Understanding RTO Codes in India — Complete State-Wise Guide

Every vehicle registered in India carries a unique registration number that begins with a two-letter state code followed by a two-digit RTO district code. This system, governed by the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, allows instant identification of where a vehicle was registered. Understanding RTO codes is useful whether you are checking a used vehicle history, identifying a vehicle involved in an incident, or simply curious about the vehicle numbers you see daily on Indian roads.

How Indian Registration Numbers Work

A standard Indian vehicle registration number follows the format XX-00-XX-0000. The first two letters represent the state or union territory (e.g., MH for Maharashtra, KA for Karnataka, DL for Delhi). The next two digits identify the specific RTO within that state. The remaining letters and numbers form the unique vehicle serial assigned by that RTO.

• MH-01 — Mumbai South RTO, Maharashtra
• DL-01 — Delhi (Sarai Kale Khan)
• KA-01 — Koramangala RTO, Bengaluru
• TN-01 — Adyar RTO, Chennai
• UP-14 — Ghaziabad RTO, Uttar Pradesh
• GJ-01 — Ahmedabad RTO, Gujarat

BH-Series — The Bharat Series Exception

Introduced in 2021, the BH-series (Bharat series) registration does not follow the traditional state-code format. Instead, it uses the format XX-00-BH-0000-XX where the year code replaces the state code. BH-series vehicles can move freely across states without re-registration, making them ideal for transferable employees, defence personnel, and frequent relocators.

BH-series is available only at the time of new registration and requires the applicant to belong to eligible categories such as central or state government employees, PSU staff, or private sector employees posted across states.

How to Look Up an RTO Code

You can identify the registering RTO from any vehicle number by checking the first four characters. The Parivahan portal (parivahan.gov.in) maintains a complete list of RTO codes. Additionally, the Vahan portal allows you to enter a registration number and view basic vehicle details including the registering authority.

Many states have over 50 RTOs, each with a unique code. For example, Maharashtra has codes from MH-01 to MH-50+, covering every district and major city.

Major State Codes Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

RTO codes are a simple but powerful system that connects every vehicle on Indian roads to its registering authority. Whether you need to trace a hit-and-run vehicle, verify a used car history, or understand the BH-series benefit, knowing how these codes work gives you a practical advantage as a vehicle owner or buyer.