RTO Nagaland

Nagaland has eight district RTO offices, each assigned a code: Kohima (NL‑01), Mokokchung (NL‑02), Tuensang (NL‑03), Mon (NL‑04), Wokha (NL‑05), Zünheboto (NL‑06), Dimapur/Chümoukedima/Niuland (NL‑07), and Phek (NL‑08).

Additionally, codes NL‑10 and NL‑11 are reserved for government transport vehicles.  Kohima’s main office is overseen by the Senior RTO, with district offices managed by RTOs and assisted by MVIs and clerical staff.  

Role & Key Responsibilities 

Nagaland’s RTO handles: 

1. Vehicle registration: new, renewal, duplicates and ownership transfer; issuing RCs with high-security plates. 

1. Driving licences: learner, permanent, renewal, duplicate, commercial and international permits. 

1. Permits: stage carriage, goods transport, inter-state national permits. 

1. Road tax and fees: one-time, lifetime, commercial; collected per state laws. 

1. Vehicle fitness and emissions: conducting fitness tests and issuing PUC certificates. 

1. Enforcement: road safety campaigns, traffic law compliance, challans and database upkeep. 

Low Road Tax & Why Many Vehicles Are NL-Plated 

Nagaland offers some of the lowest road taxes and streamlined processes in India. Vehicles can even be registered without physically presenting them at the RTO in some cases. Consequently, many inter-state commercial vehicles especially long-haul trucks and buses opt for NL registration as a cost-saving measure. 

How to Register a Vehicle in Nagaland 

1. Complete Form 20 (Vehicle Registration). 

1. Submit original invoice, PUC certificate, insurance, identity and address proof, PAN, photos and fitness certificate. 

1. Pay registration fee and road tax. 

1. Get vehicle inspected. 

1. Receive RC and number plates (HSRP standard). 

Online pre-application via Vahan/Sarathi portal is available thanks to national e-governance under the Road & Transport Mission Mode Project. 

Driving Licence – Process & Fees 

1. Learner’s Licence (LL): 

1. Fill Form 4 and upload identity, address and age proof. 

1. Take LL test, pay Rs. 30 for application, Rs. 15 test fees.  

2. Permanent Licence: 

1. Fill Form 4 and Form 5 (for transport), book test slot, pass test. 

1. Pay Rs. 200 ® issue fee; renewals cost Rs. 250, duplicates Rs. 200. International permit is Rs. 500.  

Online service is supported via Parivahan portal. 

Permits & Ownership Transfers 

The RTO issues national permits, stage carriage permits and more. Transfer process involves submitting Forms 29/30, sale proof, insurance, original RC and identity, plus fee payment. Ownership transfer and permit issuance can also be managed through Parivahan. 

Online & Mobile Access 

1. Parivahan Sewa portal & mParivahan app: check RC, licence, tax and fitness status across the country.  

1. Nagaland MVD website: for local status checks on DL/LL/applications. 

1. SMS service (56161): receive vehicle details by messaging your registration number. 

Fees & Charges Overview 

All fees are subject to change, always verify via Vahan or MVD sites. 

Road Safety & Enforcement 

RTO Nagaland works with traffic police to enforce Motor Vehicles Rules, issue challans for violations and conduct public awareness campaigns. They also manage fitness certifications and Pollution Under Control protocols 

Conclusion 

Nagaland’s RTO offices provide essential services: vehicle registration (Permanent & Temporary), driving licences, permits, tax collection, fitness certification, record management and enforcement.  

Their streamlined digital infrastructure and low-cost framework have made NL plates a popular choice for vehicle owners, especially in commercial transport. Knowing the documentation, fees, and online tools helps individuals and businesses comply with regulations smoothly.