The Regional Transport Office Himachal Pradesh (RTO Himachal) plays a crucial role in maintaining vehicle and driver compliance across the state’s hilly terrains. Governed by the Motor Vehicles Act, it oversees vehicle registration, driving licences, permits, and road safety enforcement.
The RTO office Shimla, being the primary RTO, supervises transport operations across Himachal Pradesh. Proper motor insurance is vital in such challenging terrains, and Bajaj Allianz Motor Insurance offers comprehensive coverage. With over 7,200+ cashless garages, it ensures quick repairs and services even in remote areas, helping vehicle owners in Himachal Pradesh drive safely and confidently.
Functions of RTO Himachal Pradesh
The RTO Himachal Pradesh is responsible for a wide range of activities to regulate transport and ensure road safety:
- Issuing Driving Licences: From learner to commercial licences.
- Vehicle Registration: Handling initial registrations, renewals, and re-registrations.
- Permit Issuance: Providing various vehicle permits for commercial purposes.
- Road Tax Collection: Ensuring collection of applicable state taxes.
- Vehicle Inspections: Certifying vehicles' fitness and compliance with pollution norms.
- Enforcement of Traffic Rules: Managing adherence to motor vehicle laws.
Having a reliable motor insurance policy, such as Bajaj Allianz Motor Insurance, can provide vital protection on Himachal’s challenging roads.
RTO Codes of Himachal Pradesh
- HP-01: Shimla
- HP-02: Kangra
- HP-03: Mandi
- HP-04: Kullu
- HP-05: Bilaspur
- HP-06: Rampur
- HP-07: Shimla (Urban)
- HP-08: Chamba
- HP-09: Hamirpur
- HP-10: Una
Each RTO code uniquely identifies vehicles registered in different regions, simplifying administrative processes across the state.
List of RTO Offices in Himachal Pradesh
- RTO Shimla (HP-01 & HP-07): Responsible for the capital city and surrounding urban areas.
- RTO Kangra (HP-02): Handles vehicle registrations and licensing in the Kangra district.
- RTO Mandi (HP-03): Covers Mandi and adjoining towns, processing new registrations and road tax.
- RTO Kullu (HP-04): Services vehicles operating in the Kullu valley and nearby regions.
- RTO Bilaspur (HP-05): Manages all vehicle-related documentation in Bilaspur district.
- RTO Rampur (HP-06): Caters to vehicle services in and around Rampur Bushahr.
- RTO Chamba (HP-08): Covers Chamba and Dalhousie regions for licensing and registration.
- RTO Hamirpur (HP-09): Processes motor vehicle services for Hamirpur district.
- RTO Una (HP-10): Handles Una district’s transport and licensing needs.
Every RTO Himachal office is essential for the safe and lawful operation of vehicles across the state’s varied and difficult terrains.
Services Provided by RTO Offices of Himachal Pradesh
- Vehicle Registration: Issuing new and renewed Registration Certificates (RC).
- Driving Licence Issuance: For personal and commercial vehicles.
- Fitness Certificates: Certifying vehicles’ roadworthiness.
- Collection of Road Tax: Mandatory tax collection on vehicle purchases.
- Vehicle Ownership Transfer: Updating registration after selling or buying a vehicle.
- Issuing Permits: For both state and national level transport.
- Pollution Control Certification: Checking emissions and providing PUC certificates.
- No Objection Certificates (NOC): For transferring vehicles between states.
- Endorsements for Hypothecation: Updating RC after loan clearances.
The RTO office Shimla and other district offices ensure streamlined services.
Vehicle Registration Process in RTO Himachal Pradesh
- Step 1: Visit the nearest RTO office or apply via the Parivahan portal.
- Step 2: Submit Form 20 along with necessary supporting documents.
- Step 3: Pay applicable road taxes and registration charges.
- Step 4: Present the vehicle for physical inspection by RTO authorities.
- Step 5: Obtain a temporary registration number if required.
- Step 6: After verification, receive the permanent Registration Certificate (RC).
- Step 7: Ensure valid motor insurance is provided during the application.
