How to Get a Vehicle Fitness Certificate? – A Complete Guide 2025

What is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?

FC or Fitness Certificateis a mandatory document required to be possessed by vehicle owners to certify that the vehicle they own is fit to run on the roads. Every new vehicle that is bought comes with a fitness certificate and it is valid only for a few years and after that, it needs to be renewed by adhering to the rules set by the Motor Vehicles Act.

What is the Need for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?

A vehicle fitness certificate is important because it ensures that a vehicle is fit to run on Indian roads and has got a thorough inspection by the experts. You can save yourself from paying the non-compliance penalties by obtaining a vehicle fitness certificate. Besides, an FC is useful to prevent the use of old vehicles that emit harmful gases into the environment.

How to Apply for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Online?

The digital setup makes it easy to get a Parivahan Fitness Certificate Downloadby following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official portal of Parivahan.

Step 2: Select “Vehicle-Related Service” from the “Online Services” section

Step 3: Choose the right state of residence from the drop-down menu

Step 4: Enter the vehicle registration number when redirected to the new page, and then click the “Proceed” button

Step 5: Choose “Apply for Fitness Certificate” and go through the instructions and then acknowledge them and “Proceed”

Step 6: Feed in the vehicle chassis number along with the registered mobile number and then click on “Generate OTP”

Step 7: Get the vehicle details by entering the OTP and verify the same. Enter your vehicle insurance details and then select the “Payment” button

Step 8: Pay the fees applied for the vehicle fitness certificate digitally

Step 9: You can then download the fitness certificate online from the generated application number

Step 10: Go for the vehicle inspection by visiting the RTO along with other relevant documents and get the fitness certificate

1. Private Vehicles

• Fitness Certificate Requirement: Not required for private vehicles.

• Validity: Fitness is implied until the registration expires (15 years for most vehicles).

• Renewal: After 15 years, the vehicle must undergo a fitness test every 5 years for renewal.

2. Commercial Vehicles

• Fitness Certificate Requirement: Mandatory.

• Initial Validity: 2 years from the date of registration.

• Renewal Period:

  • After 8 years: Renewal required annually.

• Inspection: Must pass a roadworthiness test conducted at an RTO or automated test station.

3. Two-Wheelers Used for Commercial Purposes

• Same rules as other commercial vehicles.

• Common for rental or delivery scooters/bikes.

• Validity and renewal follow the commercial vehicle schedule.

4. Public Transport Vehicles

• Includes buses, taxis, and autos.

• Mandatory annual fitness tests regardless of age.

• Heavily regulated due to passenger safety.

5. Transport Vehicles with Special Permits (e.g., School Vans)

• Require both fitness certificates and compliance with safety equipment norms (like speed governors).

• Inspections are more detailed and frequent.

How to Renew Vehicle Fitness Certificate

Follow these steps for fitness certificate renewal in India:

Step 1: Get the Fitness Certificate renewal forms from the RTO or download them from the official Parivahan portal and fill it

Step 2: Submit the duly-filled application form and other required documents at the RTO

Step 3: Pay the FC renewal fee applicable in cash and get the acknowledgment receipt

Step 4: Visit the RTO on the scheduled date of inspection and get your vehicle inspected

Fee of a Vehicle Fitness Certificate

There is a different cost for issuing a vehicle fitness certificate for different types of vehicles and the cost may vary for different state RTOs:

Vehicle Type	Manual Testing Fee (₹)	Automated Testing Fee (₹)
Two-Wheelers (Scooters/Motorcycles)	200	400
Three-Wheelers/LMVs (Auto rickshaws/cars)	400	600
Medium/Heavy Motor Vehicles (Trucks/Buses)	600	1000
Duplicate Fitness Certificate	7500	7500
Renewal of Fitness Certificate	200	200

Additional Charges (if applicable)

• Late Renewal Penalty: ₹50 – ₹100 per day

• Re-inspection Fee: ₹100 – ₹500 depending on vehicle type

• Online Convenience Fee: ₹20 – ₹50 (in some states)