Fitness of bike is valid for 15 years in India when you purchase a new bike. One month before expiry, you need to apply for bike fitness certificate in the RTO where bike is registered. Bike fitness certificate renewal is required to drive vehicle legally on the road. Itzeazy helps you in getting fitness certificate for bike after 15 years.
Fitness Certificate Validity after 15 Years: What You Need to Know
1. Validity Period after First Renewal
After the initial 15-year registration period, a fitness certificate (FC) for private (non-transport) bikes is valid for 5 years from the date of renewal.
Example: If you bought your bike in 2008, and renewed it in 2023 after 15 years, the FC will be valid till 2028.
2. How Many Times Can You Renew?
You can continue to renew your bike’s fitness certificate every 5 years as long as:
- The bike is mechanically roadworthy.
- It passes pollution and safety tests.
- It meets emission norms set by the RTO.
Note: If the bike fails inspection or is deemed unfit for road use (due to frame rust, brake failure, etc.), the RTO may reject the renewal request.
3. Transport vs Non-Transport Validity
| Vehicle Type | Validity After Renewal |
| Non-Transport (Private) | 5 Years |
| Transport Vehicle | 2 Years (after 8 years) |
Bike Fitness Certificate for Electric Vehicles (EVs)
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, many owners are unsure whether traditional RTO rules apply to them — especially for fitness certificates. Here’s what you need to know:
Do Electric Bikes Need a Fitness Certificate?
Yes, electric bikes (e-bikes) registered with the RTO and assigned a registration number do require a fitness certificate — just like petrol/diesel bikes — once they complete 15 years from the date of registration.
This applies only to high-speed electric bikes that require registration, insurance, and a license to operate.
Key Differences for EVs
| Requirement | EV Bikes (High-Speed) | Petrol/Diesel Bikes |
| Fitness Certificate | Required after 15 years | Required after 15 years |
| PUC (Pollution Certificate) | ❌ Not Required | ✅ Mandatory |
| Renewal Interval | Every 5 years (if roadworthy) | Every 5 years (if roadworthy) |
| Road Tax & Insurance | ✅ Applicable | ✅ Applicable |
Fitness Certificate of Bike
Commercial vehicles have the extra obligation of safely delivering either passengers or commodities, in addition to observing traffic laws and regulations. To properly fulfil this mission, a vehicle must be equipped in every way feasible to operate on a public road.
A Regional Transport Office (RTO) inspects the vehicle for proper operation, and after a comprehensive examination, the RTO provides a bike fitness certificate. The Registration Certificate is declared void without a suitable fitness certificate, hence this document is quite valuable.
State-wise Bike Fitness Certificate Process & Fees
| City / State | Fitness Certificate Fee | Re-Inspection Fee (if any) | Appointment Process | Additional Notes |
| Delhi | ₹600 | ₹200 | Online via Parivahan | Slot booking required; high demand at Burari RTO |
| Mumbai (MH) | ₹600 | ₹200 | Online + SMS Token | Visit Wadala RTO; early morning tokens fill fast |
| Bangalore (KA) | ₹600 | ₹300 | Seva Sindhu portal | Emission test must be uploaded online |
| Hyderabad (TS) | ₹600 | ₹200 | TS Transport Portal | Need to carry traffic challan clearance |
| Chennai (TN) | ₹600 | ₹250 | RTO visit in person | Strict on insurance validity proof |
| Kolkata (WB) | ₹600 | ₹200 | Online (Vahan) | Carry pollution certificate print |
| Ahmedabad (GJ) | ₹600 | ₹200 | GUJ Transport portal | Form 20 must be attested locally |
Why do you need fitness certificate of bike?
Fitness certificate of bike is mandatory to drive bike on the road as per motor vehicle act. It might be screened for technical flaws, mechanical difficulties, pollution concerns, or the vehicle’s general operational condition during the inspection process. This method aids in the prevention of pollution caused by the discharge of hazardous byproducts into the environment.
In India, the non-transport vehicles, such as automobiles and motorcycles, get a one time fitness certificate of 15 years when new vehicle is registered.
How to apply for Fitness certificate of bike?
