How to Get a PUC Certificate for your Vehicle? – Forbes Advisor INDIA

With the rising number of motor vehicles, global pollution is also increasing. Unfortunately, occupying the 8th spot on the list of countries by air pollution, India is contributing to this heavily. Obviously, pollution by motor vehicles is not only a major contributing factor compared to other pollution factors in the global pollution share, but it has a significant role in it.

To keep a check on this, the government of India made it mandatory to have regular motor vehicle pollution checks, and also, to carry the updated PUC certificate with oneself. The PUC certificate is proof that one’s vehicle’s emissions are within the government’s permissible limits.

Vehicles without a valid PUC certificate will be liable to pay the penalties of around INR 1,000, if identified for the first time. And for this repeated mistake, INR 2,000. Also, in adverse cases, it can lead to imprisonment of up to three months. So, having it is a wise action. Now, you can easily download your updated PUC certificate by visiting the official website of the government. Here’s how to do it.

What is a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate?

The Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is a document issued by the authorized pollution testing centers, validating the emissions from a vehicle under the bracket of pollution norms set by the government.

This document is mandated under the Central Motor Vehicles Rule, 1989. The certificate is issued after a pollution test and ensures your motor vehicle falls under the emission rate control.

The contents of a PUC certificate are as follows:

PUC Certificate’s serial number

Details of the motor vehicle such as registration number

Date of an emission certificate test

Validity of the vehicle pollution certificate

Why is a PUC Certificate Mandatory in India?

By observing the global pollution rise, the Indian government made the PUC certificate mandatory under the Motor Vehicle Act 1988. This was made compulsory to keep a check on the pollution emissions by vehicles.

Even to have motor vehicle insurance, a valid updated PUC certificate is compulsory. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in 2018 released a circular and made it mandatory to have it.

So, according to the ever-increasing pollution levels, Motor Vehicle ACT 1988, and the IRDAI circular, a PUC certificate is mandatory in India.

How to Get a PUC Certificate Online?

To download the PUC certificate online, follow the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: Open your web browser and visit www.parivahan.gov.in, the official website of the Ministry of Transport and Highways, Government of India.
Step 2: Then, go to the ‘Online Services’ tab in the menu section, and click on ‘PUCC.’
Step 3: There, click on the ‘PUC Certificate’ in the menu section.
Step 4: Enter the details such as registration number, chassis number (the last 5 digits), and the displayed captcha code.
Step 5: Now, click on the ‘PUC Details’ button to view information.
Step 6: Move to the download option to save a copy of your PUC Certificate.

This is how you can get a PUC certificate online.

How to Get a PUC Certificate Offline?

To have a PUC certificate offline, follow the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: First, take your vehicle to the nearest emission testing center or licensed auto emission testing center.
Step 2: The operator will inspect the exhaust pipe and check the emission levels of your vehicle.
Step 3: There, pay the fee ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 100/- as requested by the operator. And you’ll be provided with your PUC certificate.

Note: Always visit the licensed auto emission testing centers. In India, they are mostly near petrol stations, highways, and in the center of the cities.

How to renew PUC online?

There are no ways to renew your PUC certificate online. Since these are emissions tests, you have to physically take your vehicle to the testing center. You can only view and download your PUC certificate online by the government’s official website.

How to Check the Status of Your PUC Certificate Online

To check the status of your PUC certificate online, follow the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: First, visit the official website of parivahan sewa, www.parivahan.gov.in.
Step 2: Under the ‘Online Services’ tab, select ‘PUCC.’
Step 3: Then, click on the ‘Application Status’ section.
Step 4: Fill in the details regarding your ‘Application ID’ and enter the captcha code.
Step 5: Click on the ‘View Application Details’ button there.
Step 6: Now the current status of your PUC certificate will be displayed.

Where Can I Find RTO-Approved PUC Centers?

To find the RTO-approved PUC centers, visit the official website of the government.

Step 1: First, visit the official website of parivahan sewa, www.parivahan.gov.in.
Step 2: Under the ‘Online Services’ tab, select ‘PUCC.’
Step 3: There, move to the ‘PUC Centre List’ section in the menu, and click on it.
Step 4: Select the respective ‘State’ and ‘Office’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: Now you’ll be represented with the RTO-approved PUC centers list.

The list will contain the PUCC center code, authorized name, center’s complete address, and PUC check vehicle type.

Permissible Pollution Levels For Cars and Bikes (Table Format)

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, a PUC certificate is a must for a new car. Please refer to the following table to learn about the permissible levels of PUC rules.

For New Car

For Old Car

For New Bike

For Old Bike

Validity of your PUC Certificate?

The validity of your PUC certificate is limited. Also, it differs for new and old vehicles.

PUC validity for car: For a new car, the PUC validity stands for 1 year. After that period, you need to renew it after every 6 months.
PUC validity for the bike: For a new bike, the PUC validity stands for 1 year. After that period, you need to renew it after every 6 months.

What is the cost of a PUC test?

The cost of obtaining a PUC certificate depends on the vehicle, its fuel type, and even the location. For example, the cost of a PUC test may vary from place to place, meaning, it also varies from state to state in most parts of the country. The price for having a PUC Certificate for a car or bike ranges between Rs.60 to Rs.100/-.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is PUC required for a new car?

Yes, as per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, the new car is required to have an updated PUC certificate. Without it, you can’t even register or claim for insurance in the country.

Is it possible to receive a PUC Certificate online?

Yes, by visiting www.parivahan.gov.in, the official website of the Ministry of Transport and Highways, Government of India, you can receive the PUC certificate online easily.