Types of Vehicle Registration in Regional Transport Office Himachal Pradesh
- Permanent Registration: Issued after final approval of vehicle documents.
- Temporary Registration: Valid for a limited period to facilitate movement before permanent RC.
- Transfer of Ownership: For second-hand vehicles or in case of inheritance.
- Re-registration: Required when a vehicle is moved into Himachal Pradesh from another state.
- Diplomatic Registration: Issued for vehicles belonging to diplomats.
- Fleet Vehicle Registration: For businesses managing multiple vehicles.
Documents Required to Register Motor Vehicles in RTO Himachal Pradesh
- Duly Filled Form 20: Application form for registration.
- Proof of Address: Aadhar card, voter ID, or utility bill.
- Proof of Identity: PAN card, passport, or driving licence.
- Sale Invoice: From the authorised vehicle dealer.
- Insurance Certificate: Valid motor insurance policy.
- Road Tax Payment Receipt: Proof of tax paid.
- Pollution Certificate: Mandatory for emission compliance.
- Form 22: Vehicle roadworthiness certificate.
Fees and Other Charges for Vehicle Registrations in Himachal Pradesh RTO
- Registration Fee: Varies by vehicle type and category.
- Road Tax: Calculated based on vehicle cost, type, and engine capacity.
- Temporary Registration Fee: Applicable if opting for temporary movement.
- Fitness Certificate Fee: Mandatory for commercial and older vehicles.
- Ownership Transfer Fee: Charged when changing vehicle ownership.
- Hypothecation Endorsement/Removal Charges: If your vehicle is under or out of loan.
- Late Penalty: For delayed application or renewal.
Types of Driving Licenses Issued in the RTOs of Himachal Pradesh
The RTO Himachal issues several types of driving licences:
- Learner’s Licence: For beginners to learn driving.
- Permanent Driving Licence: Issued post successful driving test.
- Commercial Driving Licence: For vehicles like trucks, buses, and taxis.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): For individuals travelling abroad.
- Duplicate Licence: In case of loss, theft, or damage.
- Conductor’s Licence: Issued for bus conductors and related public transport roles.
- Special Category Licence: For agricultural or heavy machinery vehicles.
Procedure to Apply for a Driver’s License in Himachal Pradesh
- Step 1: Visit the Parivahan portal or local RTO office.
- Step 2: Fill out Form 2 and Form 1A if required.
- Step 3: Submit necessary documents like proof of age, address, and ID.
- Step 4: Book an appointment for a learner’s licence test.
- Step 5: Pass the written test to receive a learner’s licence.
- Step 6: Practise driving during the learner period.
- Step 7: Book and clear the practical driving test for a permanent licence.
- Step 8: Pay the requisite fees and collect your licence.
Documents Required to Apply for a Driver's License
- Proof of Age: Birth certificate, school certificate, or PAN card.
- Proof of Address: Aadhar card, passport, voter ID.
- Proof of Identity: Passport, Aadhar card, driving licence.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent coloured photos.
- Learner’s Licence: Mandatory to apply for a permanent licence.
- Medical Certificate: Form 1A for applicants over 40 or for commercial licences.
- Application Forms: Completed and signed.
FAQs
How to apply for the smart card DL in HP?
You can apply for a smart card Driving Licence by visiting the Parivahan portal or the nearest RTO office in Himachal Pradesh, filling in the online application, uploading documents, and booking a test slot.
Does the Himachal Pradesh RTO offer a learner's licence?
Yes, RTO Himachal Pradesh issues learner's licences for different vehicle categories after the applicant clears a written test based on road signs and driving regulations.
How to check my licence online in Himachal Pradesh?
You can check your driving licence details online by visiting the Sarathi portal, selecting Himachal Pradesh as the state, and entering your licence number and date of birth.
How to check the renewal status of my licence in Himachal Pradesh?
To check the renewal status, visit the Parivahan portal, navigate to 'Driving Licence Services', and enter your existing licence details to view the status update.
How to check my digital licence?
Download the DigiLocker app, sign in with your Aadhaar-linked account, and fetch your driving licence details digitally by selecting the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways option.