Previously, the only way to apply for a fitness certificate of bike was to go to the local RTO and fill out an application. However, because of technological advancements, this procedure may now be done in part online. The applicant can visit the RTO for the inspection procedure after submitting an online application for a fitness certificate.
However, it might be tricky to understand how to get a Vehicle Fitness certificate issued by the authorities. To clear everything, you will have to read this article. By the end of it, everything will be clear as a day!
Now there are two ways how you can apply for the Fitness Certificate for your vehicle.
- Offline
- Online
Fitness Certificate of bike Offline
To apply for the fitness certificate of bike offline you can follow the steps given below:
- First Step – Identify your local RTO and fill in forms 20 and form 38 for your vehicle.
- Second Step- Fill in the form and submit them to the authorities with all required documents.
- Third Step – Pay the required fee at the counter
- Fourth Step – Bring your vehicle to the required venue for the fitness inspection by the authorities.
Bike Fitness Certificate Online
If you wish to apply for the bike fitness certificate in the comfort of your home, follow these steps:
- First Step – Visit the official Parivahan Sewa Portal
- Second Step – Fill in your vehicle’s registration number
- Third Step – Enter your Chasis number and log in using your registered mobile number. You will receive an OTP for logging in to the portal.
- Fourth Step: After entering the OTP, you will have to enter other details such as insurance policy number, mode of payment of fees and such.
- Fifth Step – Make the required payment and collect the digital receipt and application letter. This receipt and application letter will be required at the local RTO office to receive the fitness certificate.
Well, this was the procedure to apply for a Fitness certificate for your bike . But the next thing is the documents that will be required to apply for a fitness certificate
How to check Fitness Certificate online of Vehicle
Medical Fitness Certificate for Driving License: Apply for One in 2022
Fitness Certificate for Commercial Vehicles, Transport Vehicle
Documents required for the fitness certificate of a bike
- Form 20
- Form 21
- Form 22
- Insurance Certificate
- Receipt of Road Tax
- Original RC of the vehicle
- Chassis number of the vehicle pencil imprinted on a paper
- Proper Pollution Under Control Certificate
- Address Proof
- Certificate of Permit
- Valid ID Proof
- Passport Sized Photographs
Aside from this, you must also submit a copy of your application and the fee receipt. Now that you’re aware of the fundamental prerequisites for obtaining a car FC or any other commercial vehicle, you should be aware of the costs involved.
Fee Structure for fitness certificate of bike
Here is the fee structure of the FC:
- Heavy Vehicle / Medium Vehicle – Manual : Rs 600 / Automatic : Rs 1000
- Three Wheelers / Light Vehicles – Manual : Rs 400 / Automatic : Rs 600
- Motor Bikes – Manual – Rs 200 / Automatic : Rs 400
One thing that has to be kept in mind before applying is to make sure that the vehicle is in good condition and eligible for a fitness certificate.
The cost is usually applied in conjunction with the registration fee for private automobiles.
A bike fitness certificate is required, as previously stated. If you don’t, you’ll have to pay the price. A penalty is stipulated in the Motor Vehicle Act of 1989.
FAQs
1. Can I sell my bike without a valid fitness certificate?
Technically yes, but it’s not advisable.
If your bike is over 15 years old, it must have a valid fitness certificate for the RC (Registration Certificate) to be transferred to the new owner.
2. Can someone else take my bike to the RTO for inspection?
Yes, a representative can take your bike for inspection on your behalf.
You will need to provide:
- A signed authorization letter,
- A copy of your ID proof,
- The representative’s ID proof, and
- All original vehicle documents.
3. Is RC renewal and fitness renewal done together?
Yes, in most cases.
When a private vehicle completes 15 years, you need to renew both RC and the fitness certificate simultaneously.
4. Can I apply for a fitness certificate online?
You can initiate the process online through the Parivahan Portal, but the physical inspection at RTO is mandatory.
5. What happens if I ride without a valid fitness certificate?
Riding a bike without a valid FC after 15 years is illegal and may result in:
- Challan or fine (up to ₹2,000 or more),
- Vehicle seizure in some cases,
- Insurance claim rejection in case of an accident.
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