You may have to check on several key documents and procedures to ensure a smooth transfer of ownership. All the documents play a crucial role in the buying process. Whether you are buying a pre-owned car all by yourself or through the best used car dealers in Kerala, knowing these required documents can surely be of help. 

In this article, we will walk you through each of these documents. We will help you understand their purpose and how to correctly navigate the buying process for used cars for sale in Kerala.

Here is the list:

1. Application in Form No. 29 and Form No. 30

Forms 29 and 30 are essential documents when you buy a used car in Kerala. Form 29 is a notice of transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle. Form 30 is the Application for Intimation and Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle) to the RTO where the vehicle was first registered.

2. Vehicle RC (Registration Certificate)

Commonly known as the RC Book, this document is one of the most significant car documents. It holds the data of the entire car on a digital card. The data includes vehicle registration data, chassis number, registration number, owner's name, and serial number. The registration certificate helps you verify all the required details, such as the owner's name and serial number, place of registration, seating capacity and fuel type. It also includes changes in colour or engine and previous owners' details.

3. No Objection Certificate (Form 28)

This form helps you apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO if you want to transfer car ownership to another state. So, if you live in Kerala and wish to purchase a car registered in Maharashtra, you will use this form.

4. Insurance paper of the vehicle

Vehicle insurance is mandatory. Ensure the previous owner has paid the insurance premium for the car you plan to purchase. Check the previous claim histories and premium calendar. There are two types of insurance.

a. Comprehensive:

Comprehensive car insurance covers your own car damage and third-party damage as well. You can claim coverage for all damages occurring due to accidents, fire, theft, natural calamities, or man-made destruction. This insurance is not mandatory.

b. Third-party:

Third-party insurance is mandatory and covers only third-party damages, i.e., damages to third-party property, vehicles, or people.

5. Car purchase invoice

This document is crucial evidence of your owning a car. Ensure you receive an invoice for your pre-owned car from the used car dealers in Kerala. The invoice authenticates your purchase from the said dealer and carries the signatures of both the seller and the buyer. It avoids any conflict of interest in the future, as the transfer happens legally.

6. Tax certificate

It denotes the road tax paid on your vehicle. Vehicle buyers must pay the road tax during the first purchase of the new car. Ensure the set of documents you receive from the previous owner includes tax certificate too. Otherwise, if you cannot produce evidence of tax paid, it may lead to unnecessary hazards in dealing with the authorities. You may also try to search for online proof, as today you can search all records on government websites. But, to be on the safer side, it's wise to procure the tax-paid receipt from the previous owner.

7. Service record book

The service record book helps you track all the previous services the car has undergone. It gives you a fair idea of the car's maintenance by the previous owners. It informs you about replacements of any part and repair work done for any damages. A service record book helps you understand potential issues your pre-owned car may have. It gives you time to mitigate any problems beforehand.

8. NOC from the financier

In a few cases, the previous owner purchases the car through finance from a bank or NBFC. In such case, you must procure a No Object Certificate from the said bank or NBFC, certifying about complete loan settlement by the previous owner.

Failing to do so leads to unnecessarily taking the entire burden on your shoulders for the remaining loan amount.

9. Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

The PUC is one of the crucial documents and is mandatory. It doesn't cost more than Rs. 100/- to Rs. 150/-. However, the absence of PUC can lead to a fine of Rs. 2,000/- to Rs. 10,000/-.

The PUC is to confirm whether your car's smoke emissions are within the permissible limits or cross those. It also is an engine test that verifies that your car's engine is performing well if the emission is within limits.

10. Bi-fuel kit certification

Many prefer using CNG or LPG as an alternative to petrol or diesel. If the car you wish to purchase runs on bi-fuel, you must procure a bi-fuel certification and the sales invoice from the seller. The sales invoice must mention the manufacturer's guarantee, that is typically five years from the installation date. You must also obtain a No Objection Certificate from the state RTO.

11. Owner's manual

Ensure to get the owner's manual from the previous owner. The owner's manual includes the vehicle's information, such as the component's location map, service schedule, and simple maintenance tips.

Conclusion

Purchasing a used car is one of the wisest decisions you make. It helps you keep your budget limited, and yet you enjoy the perks. Numerous second hand cars are for sale in Kerala, giving you innumerable options.

However, you must be alert while purchasing a used car in Kerala. You will keenly inspect the car's condition on the exterior and interior. In addition to this, you must also check the documents before finalising the deal.

The information provided in this article will help you understand the various documents and their significance. Keep yourself updated with this valuable information before you finalise the purchase.

Xdrive cars is one of the best used car dealers in Kerala that strives hard to provide 100% customer satisfaction. Xdrive also provides services in Trivandrum, Kollam, ⁠Attingal, ⁠Kottarakkara, ⁠Pathanamthitta, ⁠Punalur, Anchal, ⁠Kottayam, Thiruvalla, ⁠Malappuram, and Kochi.