for a new vehicle)
- Sale certificate (Form 21) and roadworthiness certificate (Form 22) for new cars
- Owner ID and address proof (Aadhaar, PAN)
- Commercial insurance cover note
- Valid PUC certificate
- Proof of road tax payment (commercial rate)
- Passport-size photographs of the owner
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Pay commercial road tax at the RTO (higher than private rate)
- Submit the registration application with all documents
- Vehicle inspection by the RTO for roadworthiness and fitment
- Issue of commercial (transport) RC with a yellow plate number
- Apply for the operating permit (city, state or All India Tourist Permit)
- Obtain the fitness certificate, which commercial vehicles must keep current
Fees and Timelines (2026)
- Commercial road tax: varies by state, vehicle price and seating capacity
- Registration fee for cars: a few thousand rupees
- Permit fee: ₹5,000–₹15,000 depending on permit type
- Fitness certification: nominal fee, renewed periodically
- Total processing time: typically 2–4 weeks depending on the RTO
Yellow Plate vs White Plate — What Changes
A yellow plate signals that the vehicle is a transport vehicle authorised to carry passengers for hire. It comes with commercial tax, a permit requirement, periodic fitness checks and commercial insurance. A white plate is purely private. Only a yellow-plate car can legally operate as a taxi.
Tip: Buying a Ready-Registered Car
If you do not want to handle the full registration process, buying a used car that is already commercially registered with a valid permit lets you skip most of these steps. You only need to transfer the RC and permit into your name — far quicker than registering from scratch.