RTO Kerala

The Kerala Regional Transport Office (RTO Kerala) plays a pivotal role in maintaining road safety and vehicle regulation across the state. It oversees the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Act and manages essential services like vehicle registration, issuance of driving licences, and road tax collection.
Whether you are buying a new vehicle or applying for a driving licence, the Kerala State RTO ensures that all procedures are legally compliant and streamlined. Understanding the functions and services offered by the RTO can help vehicle owners and drivers in Kerala manage their responsibilities more efficiently.

Functions of RTO Kerala

The Kerala State RTO is responsible for a wide range of functions to ensure the smooth operation of transport services within the state. The office handles the registration of motor vehicles, renewal of registrations, and transfer of ownership. Additionally, it issues driving licences, conducts driving tests, and ensures drivers meet safety standards.
The Kerala Regional Transport Office also enforces transport regulations, collects motor vehicle taxes, and inspects vehicles to ensure they meet emission norms. In emergencies, having insurance like Bajaj Allianz Motor Insurance, with its 7,200+ cashless garages, further enhances peace of mind for vehicle owners.

RTO Codes of Kerala

• KL-01: Thiruvananthapuram
• KL-07: Ernakulam
• KL-11: Kozhikode
• KL-17: Muvattupuzha
• KL-21: Nedumangad
• KL-33: Aluva
• KL-40: Perumbavoor
• KL-55: Kattakada
• KL-58: North Paravur
• KL-60: Changanassery

List of RTO Offices in Kerala

• Thiruvananthapuram RTO (KL-01) & Manages registrations, licence issuance, and road tax collection.
• Kollam RTO (KL-02) & Caters to all transport-related services in Kollam district.
• Pathanamthitta RTO (KL-03) & Provides vehicle and licence services efficiently.
• Alappuzha RTO (KL-04) & Oversees vehicle documentation, driving tests, and road tax.
• Kottayam RTO (KL-05) & Handles both commercial and private vehicle registrations.
• Ernakulam RTO (KL-07) & One of the busiest offices, managing a high volume of applications.
• Thrissur RTO (KL-08) & Offers services like ownership transfer, fitness certification, and licensing.
• Palakkad RTO (KL-09) & Ensures smooth transport regulatory services for the Palakkad region.
• Malappuram RTO (KL-10) & Deals with vehicle registrations, learner’s permits, and renewals.
• Kozhikode RTO (KL-11) & Manages emissions checking and commercial vehicle certifications.

Services Provided by RTO Offices of Kerala

• Issuance and renewal of driving licences
• New vehicle registration and ownership transfers
• Collection of road tax and issuance of permits
• Conducting driving tests and vehicle inspections
• Registration of temporary and permanent vehicles
• Issuance of vehicle fitness certificates
• Insurance validation checks for policies

Vehicle Registration Process in RTO Kerala

• Fill and submit Form 20, along with the necessary documents.
• Vehicle inspection by the Kerala Regional Transport Office officer.
• Payment of applicable road taxes and registration fees.
• Submission of insurance proof (such as Bajaj Allianz Motor Insurance) for validation.
• Issuance of a Registration Certificate (RC) and registration number.
• Display the registration mark on the vehicle as per norms.

Types of Vehicle Registration in Regional Transport Office Kerala

• Temporary Registration: Issued by the dealer when purchasing a new vehicle.
• Permanent Registration: Must be obtained within 7 days of temporary registration expiry.
• Duplicate Registration: Issued if the original registration certificate is lost or damaged.
• Transfer of Ownership: Needed when selling or buying a used vehicle.
• Registration for Imported Vehicles: Special procedure for foreign vehicles entering Kerala.

Documents Required to Register Motor Vehicles in RTO Kerala

• Duly filled Form 20 (Application for Registration)
• Valid address proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Utility bills)
• Invoice of the vehicle purchase
• Temporary registration certificate (if any)
• Vehicle insurance policy
• PAN card or Form 60/61 for tax purposes
• Roadworthiness certificate from the manufacturer or dealer
• Passport-size photographs of the applicant

Fees and Other Charges for Vehicle Registrations in Kerala RTO

• Registration fee for two-wheelers: Approximately ₹300
• Registration fee for four-wheelers: Around ₹600&₹1,500 based on the vehicle type
• Road tax: Varies from 6% to 20% of the vehicle's value
• Smart Card fee (for RC issuance): ₹200&₹300
• Hypothecation charges (for financed vehicles): ₹1,500
• Charges for ownership transfer: ₹150&₹500 depending on the vehicle category
• Duplicate registration certificate fee: ₹300&₹600

Types of Driving Licences Issued in the RTOs of Kerala

The Kerala State RTO issues various types of driving licences based on vehicle categories. These include learner’s licences for beginners, permanent licences for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, commercial vehicle licences for goods carriers and passenger vehicles, and international driving permits for residents travelling abroad. Each category requires applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria and pass relevant tests conducted by the Kerala Regional Transport Office.

Procedure to Apply for a Driver’s License in Kerala

• Submit an online or offline application through the Kerala State RTO portal.
• Book an appointment for a learner’s licence test.
• Appear and pass the written learner’s licence test.
• After 30 days, apply for the driving test appointment.
• Attend the practical driving test with your vehicle.
• Submit valid insurance proof.
• Upon passing, receive the permanent driving licence at your address.

Documents Required to Apply for a Driver's License

• Application forms (Form 1, Form 2, and Form 1A for medical certificate)
• Proof of age (Birth certificate, Aadhaar card, etc.)
• Proof of address (Passport, Voter ID, Utility bill)
• Passport-size photographs
• Valid learner’s licence
• Proof of payment of application fees

FAQs

What happens if I do not pay road tax in Kerala?

If you fail to pay the road tax in Kerala, you may incur heavy penalties and interest charges. The Kerala Regional Transport Office (RTO Kerala) can also seize your vehicle or suspend its registration until dues are cleared. Repeated non-payment could even lead to legal action. Ensuring compliance with tax payments helps avoid fines and keeps your vehicle documents valid without disruptions.

What is the minimum age to obtain a driving licence in Kerala?

The minimum age to obtain a driving licence in Kerala is 18 years for motorcycles with gear and light motor vehicles. However, individuals aged 16 years can apply for a licence to drive motorcycles without gear, up to 50cc engine capacity, with parental consent. The Kerala State RTO strictly enforces these rules to promote safe driving practices.

Can one make a road tax payment in Kerala online?

Yes, road tax payments in Kerala can conveniently be made online through the official Motor Vehicles Department Kerala website. The online service saves time, helps avoid long queues at the Kerala Regional Transport Office, and ensures transparency. Keeping your tax payments updated is crucial to maintain the validity of your vehicle insurance.

How many days is an RC of a non-transport vehicle valid in Kerala?

In Kerala, the Registration Certificate (RC) of a non-transport vehicle, such as a private car or two-wheeler, is valid for 15 years from the date of registration. After this period, it must be renewed every 5 years by undergoing a fitness inspection at the Kerala State RTO. Keeping your RC valid is essential for hassle-free insurance claims.

Can we drive another state vehicle in Kerala?

Yes, you can drive a vehicle registered in another state within Kerala for up to 12 months without re-registration, provided you carry valid documents, including RC, insurance and pollution under control (PUC) certificate. If your stay exceeds one year, you must apply for re-registration at the local Kerala RTO and pay applicable road taxes.