Selling a Car With a Lost RC or Missing Documents
Lost your car's original RC or other key documents? Here is how to get a duplicate and still sell on schedule.
4 min read · Updated 14 Oct 2026
Key Takeaways
- A duplicate RC can be applied for at your RTO (or via the Parivahan portal in many states), typically requiring a police complaint/FIR for the lost original, an affidavit, and the standard identity and address proof
- This is the easiest to resolve — most insurers can email or reissue a duplicate policy document within a day or two on request, often without needing to visit a branch
- The original dealer invoice is less critical for a resale than the RC or insurance — most buyers and documentation desks can proceed without it, though keeping any available proof of purchase (even a bank statement showing the payment) is useful if you can find one
A missing document feels like it could derail a sale, but most are genuinely recoverable — here is the process for the most common ones.
On This Page
1. Lost Registration Certificate (RC)
A duplicate RC can be applied for at your RTO (or via the Parivahan portal in many states), typically requiring a police complaint/FIR for the lost original, an affidavit, and the standard identity and address proof. This process commonly takes a couple of weeks, so start it as soon as you notice the RC is missing, not after you have found a buyer.
2. Lost Insurance Policy Document
This is the easiest to resolve — most insurers can email or reissue a duplicate policy document within a day or two on request, often without needing to visit a branch.
3. Lost Original Invoice or Purchase Receipt
The original dealer invoice is less critical for a resale than the RC or insurance — most buyers and documentation desks can proceed without it, though keeping any available proof of purchase (even a bank statement showing the payment) is useful if you can find one.
4. Missing Service Records
If your service history was with an authorised dealer network, they can often reprint a service history summary from their system even if you have lost your own paper copies — worth a call before assuming the records are gone for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a lost RC mean I cannot sell the car at all?
No — a duplicate RC can be issued, it just adds a couple of weeks to your timeline, so start the process early.
Is a police complaint always required for a duplicate RC?
Requirements vary slightly by state and RTO, but a police complaint or FIR for the lost document is the standard first step in most of Maharashtra.
Can I sell the car while the duplicate RC is being processed?
The sale agreement and even payment can often be arranged in parallel, but the formal ownership transfer needs the RC (original or duplicate) in hand.