A Trade Certificate for Automobile Dealers is an authorization from the RTO, which will enable the recognized dealers, manufacturers, importers, and test agencies to use and move un-registered vehicles for specified purposes (display, test, transfer, and delivery) under Section 39 of the MV Act, 1988, and Rule 33 of the CMVR, 1989. From 1 Nov 2022 (G.S.R. 703(E)), the whole workflow is done online on the VAHAN portal.
We at Professional Utilities assist automobile dealers in “obtaining” and “renewing” their trade certificates with ease. Your dealership will be fully compliant with RTO standards with full support extended by us.
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For automobile dealers, the Trade Certificate is the legal document that provides permission to them for ‘using’ and ‘moving’ unregistered vehicles in the course of their business. It works just like a temporary registration, allowing dealers to use the vehicles for things like showing and test drives, store-to-store movement, transportation, or delivery to customers before the vehicle is officially registered in the buyer's name.
Section 39 of the MV Act, 1988, read with Rule 33 (exemption condition) and Rules 34-35 (application/grant), requires dealers to have a valid Trade Certificate to use unregistered vehicles for purposes listed in Rule 41. The document ensures that the movement of any vehicle within the dealer's premises is legitimate, transparent, and traceable, saving dealers from facing fines and maintaining compliance with transportation laws.
A Trade Certificate for Automobile Dealers is more than just a legal paper — it's a mandatory document that helps automobile dealers avoid fines and keeps their business running honestly.
If a dealer uses an unregistered vehicle on public roads without this certificate, it violates Section 39 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and may lead to penalties under Section 192 of the Act.
A “Trade Certificate for Automobile Dealers” truly matters for:
Stay compliant and avoid penalties— Let our experts at Professional Utilities handle your Trade Certificate application.
To get a Trade Certificate, automobile dealers need to provide verified business proof and identity documents that show they are real and follow transport rules.
The following documents must be uploaded while applying for a Trade Certificate for Automobile Dealers through the VAHAN portal (as per Rules 33–35 of CMVR, 1989 and GSR 703(E), 2022):
Note: All documents must be uploaded digitally on the VAHAN portal. Physical submission at the RTO is not required.
Our experts at Professional Utilities will guide you through every requirement from Form 16 to business verification.
The process of obtaining a Trade Certificate for Automobile Dealers is completely digital through the VAHAN portal under Rule 34 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. It allows lawful authorization to handle unregistered vehicles for permitted business purposes.
Gather business registration proof, GST, PAN, address proof, identity of the authorized signatory, and obtain Form 16A (Dealership Authorization Certificate) from the vehicle manufacturer.
Apply electronically in Form 16 and upload documents on the VAHAN portal. Pay the prescribed fee online as per Rule 81 of CMVR, 1989.
The RTO reviews submitted information, verifies business authenticity, and may conduct a physical inspection before approval.
Deposit the applicable fee as per Rule 81 of CMVR, 1989, and attach the receipt with your application for record verification.
After successful verification, the RTO issues the Trade Certificate (Form 17) valid for 12 months. Renewal must be done before expiry with updated documents and fee payment.
We’ll file and follow up with the RTO for you — [Get Assistance Now]
A Trade Certificate issued under Rule 35 of the CMVR, 1989, is now valid for five years from the date of issue or renewal as per G.S.R. 703(E), effective 1 November 2022.
Renewal must be done before expiry by submitting a new Form 16 (renewal application) along with the latest Form 16A, updated documents, and fee payment. The renewed certificate is issued in Form 17 through the VAHAN portal.
Timely renewal ensures uninterrupted authorization to handle unregistered vehicles for dealership operations.
The fee for a Trade Certificate for Automobile Dealers is governed by Rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Here is the breakdown:
| Vehicle Type | Government Fee (Rule 81 CMVR) |
|---|---|
| Two-Wheeler | ₹ 2,500 |
| Adapted Vehicles | ₹ 500 |
| Others (LMV/HMV/Cars, etc.) | ₹ 5,000 |
| Change of Address (Form 17C) | ₹ 1,000 |
Note: State portal or service charges may apply as per local transport departments.
Operating unregistered vehicles without a valid Trade Certificate violates Section 39 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and attracts penalties under Section 192:
The RTO may also “suspend” or “cancel” a trade certificate if the dealer breaks the rules or ignores the required standards. Having a valid Trade Certificate helps dealers to avoid penalties and shows they are trustworthy and follow the law.
A Trade Certificate for Automobile Dealers is like a license that allows your dealership to run with trust and confidence. It connects following rules with easy business practices, making sure every vehicle you handle moves within the law.
With Professional Utilities, getting or updating your Trade Certificate is simple, helping your business stay legal, reliable, and always moving forward.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
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A Trade Certificate is a document issued by the RTO that lets automobile dealers use and transport unregistered vehicles for business activities such as showing, testing, and delivering.
The Regional Transport Office (RTO) of each state issues Trade Certificates digitally through the VAHAN portal under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Yes, dealers can renew their Trade Certificate by submitting Form 16 along with Form 16A, updated documents, and the prescribed fee on the VAHAN portal.
Using unregistered vehicles without a Trade Certificate can result in penalties under Section 192 — ₹5,000 (first offence) and ₹10,000 (subsequent).
Dealers must apply online through the VAHAN portal using Form 16, attach Form 16A, and pay the fee digitally.
Yes, each vehicle class (A–J) requires a separate Trade Certificate number in Form 17, and multiple trade registration marks (0001–9999) can be assigned under it.
Vehicles under a Trade Certificate must display white letters on a red background trade registration mark on the front and rear as per Rule 39.
Yes, dealers must have a valid Dealership Authorisation (Form 16A) issued electronically by the manufacturer before applying for or renewing a Trade Certificate.
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