Quick answer: If a vehicle registered in another Indian State is kept in Karnataka for more than 12 months, Section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act requires the owner to apply for assignment of a new registration mark in the new State. The usual route involves obtaining an NOC from the original registering authority in Form 28 and applying for a new mark in Form 27, with the RC, address proof, insurance, PUC and other required papers. Karnataka road tax is assessed separately; any refund of tax paid in the original State is a separate claim under that State's rules. If the car is financed, clear the hypothecation or obtain the financier's required NOC before the relevant transfer steps.

What the 12-Month Rule Actually Says

Under Section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act, when a vehicle registered in one State has been kept in another State for a period exceeding twelve months, the owner must apply to the registering authority in the new State for assignment of a new registration mark. Parivahan's reassignment guidance identifies Form 27 for the application. The 12-month period is not a licence to ignore other obligations. If your residence changes, you may also need to update the address in the Registration Certificate under the applicable rules. Keep proof of when the vehicle was moved and when your ordinary residence changed.

Step 1: Obtain the NOC from the Original RTO

The NOC is generally requested from the registering authority where the vehicle is currently registered, using Form 28. The original RTO checks whether there are outstanding tax dues, challans or other impediments before issuing the NOC. Common requirements include:

original/current Registration Certificate;
Form 28 application;
valid insurance and PUC certificate;
proof that motor vehicle tax and dues are paid;
identity/address proof of the registered owner; and
financier NOC or clearance if the vehicle is under hypothecation.

The original State's RTO may require additional documents or police clearance depending on its process. Apply through the relevant Vahan service or the original RTO's prescribed channel.

Step 2: Apply for a New Registration Mark in Karnataka

After obtaining the NOC, approach the jurisdictional Karnataka registering authority for reassignment. Parivahan's general checklist for reassignment includes:

Form 27;
original RC;
proof of address in Karnataka;
NOC from the original State (Form 28);
valid insurance and PUC;
applicable fees and road tax; and
additional documents requested by the Karnataka RTO.

The RTO may verify the chassis/engine number and vehicle particulars. Keep copies of the original tax receipt and NOC, and retain the acknowledgement until the updated RC is issued.

Karnataka Road Tax and Refund from the Old State

Motor vehicle tax is a State subject. The new State may levy tax for registration there, while the original State may separately permit a refund of unexpired one-time tax. There is no automatic nationwide refund mechanism or single uniform refund amount. MoRTH's FAQ explains that the new State may demand prorated tax for the remaining one-time-tax period and that a corresponding refund may be applied for in the earlier State. The actual amount, eligibility, documents and deadline depend on the two States' tax laws and administrative practice. Before paying, ask the Karnataka RTO for the tax calculation applicable to your vehicle's class, age, original invoice value and fuel type. Separately ask the original RTO about refund eligibility and the documents it requires.

If the Car Is Still Under Loan: Hypothecation Removal

A vehicle with an active hire-purchase, lease or hypothecation entry usually needs financier clearance. After the loan is fully repaid, obtain the bank/NBFC's no-dues or clearance certificate and the required NOC. Parivahan's hypothecation-termination guidance uses Form 35, signed by the registered owner and financier, with the RC and other supporting papers. If the lender's charge is still recorded on the RC, the inter-State NOC or reassignment application may be held up. Coordinate the hypothecation termination with the lender and RTO; do not assume the loan closure automatically removes the charge from the RC.

How Long Does the Transfer Take?

There is no single national timeline for an inter-State vehicle transfer. Time depends on how quickly the original RTO issues the NOC, whether tax/challan dues are clear, whether the financier responds, and how the Karnataka RTO schedules verification. A practical order is:

Check loan/hypothecation status and clear outstanding dues.
Apply for Form 28 NOC from the original RTO.
Prepare the Karnataka address and vehicle document set.
Submit Form 27 and pay the applicable Karnataka tax/fees.
Complete any vehicle inspection/verification and collect the updated RC.
Apply separately for a refund from the old State, if eligible.

Checklist Before You Visit the RTO

Keep these ready:

original RC and a copy;
Form 28 NOC from the original RTO;
Form 27 application;
Karnataka address proof and identity proof;
valid insurance and PUC certificate;
tax payment receipts and challan clearance, if required;
financier NOC/no-dues certificate and Form 35, where relevant;
vehicle invoice or other particulars if requested for tax assessment; and
chassis/engine pencil print or inspection documents if required by the RTO.

Where DocuPro Fits In

DocuPro's Vehicle Registration support covers inter-State transfer, NOC coordination and hypothecation-related documentation. The service can help you identify the original and destination RTO steps, prepare the Form 28/Form 27/Form 35 document set and organise the supporting papers for submission. The original and Karnataka RTOs determine NOC issuance, tax, inspection and registration. Road-tax refund rules vary by State, and DocuPro cannot guarantee a refund, a particular tax amount or an exact completion date.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to re-register my car immediately after moving to Bangalore?

Section 47 requires a new registration mark when the vehicle is kept in another State for more than 12 months. Other address-update obligations may apply separately.

2. Which forms are used for an inter-State transfer?

Form 28 is commonly used for the NOC from the original RTO, and Form 27 for assignment of a new registration mark in the new State.

3. Will Karnataka refund the road tax I paid in my old State?

Refund is generally claimed from the original State under its rules. It is not automatic and is separate from tax payable in Karnataka.

4. Can I transfer a car that is still financed?

You will generally need the financier's consent/NOC and may need to remove the hypothecation entry through Form 35 after clearing the loan.

5. Does the NOC expire?

Check the current validity and conditions printed on the NOC and the destination RTO's requirements before filing.

Accuracy note: This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules, forms, fees, jurisdictional practice and portal workflows may change. Confirm the latest requirements with the competent authority and obtain professional advice for disputed, high-value or unusual cases.

Moved to Bangalore with Your Car? NOC, Re-registration and Inter-State Transfer Explained