Transferring ownership of a vehicle after the passing of a loved one can be difficult. RTO Form 31 is essential for legally passing ownership to the rightful heir. This important document streamlines the procedure, ensuring adherence to legal stipulations. Furthermore, it is necessary to transfer the car insurance to the legal heir to maintain coverage. By knowing these crucial steps, the individual taking possession of the vehicle can effectively handle the ownership transfer.

What is RTO Form 31?

RTO Form 31 is a document issued by the government that is needed to transfer the ownership of a vehicle to the successor or legal heir of a deceased owner. The form acts as legal evidence to substantiate the successor’s claim over the vehicle. It is a vital process to guarantee the correct and lawful transfer of ownership in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act.

How to Download Form 31?

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain RTO Form 31:

1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Parivahan Sewa website. This is the government’s portal for vehicle-associated services.
2. Navigate to the Informational Services Tab: After reaching the homepage, find the menu at the top. Click on the “Informational Services” tab.
3. Select Downloadable Forms: In the dropdown menu under Informational Services, select the “Downloadable Forms” option.
4. Click on All Forms: Once you choose the “Downloadable Forms” option, you will be taken to a page showing a list of forms needed for various RTO services.
5. Locate and click on Form 31: Browse through the list of forms and identify Form 31 under the vehicle-related section. Click on the link to begin the download.
   How to Fill Form 31?
   Completing RTO Form 31 may appear overwhelming, but dividing it into smaller tasks makes it easier to manage. Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you in filling it out efficiently:
   
   Section 1: Successor’s Details and Vehicle Information

• In the top-left corner, indicate the name of the Registering Authority (RTO) where the transfer of ownership is being conducted.
• Provide information about the vehicle, such as:
• Registration number
• Make and model
• Chassis number
• Type of vehicle
• Include details of the deceased owner:
• Full name
• Death certificate
• Any other necessary identification.
• Fill in the successor’s information, including:
• Full name
• Father’s name
• Age
• Postal address
• Relationship to the deceased owner (e. g. , spouse, child).
  
  Section 2: Financier’s Consent
  
• If the vehicle is financed, leased, or hypothecated, add:
• Name of the financier
• Address of the financier
• Written approval for the transfer of ownership.
• State the submission date for clarity in the approval process.
  
  Section 3: Official Endorsement
  
• Allow this section for the RTO official to complete. It consists of:
• Reference number of the transfer application
• Name of the RTO
• Effective date of ownership transfer.
• Make sure to include the signature and stamp of the RTO official for validation.
  Final Step: Affix Signature
• Place your signature or thumb impression at the end of the form to finalize your portion.
  
  Documents Required for Form 31
  To finalize the ownership transfer of a vehicle, it is necessary to attach various important documents along with RTO Form 31. These documents provide evidence of ownership, identity, and adherence to legal and environmental regulations. Below is a compilation of required documents:

1. Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC): This is vital as it includes information about the vehicle, such as its make, model, and ownership history. It confirms that the vehicle is duly registered.
2. Insurance Certificate: A copy of the vehicle’s insurance policy, which can be either third-party or comprehensive car insurance, must be provided to ensure that the automobile is insured and complies with legal obligations.
3. Death Certificate: In cases where the ownership transfer results from the original owner’s passing, the death certificate serves as verification of this occurrence.
4. Certificate of Succession or Survival: This document identifies the legal heir or survivor entitled to the ownership of the vehicle.
5. Pollution Control Certificate: This certifies that the vehicle satisfies the pollution control standards mandated by the government, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
6. PAN Card: A copy of the PAN card is required for all financial transactions and is utilized to confirm the identities of the parties involved.
7. Chassis and Engine Pencil Print: These prints are necessary for technical identification and to deter fraudulent activities.
8. Proof of Identity and Address: Documents such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID are essential to authenticate the new owner’s identity and residential address.
9. Form 20: A completed application form for vehicle verification, which is a crucial step in the transfer procedure.
   Important Tips for Completing and Submitting Form 31
10. Confirm that all information in the form aligns with the documents provided, including the deceased owner’s name and the successor’s address.
11. If there are several legal heirs, include an affidavit stating their consent for the vehicle’s transfer to a designated successor.
12. Verify the financier’s consent if the vehicle is subject to a loan or hypothecation agreement. It may be necessary to provide two copies of the form in these situations.
13. Deliver the application and documents to the RTO in person or as instructed by the local authority.
    Once the form is validated, the RTO processes the application and informs the financier, if relevant, via registered post.
    
    Conclusion
    RTO form 31 is a crucial document for transferring vehicle ownership after the original owner’s death. Proper completion of the form and submission of all required documents, such as the vehicle’s RC and comprehensive or third-party car insurance policy, facilitate a smooth legal transfer.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. For additional details, please consult the policy wordings and prospectus prior to finalizing the sale.