Grant or Renewal of Trade Certificate

An application for the grant or renewal of a trade certificate shall be made in Form 16 and shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee as specified in Rule 81.

Separate Applications for Each Class of Vehicles

Separate applications shall be made for each of the following classes of vehicles, namely:

• A. Motor cycle
• B. Invalid carriage
• C. Light motor vehicle
• D. Medium passenger motor vehicle
• E. Medium goods vehicle
• F. Heavy passenger motor vehicle
• G. Heavy goods vehicle
• H. Any other motor vehicle of a specified description

Grant or Renewal Process

On receipt of an application for the grant or renewal of a trade certificate in respect of a vehicle, the registering authority may, if satisfied that the applicant is a bonafide dealer and requires the certificate(s) specified in the application, issue one or more certificates in Form 17 within thirty days from the date of receipt of the application.

No application for a trade certificate shall be refused by the registering authority unless the applicant is given an opportunity to be heard and reasons for refusal are provided in writing.

Refund Policy

If the registering authority refuses to issue or renew a trade certificate, fifty percent of the fee paid will be refunded to the applicant.

Period of Validity

A trade certificate granted or renewed under Rule 35 shall be valid for a period of twelve months from the date of issue or renewal and shall be effective throughout India.

Issue of Duplicate Certificates

If a trade certificate is lost or destroyed, the holder must report the loss to the local police station and inform the registering authority in writing. The holder should then apply in Form 18 for a duplicate certificate, accompanied by the appropriate fee.

Upon receipt of the application and fee, the registering authority may issue a duplicate certificate marked "Duplicate". If the original certificate is found after a duplicate has been issued, it must be surrendered to the registering authority.

Use of Trade Registration Mark and Number

A trade registration mark and number shall not be used on more than one vehicle at a time. The certificate should be displayed in a weather-proof folder in a conspicuous place on the vehicle.

Restrictions on Use

The trade certificate shall only be used by the person to whom it is issued. It cannot be used or offered to others, except when an authorized person is present in the vehicle or for a reasonable test or trial by a prospective purchaser.

Permissible Uses of Motor Vehicle with Trade Certificate

• A. For testing during or after construction or repair
• B. For proceeding to or returning from a weighbridge
• C. For demonstration to a prospective buyer
• D. For delivery purposes between dealers or the buyer
• E. For visiting a workshop for fitting, painting, or repairs
• F. For transport to or from an airport, railway station, or wharf
• G. For exhibition purposes
• H. For removal by a financier after repossession

Delivery Requirements

No motor vehicle should be delivered to a purchaser without registration, whether temporary or permanent.