Thinking about switching to CNG in 2025 to save money on fuel? You’re making a smart choice with today’s rising prices! But before you start enjoying the savings, you need to know how to get RTO approval for CNG car online.
Getting your new CNG kit officially approved by the RTO is a must-do step. This process keeps your car legal on the road, validates your insurance policy, and helps maintain its resale value.
Don’t worry, we’ll give you a clear, step-by-step guide for the complete endorsement on the Vahan Parivahan portal. For more expert insights on managing vehicle costs, including Auto and Car Insurance, you can always explore the high-quality articles and blogs at Finance Crave.
How to Get RTO Approval for CNG Car Online: A Step-by-Step Process
Getting your CNG kit approved involves a mix of online and offline steps. Here is a simple breakdown of the CNG endorsement process to guide you from start to finish.
Step 1: Choose an RTO-Approved Retro-Fitment Center
Your first action is to select a workshop that is authorized by the RTO. You must use an approved center because only they have the license to legally install CNG kits and, more importantly, upload your vehicle’s new details to the official Vahan portal. Without this upload, you cannot start the RTO approval process online. You can find a list of these government-approved centers on the Parivahan website.
Step 2: CNG Kit Installation & Certificate Collection
Once you pick a center, they will install the CNG kit in your car. After the job is done, make sure you collect two very important papers from them: the retro-fitment invoice (the bill) and the official installation certificate. You will need to submit digital copies of these documents later.
Step 3: Online Application via the Vahan Sewa Portal
Now it’s your turn to go online. Visit the Parivahan Sewa website and find the “Vehicle Related Services” option. You’ll need to select your state and local RTO. From the list of services, choose “Alteration of Vehicle.” To begin your application, you will enter your car’s registration number and the last five digits of its chassis number.
Step 4: Upload Documents and Pay Fees
The portal will then ask you to upload scanned copies of all the required RTO documents for CNG. Once your documents are uploaded, you can pay the necessary fees directly on the website. You can use common payment methods like UPI, debit card, or credit card to complete this transaction.
Step 5: The Physical RTO Inspection
After you submit everything online, you need to complete one offline step. You must take your car to the RTO for a physical inspection. An inspector will check the CNG kit installation, verify the chassis number, and make sure everything is safe and matches the documents you submitted.
Step 6: Track Application Status and Receive Updated RC
You can easily track your CNG application status on the Vahan portal using the application number you received. After the RTO officer approves your vehicle post-inspection, the RTO will process your new Registration Certificate (RC). The updated RC, showing “Petrol/CNG” as the fuel type, will be mailed to your registered address or made available in your DigiLocker account.
Source: The information presented here is based on guidelines from automotive and transport experts at sources like CARS24 and Acko, as well as procedures outlined on the official Parivahan Sewa portal, as reflected in the cited sources.
Complete Document Checklist for CNG Endorsement
To complete the CNG endorsement on your RC, you need to have the right paperwork ready. Gathering these RTO documents for CNG beforehand will make the whole process faster. Here’s a simple list of everything you’ll need to submit for the RTO approval.
- Application for vehicle alteration (Form 20)
- Your original Registration Certificate (RC) smart card
- A copy of your valid car insurance policy
- A valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- The invoice of the CNG kit from the installer
- The Installation Certificate from your authorized retro-fitment center
- Your PAN card or Aadhar card for ID and address proof
- Proof that you have paid the endorsement fee and any taxes
Having these documents ready will make the online RTO approval process for your CNG car go smoothly.
CNG RTO Approval Costs and Timelines in 2025
You’re probably wondering about the CNG approval cost and how long the entire RTO process takes. Here’s a quick look at the typical fees you’ll pay and the timeline you can expect for the RC updation.
| Stage | Estimated Fee (Varies by State) | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| RTO Endorsement Fee | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | Paid during online application |
| New Smart Card Fee | ₹200 – ₹500 | Paid during online application |
| Total Process | – | 20 – 45 Business Days |
Source: The cost and timeline information presented here is based on guidelines from automotive and insurance experts at sources like Acko, CARS24, and Policybazaar, as reflected in the cited sources.
Post-Approval Checklist: 3 Things You Must Do Post Approval
Once you receive your updated RC with the CNG endorsement, your work isn’t quite finished. You need to complete a few final steps to make sure your car is fully compliant and protected. Here’s a simple checklist of what to do next.
Update Your Car Insurance Policy
You must inform your insurance company about the new CNG kit immediately. Installing a CNG kit is a major modification, and if you don’t declare it, your insurer could reject any future claims. Your premium might increase slightly to cover the added value of the kit, but this keeps your policy valid.
Get a New PUC Certificate
Your car’s emission levels have changed, so you need a new Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Make sure you get a PUC test done specifically for CNG vehicles to comply with legal standards.
Mark Your Calendar for Hydro-Testing
For safety, the law requires you to get your CNG cylinder hydro-tested every three years. This test checks the cylinder for leaks and structural strength, making sure it’s always safe to use.
Source: The information on post-approval requirements is based on guidelines from insurance experts like Probus Insurance and technical standards for PUC and CNG cylinder testing, as reflected in the cited sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get RTO approval for a CNG kit from an unauthorized dealer?
No. RTO approval is only granted for kits installed by government-authorized retro-fitment centers, as they alone can upload the required data to the Vahan portal.
What is the fee for CNG endorsement on the RC?
The fee varies by state but typically includes an endorsement fee (₹500-₹1000) and a new smart card fee (around ₹200), payable on the Vahan portal.
How long does the entire RTO approval process take?
The end-to-end process, from online application to receiving the new RC, usually takes between 20 to 45 business days, including the physical RTO inspection.
What if my CNG installer has not uploaded my car’s details online?
You cannot proceed with the RTO application. Follow up with your authorized installer, as it is their responsibility to upload the installation data to the Vahan portal first.
Is it possible to find out how to get RTO approval for a CNG car online without a physical inspection?
No. A physical inspection at the RTO is a mandatory step to verify the CNG kit’s serial number and ensure the installation meets all safety standards.
Ending Note
To get RTO approval for your CNG car online, just remember the main steps. You need to use an authorized installer, apply through the Vahan portal, complete the physical inspection, and update your insurance policy promptly. Following this process for the RC updation keeps your vehicle legal, safe, and fully insured for every drive.
