Form 31 Application Process to Transfer the Ownership of Vehicle

When the original owner passes away, the vehicle is sometimes transferred to the successor or legal heir. To authorize the transfer, the applicant must submit Regional Transport Office (RTO) Form 31 to the Registering Authority. You also have to modify the Certificate of Succession or Survival, as well as the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Financer for carrying out the legal proceedings.

The applicants also need to submit two copies of this particular document when the automobile is under a lease, hire-purchase, or hypothecation agreement. The RTO approves the Form and sends it to the Financier through Registered Post.

How to fill RTO Form 31 Application?

There are three sections in RTO Form 31. The first part contains the successor's personal information as well as vehicle data, the second part has the Financier's approval to the transfer of ownership; and the last section contains an official endorsement. The following are the steps that will guide you to fill out Form 31:

• In Form 31’s top left corner, enter the Registering Authority’s name under whose jurisdiction you will be transferring the vehicle.
• The registration number, make model, chassis number, and the vehicle type you want to transfer to your name are all included in point one. Before filling up these fields, go through the original registration certificate.
• Provide the name of the deceased registered owner in Point Two. You also have to provide the death certificate of the original vehicle owner for validating the claim.
• Enter the name, father’s name, age, and successor’s postal address in point three. Mention the relationship between the successor of the car and the deceased owner in the next space. You must attach proof of your succession from the appropriate authority.
• Affix your signature or thumb impression to conclude Part One of Form 31.
• The second part of Form 31 is all about the Financier’s consent. Provide the Financing Company’s name and address if your vehicle is under a lease, hire-purchase, or hypothecation agreement. Also, ensure to mention the date of form submission in this space.
• The next part of Form 31 is an official endorsement. Here, the RTO official will fill out the name of the RTO, the reference number, the name of the RTO office, and the date of transfer of ownership of the automobile.
• To validate the transfer, the representative of the Registering Authority signs the document. The Financier's and Registered Owner's names are included at the end space of the Form.

Documents Required

The following are the documents which are needed to be submitted with Form 31:

• Vehicle Registration Certificate
• Certificate of Succession or Survival of the new owner
• Deceased owner’s death certificate
• Insurance copy
• New owner’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card
• Pollution Control Certificate
• Pencil print of the engine and chassis
• Address and identity proof of the new owner
• Duly filled Form 20

Important factors that are needed to be considered

The following are the important factors which are needed to be considered before filing Form 31:

• The applicant should submit a Certificate of Succession or Survival from the department to prove him the legal succession of the deceased owner.
• Provide the name and address in the document exactly as mentioned in the proofs which are attached in the Form.
• If the deceased owner has more than one legal heir, the candidate must provide an affidavit declaring that other successors are prepared to register the vehicle in the applicant's name.

Finally, RTO Form 31 can aid you if the lawful owner of a vehicle dies without transferring ownership to a successor