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PUC Certificate Online: Apply, Download & Renew (2025 Guide)

Jul 01, 2025

Read: 6 mins

Author: Tanushree

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how to get puc certificate

Keeping your vehicle’s emissions under check isn’t just a good habit — it’s the law. Every motor vehicle in India, whether it’s a bike, car, or commercial vehicle, must carry a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate to comply with the Motor Vehicles Act and pollution norms.

Whether you’re applying for a PUC certificate online, checking its validity, reprinting a lost certificate, or paying a pollution certificate fine, this guide walks you through every step in 2025. Screenshots, fees, state rules — everything’s covered so you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary fines.

Key Takeaways¶

  • Understand what is PUC certificate is and why it’s legally required. 
  • Follow a clear 5-step online process to apply for, download PUC certificate, and renew. 
  • Know how long it’s valid, when to renew, and how to pay pollution challan fines. 
  • Access state-wise PUC certificate guidelines and printable checklists. 
  • Read FAQs about PUC validity, reprinting, and interstate rules.

What Is a PUC Certificate?¶

A PUC certificate (Pollution Under Control) is an official document issued after your vehicle passes an emissions test. It certifies that your vehicle’s carbon emissions meet the acceptable norms set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, driving without a valid pollution certificate for bike or car can result in hefty fines — up to ₹10,000 in some states. So, whether you drive daily in your city or plan interstate travel, make sure your PUC certificate of vehicle is always valid and updated.

Who Needs a PUC Certificate?¶

Any motor vehicle owner in India must have a valid PUC. You’ll need to apply for or renew it in these cases:

  • For all new vehicles — usually valid for 1 year from date of purchase. 
  • During renewals, after the initial validity ends, you must renew every 6 or 12 months. 
  • For interstate travel — some states do random checks for out-of-state vehicles. 
  • When asked during routine traffic stops or insurance renewals. 
  • To pay a pollution certificate fine if your previous one has expired.

How Long Is It Valid?¶

Here’s how long a typical PUC certificate stays valid, depending on vehicle type:

Vehicle Type First Certificate Validity Renewal Frequency
New Car (Petrol/Diesel) 1 Year Every 12 Months
New Two-Wheeler 1 Year Every 6–12 Months
Old Vehicles (>1 year) 6 Months Every 6 Months

Documents & Details Required¶

Before you begin, keep these handy for a smooth online process:

Input/Document Details Needed
Vehicle Registration Number As per your RC card
Chassis Number (Last 5 Digits) For verification and OTP generation
Mobile Number Must match RTO records for OTP authentication
Valid Insurance (Optional) Some states require you to input insurance details
Email ID (Optional) To get digital copies & updates

How to Apply & Download Online¶

Applying for a new PUC certificate online or reprinting a lost one takes just a few minutes. Follow these steps:

1. Visit Parivahan PUC Portal

Go to Parivahan PUC. This official portal lets you check, apply, renew, or download your pollution certificate online for any vehicle registered in India.

2. Enter Vehicle Details & Generate OTP

  1. Click ‘PUC Certificate’ or ‘PUC Certificate Print’. 
  2. Enter your vehicle registration number and the last five digits of your chassis number. 
  3. Enter your mobile number to receive an OTP. 
  4. Verify the OTP to access your record.

Mini Screenshot Tip: A snapshot of this form helps you double-check details before submission.

3. View & Download Certificate

Once verified, your valid PUC certificate download link will appear. Click ‘Download’ to save a soft copy in PDF format.

Carousel Tip: Add screenshots showing the download button and sample PDF for clarity.

4. Pay Fines (If Expired)

If your certificate has expired, you may see a pending pollution challan or pollution fine listed.

Use the embedded fee calculator on Parivahan or your state RTO site to know how much you owe.

Offence Penalty
Expired PUC ₹1,000 (first offence)
Repeat Offence ₹2,000+ or higher

Clear dues online through UPI, card, or net banking to avoid additional penalties.

5. Save & Print

Once paid and downloaded, keep a digital copy on your phone and always carry a printed version in your vehicle. Laminating your car pollution certificate or bike PUC certificate helps protect it from wear and tear.

How to Check Validity & Reprint¶

Need to double-check expiry dates or misplace your certificate?

  1. Visit Parivahan PUC. 
  2. Click on ‘Check PUC Certificate’. 
  3. Enter your vehicle number and chassis last five digits. 
  4. View expiry date, validity, and download your duplicate PUC instantly.

Sample PDF Tip: Embed a mini sample showing how your downloaded PUC looks.

State-Wise Guidelines¶

While the Parivahan portal works pan-India, some states run separate e-challan systems or local PUC centres. For example:

  • Delhi: Hefty fines for expired PUC; e-challans sent via SMS. 
  • Maharashtra: PUC can be checked on Vahan portal; renewal reminders are common. 
  • Karnataka: Roadside checks are frequent for out-of-state vehicles. 
  • Kerala: Certain districts need physical PUC slips even if you have a digital copy.
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Author

Tanushree (Author)

Tanushree is a dynamic business strategist with a knack for driving innovation in startups, especially in Fintech and Edtech. With 9 years of work-ex, an IT engineer from MIT Pune, & a MBA from IIM Bangalore (Marketing & Business Strategy), she’s got the mix of analytical and creative problem-solving.

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